We leave lobster country behind and head to Long Pond PA and the site of this weeks NASCAR race. Pocono has become like a road course for the cup cars and with that knowledge, some of my pics will reflect that. Before we totally leave NHMS behind I want to say, I am happy that Harvick was able to score the victory (which was predicted in last weeks post). Also, did you know that if you would have taken Harvick to win last week it was at +775.
It looks like 5dimes has tightened things up this week. Gonna be a tough one, but I feel pretty good we can find some good head to head matchups. Now on to Pocono.
Jimmie Johnson -135 vs William Byron +105
This is a battle of teammates and one a year ago a look at this, would have been an easy pick. This year is a different story. Byron has only 3 career starts but has an average finish of 11 along with 1 pole. Johnson has 3 career wins however his last was in 2013. In his last 5 races, JJ has an average finish of 23rd. Tide is shifting at Hendrick and because of that, I am taking Byron and his slight plus money. This will be a 20 unit wager for me this week.
Kyle Larson -135 vs Clint Boyer +105
Yes, Kyle Larson runs well on road courses. Yes, Kyle Larson has been running well (except last week). But those two reasons do not overshadow he has an average finish at Pocono of 18.2 in his last 5 including a 26th place run there a month ago. Boyer finished top 5 in that same race and has an average finish of 11.8 over the same 5 races. Boyer is a heck of a road racer. I really like Boyer here. This is a 30 unit wager for me.
Denny Hamlin -155 vs Chase Elliott +125
At one point and time, Denny Hamlin was the master of Pocono. He won his first career cup race on this track. However, that was long ago. So far back it was before the COT. Chase has 5 top 10s in his last 5 at Pocono. He has an average finish of 7.8 in his last five, while Hamlin has an average finish of 13.4 over that same period. I like consistency and Elliott is just that, consistent. This is gonna get a small 10 unit wager from me this week on Elliott.
Just one more thing before I go, keep an eye on Erik Jones this weekend. I really like this kid at this track. I couldn’t find anything in the head to head matchups but look at him to be top 5 and contend for the win along with Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick.
If you have read this far, shoot me a message on twitter @ohiosportfan740 and let me know what you think or if you have any ideas as to what you might like to see in future posts. Good Luck!!!
