EDWARDS IN THE NICHE AT 12/1
Just five races to go in the chase for the championship, and the road show
moves on this week to the Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Bass Pro Shops /
MBNA 500 (live In-Play betting available). Even though Atlanta is considered
to be a cookie-cutter track (same degree of banking in the corners as
Charlotte and Texas), the set up is still fairly unique, and certain drivers
have found success easier to come by here than others. In particular, the
Roush gang, whose drivers must all be considered as potential winners this
week. Top of that list must be Greg Biffle (15/2), closely followed by Matt
Kenseth, Kurt Busch and Carl Edwards, and it’s the latter that could be the
value bet this week at 12/1.
In the spring Atlanta race, and in his first full season on the circuit,
Edwards waged a thrilling final-lap battle with Jimmie Johnson (5/1 favorite
this week) before taking his first career checkered flag. Before that, he’d
posted his first series top-five in this event last year, running third
behind Johnson and Martin, so he’s obviously very much in the niche on this
track. Currently fifth in the standings (149 points behind leader Tony
Stewart), he’s also got the incentive of the chase, but don’t be surprised
to see Johnson chase him all the way again this week.
