2016 Combat Wounded Coalition 400 Race Predictions
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Betting Preview
Sunday July 24th, 3:20PM (EST) at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
by Jay Horne of NASCARWagers.com, NASCAR Handicapping Service
Today the Sprint Cup Series will go racing on one of the most infamous tracks in auto racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the running of the Combat Wounded Coalition 400. In what was originally named the Brickyard 400, this race has produced some of the most prominent winners in NASCAR history. Today another driver will get the opportunity to kiss the bricks and make their claim as a winner at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Follow our full preview as we provide our 2016 Combat Wounded Coalition 400 race predictions!
Last year’s winner, Kyle Busch will lead the field to the green flag this afternoon after winning the pole on Saturday. Busch also accomplished another feat on Saturday by winning the Lilly Diabetes 250. Now Busch will get the opportunity to go for the weekend sweep when the green flag falls in just a few hours. Obviously with the momentum that JGR cars have built this season, it should not be surprising that Busch is among the heavy favorites entering Sunday’s event. However, there was quite a bit of disparity among the leaderboard throughout Friday’s practices meaning JGR cars may not have as much of an advantage as they have in recent weeks when the green flag waves later today.
Among the guys that really stood out from a practices standpoint include Jimmie Johnson who is a 4 time winner at the Brickyard. Johnson’s last victory at Indianapolis was back in 2012 but he has built quite an impressive resume at Indy. In fact, if Johnson were to capture a victory this afternoon he would tie Jeff Gordon for the most all-time victories at Indianapolis. Speaking of Jeff Gordon, all eyes will be on the #88 machine today as Gordon comes out of retirement to drive for Dale Earnhardt Jr who remains sidelined with concussion like symptoms. If you are going to have a driver fill in for NASCAR’s most popular driver, Jeff Gordon would be the name to do it. Not only is he one of NASCAR’s favorite drivers but he has been incredible at Indy. Gordon has obviously not been in a racecar this season so there are going to be some lagging effects. However, do not be surprised if the #88 races forward from their 21st starting position.
The entire Hendrick Motorsports team has been pretty solid this weekend and in recent weeks. The #48 and #24 teams have appeared to find some speed. Chase Elliott had a great week at New Hampshire last week before a late wreck ruined his quality run. However, Indianapolis is a momentum type track similar to the likes of Pocono where Elliott ran very well. I know it is Gordon that is getting all the attention in the #88 today but I cannot help picture Chase Elliott getting his first win in the #24 car today in Gordon’s return. Would that not be a show stealer?
As far as the rest of the field is concerned, I think Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin should be top targets for today’s race. The #4 team has quietly put together a very impressive two month’s work of finishes. The team is coming together well after struggling at the start of the season. Harvick has been solid at Indianapolis in recent years but it has been a long time since his only Brickyard win back in 2003. Today may be one of Harvick’s better chances in recent memory. Denny Hamlin is another guy that I believe is towards the top of the short list. Hamlin has posted top 5 finishes in the last two trips to Indy and looked really strong in Friday’s practices. I know I stated that the JGR cars did not appear to have as big of advantage on Friday but I am not sure if I would be comfortable not having 1-2 of those guys on my roster considering the way they have racked up wins this year.
From a match-ups standpoint, I think the likes of Tony Stewart and Kyle Larson will be guys that will have quality runs. Larson is another one of those drivers that excel at momentum based race tracks. I would put both guys on my radar when looking through H2H situations. Brad Keselowski may be another guy that has some dark horse potential as well. However, teammate Joey Logano struggled a bit throughout Friday’s sessions and was way down the speed charts. In fact, the #22 and #41 cars surprised me a bit in terms of how far they were off because both cars have been running so well in recent weeks.
2016 Combat Wounded Coalition 400 Race Predictions
Denny Hamlin +1000 (1.25 units): top 5 finishes in last two starts at Indianapolis, fastest 10 lap average in Happy Hour, starting 4th
Chase Elliott +1600 (1 unit): among fastest in Friday’s practices, has proven to be good at similar layouts, expect the #24 to run well yet again
Two Team Parlay
Kevin Harvick/Carl Edwards +388 wins Combat Wounded Coalition 400
AJ Allmendinger +160 over Ryan Blaney
Risking 1 unit to win: +1168
Kyle Busch +400 wins Combat Wounded Coalition 400
Paul Menard +140 over Greg Biffle
Risking 1.25 units to win: +1100
H2H Matchups and Props
Chase Elliott -110 over Jeff Gordon (3 units)
Carl Edwards -175 over Joey Logano (2 units)
Denny Hamlin -120 over Brad Keselowski (2 units)
Paul Menard +140 over Greg Biffle (2 units)
Chase Elliott +275 finishes Top 5 (1 unit)
