2017 Pocono Green 250 Race Predictions

2017 Pocono Green 250 Race Predictions
NASCAR Xfinity Series Betting Preview
Saturday June 10th, 1:00PM (EST) at Pocono Raceway
by Jay Horne of NASCARWagers.com, NASCAR Handicapping Service

The Xfinity Series will drop the green flag at the Tricky Triangle this afternoon with the running of the Pocono Green 250 at Pocono Raceway. Unlike most tracks, this is just the 2nd race ever at Pocono among the Xfinity Series. Last year, Kyle Larson scored the series’ first victory at Pocono and Larson returns this afternoon in hopes for a repeat performance. However, Larson has plenty of challengers today including Brad Keselowski, Daniel Suarez, Paul Menard, and a host of Xfinity Series regulars. As we prepare for two straight days of racing at Pocono, we take this time to preview today’s race and provide our 2017 Pocono Green 250 race predictions!

I am going to be honest when I say this preview will be a little brief compared to most of my writeups. The reason I am going to keep it brief is pretty simple. When the green flag waves, I believe everybody will be chasing Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski. Larson has nearly reached “Kyle Busch” status in the Xfinity Series meaning he is the overall favorite each time he suits up. Larson has won his last two starts this year and 3 out of the last 4 this season. Not to mention as stated earlier, he won this race a year ago and was really fast throughout practices this weekend which means he is obviously the guy to beat once again.

I know everyone is aware of Larson’s abilities and he will likely have a large number of bets on the #42 this afternoon against a rather modest Xfinity Series field. However, I believe Brad Keselowski actually has the fastest car and may be even a touch better than Larson behind the wheel at Pocono. Most people have successfully avoided the #22 car considering their drought is now over 45 races since the team’s last win. However, I do believe the #22 team has an excellent chance to end that drought today with Keselowski at one of his better tracks. The #22 was fastest in the first practice and 3rd fastest in final practice on Friday so they have the speed in the car. Therefore, don’t overlook the #22 today.

Outside of Larson and Keselowski, I think there is a pretty sizeable gap back to the rest of the competition. The RCR cars have looked pretty good between Cup Series driver Paul Menard and Daniel Hemric. 19 year old Kyle Benjamin will make his 2nd start in the Xfinity Series this afternoon from the pole position behind the #20 machine for JGR. Benjamin has shown speed all throughout the weekend and he was fast in his original start at Richmond before a crash sent him back to a 32nd place finish. Considering the Cup Series stars in today’s field, I don’t believe Benjamin has enough experience in race conditions to battle amongst the leaders. However, I do believe he has shown enough speed to keep that #20 car at the front of the field and it will be interesting to keep an eye on Benjamin’s talent as he will likely have many more Xfinity Series starts to come.

I don’t have much confidence in any other driver’s chances to win outside of the top 2 guys mentioned earlier. Benjamin, Menard, William Byron, and Daniel Suarez would be the most likely candidates to challenge the top two towards the front of the field this afternoon. Therefore, be sure to check those guys out from an odds standpoint. Another name that I would like to throw out that I believe has great H2H potential is Blake Koch. Koch is usually listed in lower tier matchups but the #11 team has had a really good weekend in terms of speed and balance on the racecar. Therefore, be sure to look for Koch as a possible exploitable advantage in matchups if offered.