Quicken Loans 500 Race Picks

Quicken Loans 500 Race Picks
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Betting Preview
Date and Time: Sunday November 9th, 2014. 3:15PM EST
Where: Phoenix International Raceway
TV: ESPN
by NASCARWagers.com, NASCAR Handicapping Service

The final race of the “Eliminator Round” in the Chase for the Sprint Cup will conclude tomorrow at Phoenix International Raceway with the running of the Quicken Loans 500. As the Chase draws towards a close, the stakes are higher than ever and so are the emotions just as we saw last week with Jeff Gordon and Brad Keselowski. With just 4 spots up for grabs to advance in the Chase and just 18 points separating all Chase drivers, we expect another action packed event tomorrow afternoon as drivers’ suit up for 500 miles of racing. Take a look as we preview tomorrow’s race at Phoenix and provide our Quicken Loans 500 race picks:

As we dive into our race predictions for tomorrow’s race, one thing that has remained consistent throughout the weekend is that Kevin Harvick is the man to beat. Harvick entered the week as the overall favorite having won 3 of the last 4 races at Phoenix including a victory back in March of this year. Not only was Harvick the big favorite coming into the week but he has been dominate throughout all practices thus far as well. Harvick topped the charts in the first two practices and finished 2nd in final practice while also posting the best 10 lap average in both of Saturday’s sessions. The #4 car has disappointed in similar roles as a heavy favorite this year which has been costly for bettors. However, Harvick’s record at Phoenix cannot be ignored and his speed thus far this weekend has assured us that he should be the guy to beat once the green flag waves on Sunday.

Outside of Harvick, it becomes more of a guessing game as to which drivers to back on Sunday. Several drivers have shown speed but none have been overly convincing. Perhaps Brad Keselowski has been the best of the bunch behind Harvick. Keselowski was 2nd fastest in practice 2 and also posted the 2nd best 10 lap average behind “Happy.” Keselowski has yet to visit victory lane at Phoenix but he has been very good sporting a 5.8 average finish in his last 5 starts which is again 2nd best to Harvick. We have seen Keselowski drive as if he were ‘possessed’ at times throughout the Chase and it would be surprising if he is not in contention tomorrow afternoon.

All of the Chase drivers have appeared fairly strong this weekend which makes tomorrow’s race even more intriguing. Joey Logano, Matt Kenseth, Jeff Gordon, and Denny Hamlin all appear to have respectable rides. However there are a few outside names that could sneak into contention tomorrow afternoon. Dale Earnhardt Jr has two wins at Phoenix and performed well in recent trips. Junior finished Happy Hour with solid lap times in race trim which make him a potential threat on Sunday. Additionally both of the Busch brothers have been strong throughout the weekend. The younger Busch, Kyle, has especially been impressive throughout the weekend and will be worth keeping an eye. Finally a few potential long shots could come from the Chip Ganassi racing teammates of Jamie McMurray and Kyle Larson. McMurray was the fastest car in Happy Hour and Larson posted the 3rd best 10 lap average in the same session. Both cars seem to handle well and appear like they could mix it up with the leaders.

Quicken Loans 500 Race Picks

Dale Earnhardt Jr +1300 (1 unit): newsletter pick, odds currently better at 18-1, 4th best 10 lap average in final practice, two time Phoenix winner, runner-up in March
Denny Hamlin +2300(1 unit): another newsletter suggested play, starting on pole, 4th best average finish among active drivers, 2012 Phoenix winner
Joey Logano +900 (1.25 units): finished 4th in March race and led 71 laps, has won at both Richmond and New Hampshire tracks which share resemblances to Phoenix, 4th in final practice

Winning Parlay

Harvick +235 wins Quicken Loans 500
Dale Earnhardt Jr -130 finishes top 10
Risking 2 units to win: +960

H2H and Props

Jamie McMurray -125 over Kasey Kahne (2 units)
Carl Edwards +100 over Ryan Newman (2 units)
Joey Logano -120 over Jimmie Johnson (2 units)