Last Updated on July 17, 2011 12:30 pm by Anthony Rome
Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Predictions
(The Spread) – This week’s NASCAR race takes us to New Hampshire International Speedway for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 on Sunday.
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When you think of a flat track, New Hampshire International Speedway fits the bill perfectly. With only a maximum of seven degrees of banking, as little as two degrees in the turns, and just one degree in the straightaway, this is the posterchild for flat tracks. Many good drivers struggle on this type of track while others excel, which makes it a bit easier to narrow down the list of contenders.
Hamlin has always thrived on flat tracks like New Hampshire and after a few off weeks, this could be the boost his struggling team needs. In 10 career races in Loudon, Hamlin has never finished outside the top-15, and has only failed to finish in the top-10 three times. His sole win here came in 2007, but has finished second two of the last three times here. Hamlin leads all drivers with an average finish of 7.6 and is the best on this type of track, which makes him an easy pick this week.
Gordon has raced here 32 times with three wins, 14 top-5 and 18 top-10 finishes. His 11.0 average finish is third best among active drivers. The last time Gordon won here was back in 1998, but don’t let that scare you off. Over the past nine Loudon races, he has finished sixth or better six times with three runner-up finishes. Gordon has looked strong the past three weeks, and that trend should continue Sunday and possibly get him back to victory lane.
Live Longshot
Ryan Newman 25/1
Ryan Newman has had a very solid season with five top-5 and eight top-10 finishes. New Hampshire Motor Speedway could be where he gets his first win of the season. Newman has won here twice already in 18 races and has five top-5s along with 12 top-10 finishes and an average finish of 13.0, which is fourth-best among active drivers. We used Newman last week as our longshot play and we think he deserves a look again this Sunday.
2011 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Information
Race Date: Sunday, July 17
Location: New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, N.H.
Pre-Race: Noon ET
Green Flag: Approx. 1:16PM ET
TV Coverage: TNT
Radio Coverage: PRN
Track Type: Oval (301 laps)
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