Last Updated on November 13, 2011 5:15 pm by Anthony Rome
Kobalt Tools 500 Free Picks
PHOENIX, AZ (The Spread) – Only two races are left in the Chase for the Cup, including today’s Kobalt Tools 500 at Phoenix International Raceway.
Oddsmakers currently list Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart as the favorites to win the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. Both drivers are –110 on the money line, respectively, making them the clear-cut favorites to win this year’s title.
View Latest NASCAR Betting Odds
Kevin Harvick has the next best odds at +3000, while Matt Kenseth is +5000 and the two long shots to win the 2011 Sprint Cup Championship are Brad Keselowski and Jimmie Johnson. Both Keselowski and Johnson are +10000 on the money line, respectively.
Check the latest standings, Edwards is the leader with 2,316 points while Stewart only trails Edwards by three points (2,313). Harvick is third with 2,283 points (-33), Kenseth is fourth with 2,278 points (-38), Keselowski is fifth with 2,267 points (-49) and Johnson is sixth with 2,261 points (-55).
NASCAR FREE PICK: Take a long look at Jimmie Johnson, who owns a 121.8 driver rating at Phoenix, which bests that of Jeff Gordon (103.3), Kurt Busch (100.3) and Edwards (99.6). While Edwards is the defending winner at this track and also claimed the pole last year, Johnson is a huge value at +500 to win today. While it’s unlikely that he’ll win this year’s title, in his 10 Cup seasons Johnson has never finished worse than fifth in the final standings. He’ll race aggressively today, which could give him an edge down the stretch.
Edwards would be a safe play and is also a value at +700, but he might play it too conservatively while looking to protect his lead. If you’re looking for a live long shot, take a look at Paul Menard. He has yet to finish in the top 15 in nine starts but he’s due and he offers a nice value at +4000.
2011 Kobalt Tools 500 Information
Race Date: Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011
Location: Phoenix International Raceway, Avondale, AZ
Pre-Race: 2PM ET
Green Flag: Approx. 3:15PM ET
TV Coverage: ESPN
Radio Coverage: MRN
Track Type: Oval (312 laps)
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