2012 Kobalt Tools 400 Predictions
LAS VEGAS, NV (The Spread) – The Sprint Cup Series heads to Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday for the Kobalt Tools 400, which is always a favorite stop for both drivers and fans.
Ever since the track was re-paved and re-shaped, the changes have definitely improved the racing action and shifted the balance of power as well. Las Vegas is nothing like it was prior to 2008 and some drivers and teams just haven’t adapted to it yet. Of the 15 races held in Vegas, a Roush driver has won seven of them. Five were won under the old, flatter configuration of the track, with only Edwards winning on the new higher banked layout in 2008 and 2011.
Kenseth is a two-time winner at Las Vegas and was on the pole in last season’s race when he finished 11th after cutting a tire early in the race. Last year he won at Texas and Charlotte (two tracks that are very similar to Las Vegas), which is probably why he’ll bring the car that won those two races to Vegas. Kenseth has looked fast at both races this year and we expect him to be up front and in contention all day.
Just like his teammate, Biffle has been fast at both races this year and unlike last year, this team has avoided the costly mistakes that plagued them. Before last year Biffle had three straight top 10 finishes at Las Vegas and has five top 10s in eight starts here. (He also has a very respectable 14.8 average finish.) With a new pit crew in place, we doubt you will see him running out of gas like last year when he looked like an easy winner late in the race.
Live Longshot
Burton has two wins here and an amazing average finish of 10.7, which is second best among active drivers. That’s phenomenal considering he hasn’t really been this consistent on any other track in this series. All the cars from RCR have been fast this year and if Burton can be up front late he could pick up his third win here and surprise the field.
2012 Kobalt Tools 400 Information
Race Date: Sunday, March 11
Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV
Pre-Race: 2:30PM ET
Green Flag: Approx. 3:16PM ET
TV Coverage: FOX
Radio Coverage: MRN
Track Type: Oval (267 laps)
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