2012 Advocare 500 Free Picks
AVONDALE, AZ (ATS Consultants) – The ninth race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup heads to Phoenix International Raceway for the AdvoCare 500.
There is just one more race as only seven points separate Jimmie Johnson from his nearest competitor, Brad Keselowski. Last year this race was all about the 2011 Chase for the Cup. Carl Edwards came to Phoenix with a three point lead over Tony Stewart and they left with the exact same margin. Kasey Kahne scored the win but the focus of the day was the points battle between Edwards and Stewart who finished second and third.
Over the last three races at Phoenix, Keselowski has seen his average running position improve from 15 to 11th to a career-best seventh back in March. That fifth-place finish is even more impressive given the starting position came from the 28th spot. He is coming off a tough defeat at Texas Motor Speedway, a race he appeared to have won on a several occasions, which has caused him to lose valuable ground to Johnson in the championship standings. With only two races to go Keselowski may need to win out to prevent the crowning of a six-time champion. According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Bovada.lv, Keselowski is 5/1 to win Sunday’s race.
Kasey won this race last year and needs a win to have any chance at remaining in contention, and even then it will be a very long shot. Having to overtake three drivers in two races will be a tough chore. He should have plenty of speed to make a run for a win this visit to the desert.
Long Shot
Busch is a three-time Atlanta winner, who has an average finish of 17.4 in 21 starts. His most recent win was in March 2010. He followed that up with a sixth and a fourth. Could surprise if car holds up.
Race Date: Sunday, Nov. 11
Location: Phoenix International Speedway, Avondale, Ariz.
Start Time: 3pmET
Green Flag: Approx. 3:16pm ET
TV Coverage: ESPN
Radio Coverage: Motor Racing Network (MRN/Sirius NASCAR Radio)
Track Type: 1 mile oval, 312 laps, 312miles
Last year’s top 5
1. Kasey Kahne (Start: 10)
2. Carl Edwards (9)
3. Tony Stewart (8)
4. Jeff Burton (14)
5. Ryan Newman (30)
Past Winners
2011 Kasey Kahne, Toyota, 112.918mph
2010 Carl Edwards, Ford, 110.758mph
2009 Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 110.486mph
2008 Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 97.804mph
2007 Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 102.989mph
Bet the 2012 Phoenix Advocare 500
Want More From TheSpread.com? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!