Race Day America
Memorial Day triggers a few constants for most of us; time with family, sunshine (for some of the country), unofficial start of pool season, BBQ’s, and most importantly remembering those that have served to protect our freedoms. It’s also become one of the single greatest sports days for anyone that shares a love of motorsports. While some of you read this for the first time the Monaco Grand Prix will be wrapping up (or completed) leaving two of the most iconic races on the domestic sports schedule still to go on this holiday weekend. Grab a cold beverage or cooler’s worth if needed and buckle-up; we have 1,100 miles of racing and plenty of wagers to make.
Indianapolis 500
Open wheel racing has become an after thought in this country. That is except for the fourth Sunday in May where the entire racing world turns hopeful eyes to the 2.5 mile Brickyard, this year for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. Sunday’s race is extra special being tabbed by race organizers as a sell out. While the track doesn’t divulge exact numbers for spectator capacity, the number of grandstand seats is roughly 250,000 with the track selling at least an additional 70,000 infield tickets. Doesn’t take a math wizard to realize 320,00 tickets to a sporting event is quite the haul making it one of the greatest spectacle in all of sport. Here are the drivers worth watching and a few match-ups worth investing in for the race
(Prices courtesy of the Westgate Superbook)
Favorites: Scott Dixon 8-1 & Will Power 10-1
Values: Carlos Munoz 12-1 & Tony Kanaan 12-1
Longshots: Graham Rahal 20-1 & Alexander Rossi 25-1
Matchups: Carlos Munoz +100 vs Marco Andretti & Will Power -120 vs Simon Pagenaud
Coca Cola 600
If 500 miles of open wheel racing isn’t exciting enough for one day once the dust settles in the mid west gear heads can switch their attention to Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Coke 600 is the longest race on the NASCAR schedule and one of the season’s most prestigious events. Changing track conditions challenge even the most intrepid drivers and crew chiefs to make adjustments in a marathon that starts during the day before moving to twilight and ultimately finishing under the lights. Here are a few drivers poised to get to victory lane
Favorite: Jimmie Johnson 5-1
When it come to a race that challenges driver endurance and crew chief adjustments there’s no surprise Jimmie Johnson jumps to the top of the list. The 48 hasn’t shown a ton of dominance or short run speed so far this season but it hasn’t kept him from winning races. Charlotte happens to be one of his better tracks; a venue where he owns a series best 109 driver rating while running 85% of his career laps in the top 15. It also doesn’t hurt that he has 7 wins here in his 29 trips.
Other favorite to watch: Martin Truex 6-1
Values: Joey Logano 10-1
Logano is still searching for that elusive first win of the season and although the car he’ll drive today is different than the one responsible for winning him $1M in the All Star race sometimes quantifying that momentum and confidence effectively is hard to do.
Other value to watch: Kurt Busch 12-1
Longshot: Kyle Larson 25-1
I’m a stubborn ass and a glutton for punishment refusing to get off the Larson bandwagon until the 42 Target Chevrolet takes Kyle to victory lane for that first career victory
Other longshot to watch: Kasey Kahne 30-1
