Joey Logano is the defending champion at the Watkins Glen road course, but a total repave of the facility could help a Chase outsider grab a spot in the Round of 16.
This Sunday’s Sprint Cup race in upstate New York is an important one for those hoping to land a spot in the Chase. With ten drivers having already clinched and only four other events after this one, for most hopefuls, it truly comes down to win and you’re in. That is if you’re also in the top-30 in points.
In recent years those with extensive road course experience have found their way into the winner’s circle such as A. J. Allmendinger (2014) and Marcos Ambrose (2011-12) while an IndyCar star, Juan Pablo Montoya, captured the event won it in 2010 before returning to the open wheel series.
Allmendinger’s victory is the only one of his Sprint Cup career and entering NASCAR’s second and last race with left and tight turns, he is listed at 8-1 which might not be a bad wager. Defending champion Joe Logano also checks in at 8-1.
Tony Stewart, who already has a win but is hanging on to his top-30 points spot (he is currently 27th) has raced, and won, on just about any track in the country, starts the race 18-1.
PREDICTION: Allmendinger showed in the second practice on Friday that he has the car to win after clocking in with the fastest time of 127.551 mph. This is his best chance to make the Chase because he is solidly in the top-30 (21st).
LONGSHOT PICK: Clint Boyer (60-1). Despite only one road course win in his career (Sonoma – 2012), he has finished sixth or better in three of the last four trips to Watkins Glen.
Here are the current odds for the 2016 Cheez-it 355 At The Glen according to WagerTalk:
Kyle BUSCH (6/1)
Kurt BUSCH (6/1)
Kevin HARVICK (6/1)
Brad KESELOWSKI (8/1)
Joey LOGANO (8/1)
Carl EDWARDS (8/1)
AJ ALLMENDINGER (8/1)
Martin TRUEX JR (12/1)
Jimmie JOHNSON (15/1)
Tony STEWART (18/1)
Matt KENSETH (30/1)
Kyle LARSON (30/1)
Chase ELLIOTT (25/1)
Ryan NEWMAN (30/1)
Jeff GORDON (25/1)
Jamie McMURRAY (40/1)
Greg BIFFLE (40/1)
Denny HAMLIN (30/1)
Paul MENARD (60/1)
Kasey KAHNE (60/1)
Ryan BLANEY (100/1)
Austin DILLON (100/1)
Clint BOWYER (60/1)
Ricky STENHOUSE JR (300/1)
Trevor BAYNE (300/1)
Danica PATRICK (300/1)
Aric ALMIROLA (500/1)
Casey MEARS (500/1)
Chris BUESCHER (500/1)