2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Preview
Before they tackle the toughest and wildest half mile track on the circuit, the Jeff Byrd 500 on March 20, the NASCAR Sprint Cup series will rest up. The old Bristol may make a comeback for the Jeff Byrd 500 as the new concrete on the track is beginning to age.
The drivers that know the subtle nuances of driving the fast short track will have the edge as the cars that arrive with the best engine package. As the favorite over Jimmie Johnson (7-1) based on last August’s sweep of all three NASCAR events, Kyle Busch (5-1 in Auto Racing Odds) will go off. At Bristol, Kyle Busch has four wins in the last nine Cup events as well as three of the last four to his credit.
While Busch is +600, Johnson is the favorite to win the 2011 Sprint Cup Championship at +275 in NASCAR Odds.
Jeff Gordon, the other driver who has four wins on the track but has not won since 2002, will have a good day on Bristol. As the dominator on the Bristol half mile, Kurt Busch (10-1) preceded his brother. Three in a row, the older Busch won four of seven Bristol Cup races.
Tony Stewart (12-1), the other points leader should not be count out. As evidenced by his performance in Las Vegas, Stewart has a fast car. Even though the old dirt tracker has what it takes to run up front, Stewart’s last win at Bristol came in 2001.
Las Vegas winner Carl Edwards (8-1) is another driver to consider. Even though Edwards’ both wins came in the August event he has two wins at Bristol and he is still a solid pick at 8-1.