Race:Fingers Lake 355 at the Glen
Date:Sunday August 12, 2012
Track:Watkins Glen International
Time:12 pm ET
TV:ESPN
by Virginia Vroom, NASCAR Betting Handicapper, Predictem.com
Bet the Fingers Lake 355 at the Glen using your credit card at one of the web’s biggest auto racing sportsbooks: BetOnline.
Breaking news!It rained at Pocono on Sunday!
A little less than shocking, I know.After only 98 laps, NASCAR called the race, and rightly so.It was more like a monsoon than just a quick shower.There was no realistic way that they could have gotten the race in.Hopefully, this weekend will bring sunnier weather as we head to Watkins Glen for the second road course of the season.This is one of only 2 races during the year where drivers leave the left-turn only tracks behind, winding around right turns, left turns, u-turns, and straight-aways to give them the most challenge.
Watkins Glen is located in New York and boasts 2.45 miles worth of twists and turns for the drivers to negotiate.There are a total of 7 turns along the course, with perhaps the most challenging issue for the drivers coming in the major stop and go of the brakes navigating the sharp turns.Drivers come down long straight-aways into hairpin turns that require hard work on the brake system of these cars.One thing in particular that you will notice from these guys in the pits is the amount of brake dust that comes off the tires during pit stops.
Some of the best drivers are courses like this are the ones who migrated from the Indy car series, including Juan Pablo and Sam Hornish Jr.Furthermore, the defending winner, Marcos Ambrose, comes from the Aussie car series, but he can negotiate these tracks with the best of them.Other guys to watch include last weeks Pocono winner, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, and Kevin Harvick.When it comes down to it, I think that we may see a repeat of winners this weekend.Although I hate to pick a driver 2 weekends in a row, I really think that Jeff Gordon could be the one to take it.Hes aggressive when he needs to be, but lays back when absolutely required.Hes got some momentum coming from Pocono and a much lifted team morale from that win.Along with 1 pole and 4 wins, its really hard to count him out.Kyle Busch is going to be another one looking for a win, but hes going to have to keep himself out front this weekend.Heres a complete rundown of your contenders here at Watkins Glen:
My Pick to Win:Jeff Gordon
Middle of the Road Pick:Clint Bowyer
Dark Horse Prediction:Marcos Ambrose
Bowyer is usually a strong contender.If not a winner, Bowyer should have a strong top 5 or top 10 run.Marcos Ambrose, again, is the defending winner and should be able to contend for that title once again on Sunday.This is one of his best shots at a win in this series.
Pocono was a race that really benefitted Jeff Gordon.He gained an extremely important win as well as a good chunk of points.Hes still got a lot of work to do, but these wins are really imperative for him to have any hope of making the Chase.Heres a rundown of your points after Sunday.There are quite a few changes to note:
1.Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2.Matt Kenseth
3.Greg Biffle
4.Jimmie Johnson
5.Martin Truex Jr.
6.Tony Stewart
7.Brad Keselowski
8.Denny Hamlin
9.Kevin Harvick
10. Clint Bowyer
Overall, Truex, Stewart, and Keselowski all picked up 2 positions.Hamlin and Harvick lost 3.Bowyer is ahead of 11thplace Kasey Kahne, who just so happens to be the first wildcard contender, by 57 points.Jeff Gordon is actually the 2ndwildcard contender now in 13thwith a total of 68 points separating him and Bowyer.
Theres definitely going to be a lot of aggression this weekend.Its time for these guys to fight it out.We are getting closer and closer to Richmond, which means closer and closer to the Chase.Stay tuned for the last road course of the season at Watkins Glen for an awesome race on Sunday!