2009 Carfax 400 Picks and Predictions
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to Michigan International Speedway on Sunday for the Carfax 400 and if this race is anything like the previous event at this track, it doesn't figure to be very exciting.
Michigan International Speedway is known for giving us some pretty boring races with long green runs, very little passing and wins usually come down to fuel mileage, which was certainly the case back in June when the leader ran out of gas on the last lap. Don't be surprised to see much of the same this week, but with a little less gambling since we are just five races away from the start of the chase and none of the contenders can afford to run out of gas and risk losing too many points.
Carl Edwards 7/1
When handicapping this race, all you have to do is look at the cars from Roush Fenway Racing, who have won at least one Michigan race a season for the last seven years and have won five straight California race (which is almost identical to Michigan International Speedway). In 10 starts at Michigan, Edwards has only finished outside of the top 10 once, with two wins and an average finish of 6.3. With his fourth place finish back in June, he looks primed to keep the streak alive for Roush Fenway Racing.
Greg Biffle 9/1
Just like his teammate, Greg Biffle has had lots of success on tracks like Michigan International Speedway. In 13 starts here, Biffle has two wins and eight top-10s. With Biffle still looking for his first win of the year, don't be surprised if he gambles a bit, whether it’s with his pit strategy or gambling on fuel mileage at the end of the race.
Live Longshot
Brian Vickers 25/1
This is Brian Vickers’ favorite type of track and with his great runs the last few weeks we wouldn't be surprised if he got his first win since leaving Hendrick Racing. In 11 starts at Michigan, Vickers has six top-10s and always seems to be in contention to win late, which is a must here since track position is so critical.
Significant Chassis Info
Tony Stewart: Will pilot the same car (chassis No. 493) that finished fourth at Chicagoland after suffering a pit road miscue and a flat tire.
Denny Hamlin: Will debut a new chassis (No. 253)
Carl Edwards: Will be back in the same car (chassis No. 639) that finished fourth at MIS in June.
Juan Pablo Montoya: Will make sixth start in the same car (chassis No. 819) that finished second at Pocono.
Greg Biffle: Will race the same car (chassis No. 648) that finished fifth in June.
Mark Martin: Will pilot the same car (chassis No. 550) that finished second at Indianapolis.
Matt Kenseth: Two-time winner at the track; 9.6 average finish in 20 starts; Finished in the top 10 in 10 of the last 13 races; Finished 20th in June because he had to pit late due to a loose wheel.
Kyle Busch: Will debut a new chassis (No. 249)
Dale Earnhardt Jr: Will return in the same car (chassis No. 556) that raced at Indianapolis and Pocono.
Here we go again with the rain BS 😛
Live Longshot
Brian Vickers 25/1
This is Brian Vickers’ favorite type of track and with his great runs the last few weeks we wouldn't be surprised if he got his first win since leaving Hendrick Racing. In 11 starts at Michigan, Vickers has six top-10s and always seems to be in contention to win late, which is a must here since track position is so critical.
Nice work man, I had Vickers in my fantasy league on your recommendation