Johnson favored to rebound
By Micah Roberts
VegasInsider.com
Looks like Jimmie Johnson is still considered king in NASCAR despite not winning his sixth consecutive title.
The Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook, formerly known as the Las Vegas Hilton, made Johnson the 9/2 favorite (Bet $100 to win $450) to win the title followed by Carl Edwards at 5/1 (Bet $100 to win $500).
Defending champion Tony Stewart is among six drivers listed at 8/1 that includes Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick and new Hendrick Motorsports driver Kasey Kahne. Kahne takes over the No. 5 car for Mark Martin.
Despite Las Vegan Kurt Busch being ran from the Penske stable, he's still listed at 60/1 while driving the heavily NASCAR impaired No. 51, a sign that Las Vegas thinks Busch's driving ability can overcome bad equipment. His replacement in the No. 22 car, A.J. Allmendinger, is listed at 75/1.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is given 40/1 odds showing that Vegas believes Junior's issues will persist in 2012 despite running a decent points season in 2011. Clint Bowyer's odds were listed lower at 30/1 even though he'll be driving his first season for a lesser team with Michael Waltrip Racing.
Odds to Win 2012 Sprint Cup Championship - Provided by Las Vegas Hilton Superbook
JIMMIE JOHNSON 9/2
CARL EDWARDS 5/1
KYLE BUSCH 8/1
MATT KENSETH 8/1
JEFF GORDON 8/1
KASEY KAHNE 8/1
TONY STEWART 8/1
KEVIN HARVICK 8/1
DENNY HAMLIN 12/1
GREG BIFFLE 20/1
BRAD KESELOWSKI 20/1
CLINT BOWYER 30/1
DALE EARNHARDT JR 40/1
RYAN NEWMAN 50/1
KURT BUSCH 60/1
MARTIN TRUEX JR 75/1
JEFF BURTON 75/1
JOEY LOGANO 75/1
JUAN MONTOYA 75/1
JAMIE McMURRAY 75/1
AJ ALLMENDINGER 75/1
PAUL MENARD 100/1
MARCOS AMBROSE 100/1
FIELD 40/1
Odds to Win 2012 Daytona 500 - Provided by Las Vegas Hilton Superbook
JIMMIE JOHNSON 12/1
CARL EDWARDS 12/1
KYLE BUSCH 12/1
MATT KENSETH 20/1
JEFF GORDON 12/1
KASEY KAHNE 12/1
TONY STEWART 12/1
KEVIN HARVICK 12/1
DENNY HAMLIN 20/1
GREG BIFFLE 25/1
BRAD KESELOWSKI 20/1
KURT BUSCH 20/1
CLINT BOWYER 20/1
DALE EARNHARDT JR 12/1
RYAN NEWMAN 30/1
MARTIN TRUEX JR 30/1
MARK MARTIN 30/1
JEFF BURTON 20/1
JOEY LOGANO 25/1
JUAN MONTOYA 30/1
DAVID RAGAN 30/1
JAMIE McMURRAY 30/1
AJ ALLMENDINGER 30/1
PAUL MENARD 30/1
MARCOS AMBROSE 60/1
REGAN SMITH 50/1
TREVOR BAYNE 60/1
BOBBY LABONTE 60/1
RICKY STENHOUSE JR 60/1
MICHAEL WALTRIP 60/1
DAVID GILILLAND 100/1
DAVE BLANEY 100/1
DANICA PATRICK 100/1
FIELD 30/1