Tales of the Turtles 400 Picks
The 2017 NASCAR Monster Energy Series playoffs begin later this afternoon with the running of the Tales of the Turtles 400. Here’s the drivers we like to contend for the victory.
According to the latest oddsmakers, Kyle Busch is the current favorite with +275 odds. Other short odds to win are Martin Truex Jr. (+450), Brad Keselowski (+700) and Kyle Larson (+700). The Tales of the Turtles 400 takes place today at 3PM ET from Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois.
Martin Truex Jr. is a driver I have avoided a lot this season because his numbers at most tracks don’t really stand out. However, he has managed to dominate during the regular season and is the defending champion of this very race. Truex Jr. has taken his talents to another level in 2017 and I see no reason he won’t continue to step up to start the postseason. Look for him to make a push for the win again today.
Brad Keselowski has quietly worked his way into fourth place to start the playoffs and now he comes to one of his best tracks in Chicagoland. Out of eight races, Keselowski has one twice while finishing in the top 10 six times at this track. His driver rating here is 99.7. Keselowski is a former NASCAR champion, but he’s been in a funk. He has finished outside the top 10 the last five races. With the postseason starting, look for him to do all he can to snap out of that funk today.
Kevin Harvick is listed with +800 odds for today’s race. While 2017 hasn’t been his best year, as Harvick has just one win, he still is right in the thick of the playoff standings. A former Chase winner himself, Harvick knows what it takes to do well in those three-week stints. Coming to Chicagoland, where he has two wins in his career, should make him a dangerous driver today. He has eight top-5 finishes in 16 races at Chicagoland. Look for another today.