The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will make its first and only trip to Indiana this year for the 2017 Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Backyard 400 on Sunday. It’s always special when NASCAR races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and this year’s event will be no different. It’s one of the top races that drivers say they want to win in their career. With Jeff Gordon and his five-career victories here out of the picture, it will be very interesting to see which driver comes out on top. Kyle Busch is the defending two-time champion at this event and he should be a lock to contend in the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Backyard 400 once again this weekend.
Details
Event: Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Backyard 400
Category: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series
Date: Sunday July 23, 2017
Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Indiana
In addition to the prestige of winning a race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the purse for the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Backyard 400 is the second-highest of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races behind only the Daytona 500. The Ford drivers have dominated at this type of track so far this season. However, they could have a tough time unseating the driver of the No. 18 Toyota at Indianapolis this Sunday.
Past Five Winners
2016: Kyle Busch
2015: Kyle Busch
2014: Jeff Gordon
2013: Ryan Newman
2012: Jimmie Johnson
What To Know About The Track
The “Brickyard” is one of the most challenging tracks in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The track was not designed for larger cars that carry so much speed in to the flat corners so strategy is absolutely crucial at this week’s race. Fuel strategy is always an important key to success at Indianapolis as drivers attempt to make it to the finish while making the fewest possible pit stops. Pocono is usually a good indicator of which cars will perform well here since both tracks are 2.5 miles in length and have flat corners. However, Indianapolis is definitely unique in its own right, especially when it comes to the importance of track position. Experience will definitely matter this week with the veteran drivers owning a significant edge in the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Backyard 400.
The Field
Busch’s dominance at this track in both the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series will make him almost impossible to overlook among the sports betting favorites for this event. That said, Martin Truex Jr. has been in a league of his own for the most part this season and he won’t be overlooked either. Jimmie Johnson has been erratic at times this season but remains tied with Truex for the most victories with three each. Denny Hamlin is coming off his first win of the season at New Hampshire last week and that should take some of the pressure off of him this weekend. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson and Kevin Harvick have been incredibly consistent this season and should be in the mix of contenders once again in the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Backyard 400 this week.
A Good Matchup To Bet: Martin Truex Jr. over Brad Keselowski
The current Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series points leader has been incredibly consistent so far this season. If he didn’t run over something on the track and pit early with a flat tire last week we might be talking about him coming off a win at New Hampshire as well rather than Hamlin capturing the checkered flag. Truex’s consistency has been exceptional this season and we are banking on him continuing to excel at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend. Meanwhile, Keselowski has led laps in five of his last seven races at this track but hasn’t finished higher than ninth. If that trend continues then there is no chance he finishes ahead of Truex in the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Backyard 400.
Top-Five Pick: Kyle Busch
Busch has disappointed so far this season in part because of bad luck and in part because of his own performances. However, it’s absolutely impossible to overlook him this week. Busch has won the last two races here and finished second in two of the prior three races at this track. Even when he hasn’t won he has come close and we expect that trend to continue this weekend. Expect Busch to finally break through and contend for a third straight win at Indianapolis this weekend. Even if he falls short of the victory he should have no problem placing in the top-five in the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Backyard 400.
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