The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Richmond, Virginia and the Richmond International Raceway for this week’s Toyota Owners 400. After parity ruled for the first few races of the Sprint Cup season, a familiar face has emerged to win each of the last two races. Jimmie Johnson registered just one top-10 finish heading in to the month of April but he has pulled off back-to-back wins at Texas and Bristol to jump to the top of the Sprint Cup standings. It should be no surprise that Johnson is among the favorites to win this week at Richmond.
Event Details
Event: Toyota Owners 400
Category: NASCAR Sprint Cup
Date: April 30, 2017
Location: Richmond International Raceway, Richmond, Virginia
While Johnson’s dominance has put him in the spotlight, his success is no longer the biggest story so far this month. Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced on Tuesday that he plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2017 season. Dale Jr. has struggled this season with just one top-10 finish in eight starts. While there is still time for him to turn his season around, Earnhardt’s retirement would be a major blow to the sport and to the Sprint Cup in particular.
Past Five Winners
2016: Carl Edwards
2015: Kyle Busch
2014: Joey Logano
2013: Kevin Harvick
2012: Kyle Busch
What To Know About The Track
Richmond is a .75-mile short track that actually races much larger than its shape and size. There are multiple grooves so that drivers can find their preferred lane that works well for their car. The drivers that performed well in each of the last two short track races should be in line to build on their success this week. Experience should also count for something as a handful of drivers including Johnson have had some substantial success at this track over this years.
The Field
Johnson, Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick have all had success at this track in the past. It should no surprise that those three drivers are listed as the co-favorites to win this event at +500 odds. Joey Logano should be in the mix as well at +750 odds to win outright, followed by Denny Hamlin at +775. Last year’s Toyota Owners 400 winner Carl Edwards is listed at +800 odds to repeat here this year. Dale Jr., who will undoubtedly be in the spotlight this weekend, is listed at +1200 odds to win outright as his retirement tour begins at Richmond.
Taking a look at the standings, Larson enters the week in first place with 360 points. He’s trailed by Chase Elliott (333), Martin Truex Jr. (323), Joey Logano (291) and Brad Keselowski (277).
A Good Matchup To Bet: Kyle Larson over Jimmie Johnson
Two of Johnson’s top-10 finishes have been victories. After winning back-to-back races it seems like the driver of the No. 48 car is due for a bit of a letdown. Meanwhile, Larson has been absolutely dominant this season and will only need a small window to finish ahead of Johnson. Richmond hasn’t been Larson’s best track but his consistency and approach to this season makes him very dangerous. Larson might not win the Toyota Owners 400, but he could still finish ahead of another top contender that might due for a small step back in Johnson.
Top-Five Pick: Kyle Busch
Busch has been the most dominant driver in the Sprint Cup Series in races at Richmond over the years. Busch has posted a series-best four wins as well as series-best 6.9 average finishing position at this track. The No. 18 team has certainly dealt with its share of issues already this year but it seems like Busch is overdue for a victory. After dealing with plenty of frustration through the first few weeks of the season, look for Busch to break through and finally make his trip to Victory Lane at the Toyota Owners 400 this weekend.
Odds To Win Toyota Owners 400
Kyle Busch +600
Kyle Larson +700
Joey Logano +700
Brad Keselowski +800
Kevin Harvick +800
Jimmie Johnson +800
Chase Elliott +900
Martin Truex Jr +900
Denny Hamlin +1200
Matt Kenseth +1500
Clint Bowyer +1500
Jamie McMurray +2500
Dale Earnhardt Jr +2500
Erik Jones +3000
Ryan Blaney +3000
Kurt Busch +3000
Ryan Newman +3000
Kasey Kahne +4000
Austin Dillon +8000
Ricky Stenhouse Jr +8000
Field +2500
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