Sprint Cup Power Rankings with Odds

NASCAR: Jimmie Johnson Wins a 4th Allstate at The Brickyard in Indianapolis

Juan Pablo Montoya dominated the All State 400 at the Brickyard this past weekend, but speeding on pit-road is a no-no. So, when Montoya did it, he was penalized and had to start in the middle of the pack.

Who picked up the pieces? Jimmie Johnson who left no doubt that he loves The Brickyard. Johnson leapfrogged his teammate, Jeff Gordon, in the Sprint Cup Power Ranking.

Let’s take a look at the power rankings.

NASCAR: Sprint Cup Power Rankings with Odds

1. Tony Stewart +300 - - Smoke’s odds drifted from +250 to win the Sprint Cup last week to +300 this week because he only finished 3rd. Really? 3rd? That’s all. What’s wrong with you, Tony! Actually at 3 to 1, Stewart, because he’s been much more consistent than either Johnson or Gordon this year, is probably the best wager in the sportsbook to win the Cup.

2. Jimmie Johnson +200 - - Jimmie capitalized on Montoya’s mistake and held off the pole-sitter at Indy, and a fellow teammate, in Mark Martin. Jimmie loves The Brickyard. So, the victory isn’t a surprise. The odds in the sportsbook are because even though Jimmie will catch fire, the fellow above him in the power rankings has been hot all year.

3. Jeff Gordon +500 - - Gordon did get a top ten finish when crossing the finish line in 9th place at The Brickyard, but Jeff doesn’t seem to have it this year. It’s just a feeling at this point, but I do believe that he will break down as the year goes along. I just don’t think the back will hold up.

4. Kurt Busch +1500 - - Busch had a terrible Allstate 400 when finishing 27th, but he’s still ranked 4th in the Sprint Cup Power rankings because overall he’s have a decent 2009. His 2009 is definitely much better than younger brother Kyle’s who has dropped out of power rankings even though he has 3 victories on the year.

5. Carl Edwards +800 - - Edwards couldn’t put together a top ten finish but did manage to finish in the top 20 when crossing the finish line in 15th place. Edwards still hasn’t won a race this year, but he’s doing well enough to keep himself in the thick of the Sprint Cup Chase.

6. Denny Hamlin +1500 - - Even though Hamlin finished 34th at The Brickyard this past weekend, he’s turning out to be more consistent than fellow Joe Gibbs’ driver, Kyle Busch. How do I know this? He’s not only still on the power rankings, but he would make The Chase this year if it started tomorrow while Kyle would not.

7. Ryan Newman +1200 - - Newman’s 14th place finish at Indianapolis was good enough to keep him on the rankings and within earshot of the Sprint Cup Championship. He’s yet another driver that keeps hanging around and outperforming his odds.

8. Kasey Kahne +1500 - - Nobody has been as hot as Kasey lately. He put together another top 10 finish when crossing the line in 7th place this past Sunday. Nobody’s bringing up the fact that Kahne is doing this in the #9 car, the one that Jr. used to drive. Maybe, Jr. just isn’t the driver his fans have made him out to be.