Pocono 400 Betting Odds, Predictions & Tips to Consider

Pete Pistone

May 29th, 2019

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Pocono Raceway is a one-of-a-kind track on the NASCAR schedule. Unlike the bulk of the schedule, Pocono is not an oval but rather a three turn, triangle. Each of the three corners that frame the massive 2.5-mile speedway presents a different challenge to drivers over the course of the 400-mile grind.

Each corner is modeled after an historic speedway (Turn 1 – Trenton Speedway, Turn 2 – Indianapolis, Turn 3 – The Milwaukee Mile) connected by three of the longest straightaways on the schedule. The combination produces a layout drivers consider a hybrid or a traditional oval and a road course.

As has been the common theme in 2019, the new rules package brings another unknown into the weekend equation. Added downforce and less horsepower is a combination never before seen at Pocono throwing a major curveball to even veterans with thousands of miles turned at the track.

For those who enjoy NASCAR betting, here are the odds and six drivers to consider backing in Sunday’s Pocono 400.

NASCAR Pocono 400 Odds 2019

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2019 Pocono 400 Betting Tips & Drivers to Back

Since there isn’t another kind of track comparable on the schedule, it’s wise to concentrate on drivers’ performance at Pocono and not extrapolate too much from other venues.

Once drivers figure out the best way to run at Pocono they tend to excel for an extended period while those that struggle usually find that to be a challenge for some time.

Track position will be of added importance given the impact of how the rules have affected the ability to pass. With the high speeds expected on the expansive racing surface, aerodynamics and turbulent air will be a challenge for drivers to overcome when trying to gain a spot.

Qualifying and starting up front will be at a premium. Historically, more than half of Pocono race winners (44 in 82 previous races) have started from the first two rows. Sixteen who made it to victory lane took the green flag from the pole position.

Kyle Busch (+300 at SugarHouse)

Only once in the first 13 races this season has Busch finished outside the top 10. He comes to Pocono off a third place run last week in Charlotte. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver is also riding a Pocono hot streak with two wins in the last three races held at the track.

Busch has not finished worse than ninth in the last five races held at Pocono.

Kevin Harvick (+450 at 888Sport)

He’s still winless this season and not at all happy about it. While Harvick continually is a presence in the top 10 and top 5, the driver with eight wins a year ago has been shutout of victory lane.

His Pocono resume is impeccable and Harvick leads all drivers in average finish over the last 10 races there at 8.5. In six of those races, the Stewart-Haas Racing driver finished in the top-five.

Martin Truex Jr. (+600 at 888Sport)

The hottest driver in the series right now with three wins in the last five races. Truex Jr. comes to Pocono after a Charlotte win last weekend. He is the defending Pocono race winner and has two wins at the track over his last eight starts.

Brad Keselowski (+700 at SugarHouse)

It’s been feast of famine this year for Keselowski, who despite being tied for the series lead in wins at three has also experienced trouble over the opening 13 races.

Keselowski does have the second best average finish among active drivers over the last 10 Pocono races at 10.2 with six top-five runs dating back seven races.

Denny Hamlin (+1100 at SugarHouse)

He is the active Pocono win leader at four with two of those victories coming in his rookie season of 2006, when Hamlin swept both races at the track. He’s finished as high as fourth at Pocono in 2014.

Ryan Blaney (+2000 at 888Sport)

The Team Penske driver scored his first every NASCAR Cup Series win at Pocono in 2017, holding off both Kyle Busch and Harvick for the victory. Blaney is still looking for his first win this year, but despite a few recent sour outings remains a constant in the top 10.

In six career Pocono starts, Blaney has finished top-10 in three races.

Recent Pocono 400 Winners