When you have the best stock car drivers in the world all in one place, it’s inevitable that one of the underdogs rises up from the pack. Which of the field of competitors will rise up to the occasion to steal the spotlight at the upcoming STP 500 at Martinsville Motor Speedway? We’ve tallied three of the best sleeper picks to give a boost to your betting slips below.
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Denny Hamlin would be a pretty good pick if he gets over his Daytona 500 hangover. He won the first race of the season but placed 16th and 19th in his next two races. He seems to be on the right track heading into Martinsville with back-to-back third place finishes at California and Phoenix. Expect Hamlin to surprise in the STP 500.
Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr. seemed to be destined for great things this season. He finished second at the Daytona 500, then seventh a race after at Atlanta. But he’s since fallen off the radar, most recently placing 32nd at California. Truex needs a big performance to keep him relevant in the Chase field. He’s due for a big start at Martinsville, placing in the top 10 in two of his last four races at the track.
Carl Edwards
Carl Edwards is a flat and short track kind of guy. The race at Martinsville could breathe some life in his chances of nabbing a spot in the Chase. He has been pretty good this season, finishing in the top five in three of his first three races. He should be a nice pick considering his recent performances, but his experiences in Martinsville still leave plenty to be desired. He has just five top 10s in 23 Martinsville starts.
