The 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series is at its halfway stage as it heads over to Pocono this weekend for the 2017 Axalta presents the Pocono 400. It’s expected to be a hotly-contested race, with three drivers sharing co-favorite status to come away with the checkered flag. Let’s take a look at those favorites, as well as a couple more drivers with longer odds that could still spring a surprise.
There isn’t a hotter driver in NASCAR at the moment than Martin Truex Jr. The Furniture Row Racing driver has taken over the lead in the Monster Energy Cup points standings with three consecutive top-three finishes, which includes a win at Kansas a few weeks back.
Truex doesn’t have a terrific history at Pocono; he is just 22nd among active drivers in terms of average finish at the track over his career. However, he does have two top-three finishes over his last four starts, and made a trip to Victory Lane for the very first time back in 2015. Look for him to once again be a main contender this weekend as he attempts to add another win to his name.
After over a month’s worth of subpar results which has cost him the points lead, Kyle Larson finally returned to contention with a second place finish last week at Dover. Look for him to keep that positive momentum going at Pocono this weekend. Although Larson doesn’t have a ton of experience at the track, he does have three top-10 finishes in his six starts.
It’s been pretty rough sledding for Keselowski over the past few weeks. He has crashed out early in each of the last two races at Charlotte and Dover. But if his luck s bound to change at any track, it’s at Pocono. Keselowski has the second-best average finish among active drivers at the track since 2015 (6.00 in four races). He also has six top-5 finishes in 14 career starts, which includes a lone win back in 2016.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has had a pretty disappointing season so far. He has just one top-five finish in 13 races, and just one other finish in the top-10. But as bad as Junior’s been, he shouldn’t be completely counted out at Pocono.
Earnhardt has a terrific history at the track, especially in the past couple of years. He’s finished in the top-five in six out of the last seven races, and pulled off back-to-back wins in 2014. He went second in this race last year, and it could just be the one that finally jumpstarts his season.
Similar to Earnhardt, Kahne is a also having another underwhelming year. He has two top-five finishes on the season, and still hasn’t won a race since 2014. The 37-year-old is rightly a major long shot to end that skid at Pocono, but his history at the track suggests that he shouldn’t be completely counted out despite his struggles.
Kahne has two career victories at Pocono, the most recent of which coming in 2013. He was also in contention for the win in last year’s race, where he finished sixth.
Writer’s Prediction
Keselowski’s (+575) luck turns dramatically at Pocono as he scores a much-needed win.
