Wednesday's Trends and Indexes - 8/13 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

[Udog]

MLB

Wednesday, August 13

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MLB Mid-week betting cheat sheet: Burnett in a major funk
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Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for the mid-week major-league games:

Dickey Digs the Road

R.A. Dickey brings his knuckleball to the Pacific Northwest Wednesday as he leads the Toronto Blue Jays (+148, 7) into Seattle for a date with the Mariners. Dickey is just 3-8 away from the Rogers Centre, but he has a respectable 3.79 road ERA while allowing just six homers in 76 innings.

A.J. Not AOK

A.J. Burnett will try to end an ugly string of appearances Wednesday as the Philadelphia Phillies (+181, 7.5) visit the Los Angeles Angels. Burnett is 1-8 SU and 7-2 O/U over his last nine appearances, and has surrendered five or more runs in three of his last five.

Shark on the Attack

Jeff Samardzija will look to extend his recent hot streak Thursday as he guides the Oakland Athletics into Kansas City. Samardzija is 5-0 SU over his last five starts - all as a considerable favorite - while the Athletics have scored nearly 7 1/2 runs per game for him over that span.

Pitching Notes

* Baltimore right-hander Chris Tillman brings an 11-game quality-start streak into Wednesday's encounter with the New York Yankees (+115, 8). That stretch includes a pair of outings against the Yankees, against whom Tillman is 5-5 with a 5.64 ERA for his career.

* Detroit righty Max Scherzer is hoping for a little run support Thursday as the Tigers entertain the Pittsburgh Pirates. Scherzer has given up just three earned runs over his previous two starts - but the Tigers lost both games, managing just three runs combined in those contests.

Hitting Notes

* Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez has had trouble making contact against San Diego righty Ian Kennedy, who gets the call for the Padres (-162, 6.5) on Wednesday. Gonzalez is a .138 career hitter vs. Kennedy, with 13 strikeouts in just 29 at-bats.

* Tampa Bay Rays newcomer Nick Franklin hopes a change of scenery will change his fortunes against Texas righty Yu Darvish, who takes the hill Thursday. Franklin is just 1-for-6 against Darvish for his career, while striking out four times.

Totals Streak

Chicago Cubs (0-5-1 O/U): Low-scoring games have become the norm at Wrigley Field, with teams combining to score more than five runs just once during the first five games of a seven-game homestand. Chicago is 59-52-7 O/U for the season.

Prop of the Day

The Mariners are a strong bet to win Wednesday by more than three runs, a bet that pays +390. Dickey's 4.72 career ERA at Safeco Field is the third-highest of any stadium where Dickey has thrown at least 50 innings, while Seattle counterpart Hisashi Iwakuma has a 2.76 career ERA at home.

Injury Notes

* Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (thumb) is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Friday. Phillips has missed 32 games this season, during which the Reds are 13-19 SU, 13-18-1 O/U and -789 units.

* The Cleveland Indians are expected to activate outfielder Michael Bourn (hamstring) from the 15-day disabled list this weekend. The Indians are 25-24 SU, 23-25-1 O/U and -220 units with Bourn out of the lineup in 2014.

Weather Watch

* Wind at Turner Field will blow from left to right field at 8 mph for Wednesday's game between host Atlanta (-109, 6.5) and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Braves were 17-4 SU in 21 games under similar conditions in 2013, with teams combining to hit .276 - well above the stadium average of .246.

Umpire Note of the Day

The home team is 10-2 in umpire Ted Barrett's last 12 games behind home plate involving Pittsburgh. Barrett will call the balls and strikes Wednesday when the Pirates (-103, 8.5) visit Detroit.


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[Udog]

NASCAR Driver Capsules, Aug. 13

Capsules for the top 20 drivers in the Sprint Cup standings, plus five additional drivers of note.

88 DALE EARNHARDT JR., Chevrolet

Team: Hendrick Motorsports

WHERE HE STANDS: After four weeks in second place, Dale Earnhardt Jr. regained the lead in the Sprint Cup standings after this past Sunday's race at Watkins Glen. Earnhardt leads former points leader and Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon by four points and is 70 points ahead of third-ranked Matt Kenseth.

MICHIGAN RECORD: 30 career starts, 2 wins, 6 top-5s, 11 top-10s, 2 poles. Best career finish: First in spring 2008 and spring 2012. Finished 36th in this race last year and was seventh in this year's late spring race there.

LOOKING AHEAD: Earnhardt goes for his third career win this Sunday at the fastest track in NASCAR, the high-speed two-mile Michigan International Speedway. He's a definite threat to win there. "I feel pretty good going to Michigan," Earnhardt says. "We ran well earlier this year and it is just an excellent race track. It really lends itself to a good motor - good power plant. I think you have to give the Hendrick Motorsports engine department a lot of credit. We've had some really good motors this year."

LOOKING BACK: Although he admits he's not the greatest road course driver, Earnhardt had a decent day at Watkins Glen, just finishing outside the top 10 with an 11th-place showing.

ETC.: Earnhardt has completed 97.6 percent (5,754) of the 5,895 total laps contested in 30 career starts at Michigan. His average start there is 14.2, and average finish is 16.0. He has three DNFs there.


24 JEFF GORDON, Chevrolet

Team: Hendrick Motorsports

WHERE HE STANDS: After eight weeks and 14 of the previous 15 weeks atop the Sprint Cup standings, Jeff Gordon dropped to second place after Watkins Glen. He trails new points leader Dale Earnhardt Jr. by just four points and leads third-ranked Matt Kenseth by 66 points.

MICHIGAN RECORD: 43 career starts, 2 wins, 18 top-5s, 26 top-10s, 5 poles. Best career finish: First in summer 1998 and spring 2001. Finished 17th in this race last year and was sixth in this year's spring race there.

LOOKING AHEAD: Gordon has not won at Michigan in 13 years. After his win in the Brickyard 400 three weeks ago, it would not be a surprise to see Gordon win again at MIS. "Michigan is a big, fast, two-mile racetrack - the fastest we have on the circuit - with no restrictor plates," Gordon said. "The speed really gets your attention. ... In June, we qualified well, ran well and had a strong car. But it was all about track position, track position, track position. We lost it, and it was tough to get back."

LOOKING BACK: Gordon led 29 laps and appeared headed to another potential win until his car suffered power failures. He finished 34th, four laps behind the leaders.

ETC.: Gordon has completed 94.7 percent (8,044) of the 8,495 total laps contested in 43 career starts at Michigan. His average start is 11.3 and average finish is 12.3. He has six DNFs there.


20 MATT KENSETH, Toyota

Team: Joe Gibbs Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: After three weeks in fourth place, Matt Kenseth moved up one spot to third place after Watkins Glen. He trails points leader Dale Earnhardt Jr. by 70 points, is 66 points behind second-ranked Jeff Gordon and leads fourth-ranked Brad Keselowski by seven points.

MICHIGAN RECORD: 30 career starts, 2 wins, 12 top-5s, 18 top-10s, 0 poles. Best career finish: First in spring 2002 and summer 2006. Finished 15th in this race last year and was 14th in this year's spring race there.

LOOKING AHEAD: Kenseth returns to one of his favorite and most successful tracks at Michigan. Could this be the race where he finally earns his first win of 2014?

LOOKING BACK: After wrecking out at Sonoma in June, Kenseth had one of his best finishes on the other road course on the Sprint Cup schedule, Watkins Glen. Kenseth admits he's not a great road course driver, but wound up with a good ninth-place showing this past Sunday in upstate New York. "It was an okay finish," Kenseth said. "I think we ran a little better than that most of the day. Things didn't pan out quite as we were hoping. We really wanted it to go green to the end there. I think we were in a little better shape on fuel on some of them and maybe could've snuck out a top five. But, overall not a terrible day."

ETC.: Kenseth has completed 97.9 percent (5,772) of the 5,895 total laps contested in 30 career starts at Michigan. His average start there is 17.8 and average finish is an excellent 9.8. He has one DNF there.


2 BRAD KESELOWSKI, Ford

Team: Penske Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: After three weeks in third place, Brad Keselowski dropped one position to fourth place after Watkins Glen. He trails points leader Dale Earnhardt Jr. by 77 points, is seven points behind third-ranked Matt Kenseth and leads fifth-ranked Joey Logano by 25 points.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Ten career starts, 0 wins, 3 top-5s, 3 top-10s, 0 poles. Best career finish: Second in summer 2012. Finished 12th in this race last year and was third in this year's spring race there.

LOOKING AHEAD: Having grown up a little over an hour away in Rochester Hills, Mich., Keselowski is still in search of his first career Sprint Cup victory at his home track. "While I am grateful for all that I've accomplished so far in my racing career, one of the things that I feel is missing is a marquee race win," Keselowski said. "Usually that would mean a Daytona or a Brickyard, but for me Michigan kind of fits that bill. It is the home track for the Motor City and it's my home track too. So to win here in Cup would be a big deal. It is something I want to experience without a doubt."

LOOKING BACK: Keselowski had a second straight rough outing. After finishing 23rd at Pocono, he finished 35th at Watkins Glen, five laps behind the leaders.

ETC.: Keselowski has completed a near-perfect 99.8 percent (2,000) of the 2,004 total laps contested in 10 career starts at Michigan. His average start is 19.3 and his average finish is 15.5. He has zero DNFs there.


22 JOEY LOGANO, Ford

Team: Penske Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: Having climbed three spots after Pocono, Joey Logano continued his upward climb in the Sprint Cup standings, improving from sixth to fifth after Watkins Glen. He trails points leader Dale Earnhardt Jr. by 102 points, is 25 points behind fourth-ranked and Penske Racing teammate Brad Keselowski, and leads sixth-ranked Carl Edwards by 13 points.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Eleven career starts, 1 wins, 1 top-5, 6 top-10s, 1 poles. Best career finish: First in summer 2013. Finished first in this race last year and was ninth in this year's spring race there.

LOOKING AHEAD: Logano is hoping to defend last year's win and make it two summer wins in a row at Michigan. "Michigan has always been one of my best tracks, and we've always been fast there," Logano said. "We led about 30 laps or so (there in June), but we just got bit by pit strategy there at the end of the race. Other guys were able to beat us out because they short pitted. We finished ninth, but we were better than that. But that is how these races play out. A lot of it is about strategy and how it all plays out. And if you get out front, it's hard to pass that guy, no matter how fast you are. We just need to put ourselves in the right position. If we do, we can definitely repeat."

LOOKING BACK: Logano continues to develop into a good road course racer, finishing sixth at Watkins Glen.

ETC.: Logano has completed 93.4 percent (2,059 laps) of the 2,204 laps contested in 11 career starts at Michigan. His average start there is 15.0 and average finish is 16.0. He has one DNF there.


99 CARL EDWARDS, Ford

Team: Roush Fenway Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: Carl Edwards climbed two spots in the standings after Watkins Glen, improving from eighth to sixth place. He trails series leader Dale Earnhardt Jr. by 115 points, is 13 points behind fifth-ranked Joey Logano and leads seventh-ranked Jimmie Johnson by eight points.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Twenty career starts, 2 wins, nine top-5, 15 top-10s, 1 pole. Best career finish: First in spring 2007 and summer 2008. Finished 10th in this race last year, and was 23rd in this year's spring race there.

LOOKING AHEAD: Edwards is looking to give himself a great 35th birthday present (he celebrates on Friday, August 15th) with a win on Sunday. "Our first trip to Michigan this year didn't go very well," Edwards said. "We've tested and we're hoping to come back to Jack Roush's and Ford's backyard and perform the way we know we can this weekend. This race is really important to us for a number of reasons. It's our home track as a team. Greg Biffle and Ricky Stenhouse both still have an opportunity to get into the Chase. Our 99 team wants all the bonus points we can get. We have one goal: to go win this race."

LOOKING BACK: After finishing 29th at Pocono, Edwards rebounded with a strong showing at Watkins Glen, leading three laps en route to a fifth-place finish.

ETC.: Edwards has completed a near-perfect 99.2 percent (3,909) of 3,939 total laps contested in 20 career starts at Michigan. His average start there is 20.0 and average finish is an excellent 9.0. He has zero DNFs there.


48 JIMMIE JOHNSON, Chevrolet

Team: Hendrick Motorsports

WHERE HE STANDS: Jimmie Johnson dropped one place in the standings after Watkins Glen, going from a tie for sixth to sole possession of seventh. He trails points leader Dale Earnhardt Jr. by 123 points, is eight points behind sixth-ranked Carl Edwards and leads the eighth-place tie between Kevin Harvick and Ryan Newman by five points.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Twenty-five career starts, 1 win, 5 top-5s, 10 top-10s, 0 poles. Best career finish: First in spring 2014. Finished a career-worst 40th in this race last year and then rebounded for a career-best first-place showing in this year's spring race there.

LOOKING AHEAD: Johnson finally got the monkey off his back by winning at Michigan this spring, one of the few tracks he had never won a Sprint Cup race at before. Now he goes for two wins in a row in this Sunday's race. "We have had some really bad luck these past few weeks," Johnson said. "I'm looking forward to getting back on track this weekend. The team needs a good run and I really like the track in Michigan - it's in Chevrolet's back yard - and it would be nice to get a sweep."

LOOKING BACK: After finishing 39th at Pocono, Johnson continued a run of bad luck at Watkins Glen. Even though he led six laps, he ultimately wound up finishing 28th, the last driver to finish on the lead lap.

ETC.: Johnson has completed 94.4 percent (4,662) of 4,939 total laps in 25 career starts at Michigan. His average start there is an outstanding 8.8, while his average finish is 16.2. He has three DNFs there.


4 KEVIN HARVICK, Chevrolet

Team: Stewart-Haas Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: Kevin Harvick moved back into the top-10 after Watkins Glen, climbing three places from 11th and into a tie for eighth with Ryan Newman. Both drivers trail points leader Dale Earnhardt Jr. by 128 points apiece, are five points behind seventh-ranked Jimmie Johnson and lead 10th-ranked Kyle Larson by 10 points.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Twenty-seven career starts, 1 win, 6 top-5s, 11 top-10s, 1 pole. Best career finish: First in summer 2010. Finished second in this race last year and was second in this year's spring race there.

LOOKING AHEAD: Harvick has finished second at MIS in the last three Sprint Cup races there. Will he finally earn his second career victory there Sunday, or will he be relegated to another runner-up (or worse) showing? Also, Harvick's crew chief, Rodney Childers, was fined $25,000 Wednesday after NASCAR penalized him for having "unapproved added weight and/or weight affixed improperly," as well as "actions detrimental to stock car racing." Harvick mentioned over the team radio early in Sunday's race at Watkins Glen that "bean bags" had come loose from under his seat and had slid under the gas and brake pedals, forcing him to make an unscheduled pit stop to remove the obstructions.

LOOKING BACK: Harvick continued to show his prowess on road courses, finishing a strong seventh this past Sunday at Watkins Glen.

ETC.: Harvick has completed a near-perfect 99.2 percent (5,260 laps) of the 5,301 total laps contested in 27 career starts at Michigan. His average start there is 17.5 and his average finish is 13.4. He has one DNF there.


31 RYAN NEWMAN, Chevrolet

Team: Richard Childress Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: After being involved in a vicious wreck at Watkins Glen, Ryan Newman dropped three places in the Sprint Cup standings, falling from fifth to a tie for eighth with Kevin Harvick. Both drivers trail points leader Dale Earnhardt Jr. by 128 points apiece, are five points behind seventh-ranked Jimmie Johnson and lead 10th-ranked Kyle Larson by 10 points.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Twenty-six career starts, 2 wins, 5 top-5, 7 top-10s, 1 pole. Best career finish: First in back-to-back races in summer 2003 and spring 2004. Finished 13th in this race last year and was 15th in this year's spring race there.

LOOKING AHEAD: Newman is still looking to earn his first win of the season, which would essentially guarantee his berth in the upcoming Chase for the Sprint Cup. "To me, the second race is so much better because of the track in keeping some of the rubber laid down during the first race," Newman said. "It's like we start the weekend at least halfway through what we experience the previous race weekend. This race is so much more fun to drive because the track is racier."

LOOKING BACK: Newman was involved in a vicious wreck with Michael McDowell at Watkins Glen. Fortunately, both drivers were uninjured, but Newman wound up with one of the worst finishes of this season: 41st.

ETC.: Newman has completed 94.9 percent (4,878) of the 5,139 total laps contested in 26 career starts at Michigan. His average start there is 13.2 and average finish is 17.4. He has two DNFs there.


42 KYLE LARSON, Chevrolet

Team: Chip Ganassi Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: Kyle Larson climbed two places in the Sprint Cup standings and into the top 10, ranking 10th after Watkins Glen. He trails points leader Dale Earnhardt Jr. by 138 points, is 10 points behind the eighth-ranked tie between Kevin Harvick and Ryan Newman, and leads 11th-ranked Clint Bowyer by one point.

MICHIGAN RECORD: One career start, 0 wins, 0 top-5s, 1 top-10, 0 poles. Best career finish: Eighth in spring 2014. Did not compete in this race last year and finished sixth in his first career Sprint Cup race there in this year's spring race there.

LOOKING AHEAD: Larson is looking to not only earn this year's Rookie of the Year award, but more importantly, to qualify for the expanded 16-driver Chase for the Sprint Cup. While a win would likely lock him into the Chase, if Larson can remain in the top-10, he likely will make the playoffs. "Our team is really looking forward to Michigan this weekend," Larson said. "The next four tracks before the Chase are ones where I think we can run really well, so we're excited to start off that four race stretch at a track where we ran pretty well the last time there. The team is really excited about the Target Chevy we have for this weekend, and I'm looking forward to continuing the momentum from last weekend at Watkins Glen. We're still pushing for a win, and will do what we can to get into victory lane soon."

LOOKING BACK: Larson had an excellent run Sunday at Watkins Glen, finishing fourth.

ETC.: Larson was a perfect 100 percent in his first career Sprint Cup race at Michigan in spring, completing all 200 laps. His average start is 12.0 and average finish is 8.0. He has zero DNFs there.


15 CLINT BOWYER, Toyota

Team: Michael Waltrip Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: 11th, only one point out of the top 10. Lost two spots last week to fall out of the top 10. Would make the Chase if the Chase for the Championship began this week.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Finished 10th in the June race for his seventh straight top-10 finish.

LOOKING AHEAD: Bowyer knows he needs another top-10 run at Michigan this week to stay ahead of his nearest competitors in the race for a spot in the Chase. "Michigan has been a good track for us, and we need it to be a good track for us again this weekend," said Bowyer. "The last lap at Watkins Glen really hurt, but we have to rebound this week. That's why I'm glad we are heading to Michigan. It has been a good track for us."

LOOKING BACK: Bowyer was in a foul mood after the Watkins Glen race. "It looked like we were going to get a top-15 but we got spun out on the last lap (after being clipped by Aric Almirola) and that ruined our finish," said Bowyer, who ended up 27th. The 12 spots and points he lost dropped Bowyer out of the top 10 and put his hopes for making the Chase in a precarious position.

ETC.: Twelve different drivers have won at least one race this year and even if no new winners occur in the next four races that means only four Chase spots are available via the point standings. At the moment, Bowyer occupies the last of those four spots. "Matt (Kenseth) looks like a lock, but the other three spots are wide open," said Bowyer. "There are quite a few of us fighting for those three spots. You are going to need to run well in all four races if you want to make the Chase."


16 GREG BIFFLE, Ford

Team: Roush Fenway Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: 12th, only eight points out of a spot in the Chase. Gained one spot last week.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Two wins and four top-nine finishes in the last five races. Overall has four wins and 14 top-10 finishes including 10 top-five's in 23 starts.

LOOKING AHEAD: Biffle has always loved going to Michigan. "It is one of my favorite tracks," said Biffle. "We've had a lot of success there. I can't wait to get there. We had a real good test there, and we feel we found a few things that are really going to help us. We need a win, and that's why I'm glad Michigan is next on the schedule."

LOOKING BACK: Despite suffering damage in the multi-car accident that resulted in a long red flag to repair the guard rails, Biffle stuck to the team's pit strategy and finished eighth at Watkins Glen. "We were able to make up a lot of ground (because of the decision to pit only twice)," said Biffle. "It (the racing) was aggressive and as people got more comfortable it got nuts. We went into the bus stop three-wide and that is pretty tough to do here two-wide. That is the first time in my career I have been in there three-wide. The car got the fender beat in a little bit and we got tight coming off the bus stop and got off the race track. Stuff happens. You just try to do the best you can to protect your position and race hard."

ETC.: Biffle admits he had "plenty of opportunities" to move elsewhere. "There were some interesting seats open and opportunities, but I felt we (Roush Fenway Racing) were doing a lot to close the gap on the competition and all anybody wants is an opportunity to win and be competitive," said Biffle. "I've won over 55 races and 19 Cup wins and I just felt like we can get this thing turned around, so I made the decision to stay and be the anchor for Roush Fenway, and do another three-year contract, regardless of sponsorship at this point." It was announced on Tuesday that 3M, a long-time backer of Biffle at RFR, had decided to take its sponsorship to Jeff Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports beginning with the 2015 season.


5 KASEY KAHNE, Chevrolet

Team: Hendrick Motorsports

WHERE HE STANDS: 13th, 12 points out of a spot in the Chase. Gained one spot last week.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Finished fifth in the June race. Will be seeking his third straight top-seven finish and fourth in the last five races. Overall has one win and ten top-10 finishes including eight top-five's in 21 starts.

LOOKING AHEAD: Kahne is very optimistic about making the Chase as he looks forward to the next four races. "My team continues to work well, and we have fast cars so we are building (momentum)," said Kahne. "Things are getting better on all fronts so I'm really happy about that. In the past, we have run really well and also won at Michigan, Bristol, Atlanta and Richmond, so I'm looking forward to each one of those tracks because I feel like we can definitely still make the Chase."

LOOKING BACK: After starting 30th, Kahne used excellent pit strategy and a fast race car to move to the front of the pack for three laps. But three caution flags in the final 12 laps forced Kahne to settle for a 12th-place finish. "We didn't need all those cautions at the end," said Kahne. "We had a top-10 car, maybe even a top-five. We just didn't have enough green-flag laps at the end to get there."

ETC.: Kahne believes in the first race at Michigan this year "we had the best car the last 30 laps." And for that reason, he can't wait to get back to the two-mile oval. "I just feel really good about this weekend - the next four weekends actually. I don't know if these tracks are my best tracks, but they are definitely all pretty good for us and we can make good points and hopefully get a win in a couple of them or at least one of them."


3 AUSTIN DILLON, Chevrolet

Team: Richard Childress Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: 14th, 18 points out of a spot in the Chase. Gained one spot last week.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Best finish in four starts is 11th.

LOOKING AHEAD: Dillon knows it is "go time. The dynamics of the Chase have changed a little bit, now that we've added another new winner to the mix and we are closing in on the Chase cutoff point. Making the Chase is a goal we've set for ourselves as a team and even though I am rookie, I feel like it's a good pressure to be under. We had some bad luck in the June race (at Michigan), but I think we'll be fine this time around. It's one of my favorite tracks."

LOOKING BACK: The final two-lap shootout didn't go as well as Dillon had hoped as he ended up losing five spots to finish 16th at Watkins Glen. "I'm really proud of Gil Martin (crew chief) and the entire No. 3 Dow Chevrolet team for putting together a solid race strategy today," said Dillon. "They stuck with me and we were able to get a top-20 finish even after qualifying outside of the top 30."

ETC.: Dillon will be competing in the Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday at Michigan. "I always enjoy running the trucks plus it is another chance for me to get some laps on the track," said Dillon. "This is a crucial time for us in our bid to get into the Chase, and we are doing everything we can to improve our chances and we feel running both races this weekend will help us."


18 KYLE BUSCH, Toyota

Team: Joe Gibbs Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: 15th, lost five spots to fall out of the top 10. Has secured a spot in the Chase as a result of his win at California.

MICHIGAN RECORD: One win and six top-10 finishes including four top-five's in 19 starts.

LOOKING AHEAD: Busch believes he can have a real good weekend if all of his recent bad luck is behind him. "We were running fourth to sixth (in June) and having a decent day and then that was one of the races where we had a rear wheel barring failure," said Busch. "Not such a good day for us but I felt like our car was fast enough to be capable of running in the top-10 so I look forward to going back there and trying to see if we can't do that."

LOOKING BACK: It was another long and frustrating afternoon for Busch. After suffering engine failure and finishing 42nd at Pocono, Busch hoped to turn things around at Watkins Glen. But a miscue on pit road dropped him to the back of the pack early in the race and then as he was trying to make up ground he clipped Martin Truex, Jr. and was forced to go to the garage area for lengthy repairs. Busch returned to the race 21 laps down as he ended the day in 40th place. "It just wasn't our day today," said a frustrated Busch. "I don't think there's much more we can say."

ETC.: Kansas, one of the tracks that make up the 10-race Chase schedule, has not been a good track for Busch. But Busch feels Michigan is a "place that you learn a little bit for Kansas because they are both fresh repaves and I think you run on the same tire at both tracks. It is a place that you can learn some stuff for Kansas so we like that. We need to turn Kansas into not a crapshoot race for us (to boost his chances of winning the 2014 championship)."


9 MARCOS AMBROSE, Ford

Team: Richard Petty Motorsports

WHERE HE STANDS: 16th, 50 points out of a spot in the Chase. Gained one spot last week.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Finished sixth in the August race a year ago for his third top-nine finish in the last five races.

LOOKING AHEAD: Ambrose said, "We still need to win to get into the Chase and that's our approach. Michigan is the next race to win, and we're putting our focus there. We have been working to get better at the bigger tracks. We left Pocono with a lot better result, and I think it gives us some confidence. This race has always been a fuel mileage race, a track position race too. So, there are a lot of ways that we can get to the front. We have a good team, and we all want to get that win."

LOOKING BACK: Ambrose and A J Allmendinger waged a torrid duel for the lead during the final six laps with Ambrose taking the lead briefly on two different occasions before Allmendinger regained the top spot en route to his first Sprint Cup victory. Ambrose had to settle for a frustrating second-place finish. "I'm pretty bummed out," said Ambrose afterwards. "It was rough couple of laps, but it was fair." Ambrose felt his best shot at winning the race took place on the next-to-last restart. "We had run door-to-door up through the esses and I slid my tires through the bus stop, and the tires were still really hot coming into (turns) 10 and 11, and I got wide in 11 and he got the run, and the momentum," said Ambrose. "If the (last) caution could have come out five seconds earlier, I would have been in the lead and it would have been a different story."

ETC.: Ambrose called his second-place finish at Watkins Glen "gut-wrenching. We threw everything we could at it. We knew what was at stake (a spot in the Chase). We had a great race car and led a lot of laps, just came up a little short. I want to congratulate the 47 team. They are good friends over there. I drove for those guys a long time and I was never able to seal the deal with a win for them. I am pleased that they were able to get a win and I am thrilled for A J (Allmendinger) too, that is a big win. I am disappointed for me. We knew this was our best shot at it (making the Chase)."


27 PAUL MENARD, Chevrolet

Team: Richard Childress Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: 17th, 60 points out of a spot in the Chase. Lost one spot last week.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Has finished fourth in the last two races.

LOOKING AHEAD: Menard said, "We have a good run in June at Michigan. The track is widening out for sure. The first couple of races after the repave were treacherous and now the groove is widening so you can make your car do different things as the run goes on. We are looking forward to this weekend after how well we ran there in June."

LOOKING BACK: Menard began experiencing brake problems almost from the start of the road course race at Watkins Glen. The problems resulted in a trip to the garage area for repairs on lap seven. Menard was three laps down when he returned to the race. He ended the day in 32nd place. "Just a rough day," said Menard. "I appreciate my guys for working so hard and getting us back out there. We'll take what we learned here and move on."

ETC.: Menard said the driver doesn't feel the sensation of speed at Michigan that they do at a lot of other tracks. "You don't really get that sensation because the track is so wide and smooth," said Menard before adding, "It's definitely the fastest track we go to. The cars handle really well around the track with all the areo, so there are some tracks where we get a bigger sensation. The biggest thing you realize is when you look up in the stands and see how fast the catchfence goes by, then you understand just how fast you're doing."


55 BRIAN VICKERS, Toyota

Team: Michael Waltrip Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: 18th, 61 points out of a spot in the Chase.

MICHIGAN RECORD: One win and eight top-10 finishes in 15 starts.

LOOKING AHEAD: Vickers realizes his only realistic chance of making the Chase is by winning one of the next four races. But as crew chief Billy Scott points out "Michigan hasn't been one of MWR's most outstanding tracks over the past couple years. However, we feel like we have made some gains with our cars that were introduced at Indy and raced at Pocono. We are optimistic that we can turn our recent Michigan fortunes into something better."

LOOKING BACK: Vickers finished 10th at Watkins Glen. "It was a really wild day," said Vickers. "Billy and all of these guys did an awesome job. Pit stops were great, calls were good and we had a good car. We came in and pitted there at the end and I think it was the right call. But low and behold we had I think 20 laps of caution and red flags. How are you supposed to know that? Should've had a top-five and we got a top-10 but that's okay."

ETC.: On Monday, NASCAR will hold a special test session at Michigan to get a first look at its proposed 2015 rules package. "The test is pretty well defined by NASCAR on what packages they want us to run," said Scott Miller, MWR's Director of Competition. "They have a pretty quick paced schedule that they want all teams to follow. The whole goal is to gather as much information as we can to keep NASCAR racing as exciting as it can be for the fans."


1 JAMIE MCMURRAY, Chevrolet

Team: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates

WHERE HE STANDS: 19th, 68 points out of a spot in the Chase. Gained one spot last week.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Four top-10 finishes in 23 starts.

LOOKING AHEAD: McMurray said, "The one word that I think comes to mind for everyone at Michigan is fast. Our cars carry a lot of speed down the straights and the track has several different grooves to race in the corners, so it is fun to race on a track that is big and wide open like that. We had a pretty solid run back in June and finished 12th. I think we can improve on that and hopefully put ourselves in position to take the McDonald's Chevy to victory lane."

LOOKING BACK: McMurray was another driver that felt the three caution flags in the final 12 laps ruined any hopes he had of finishing in the top 10 at Watkins Glen. "Very frustrating that we were a fifth to eighth-place car all day, but finish 14th," said McMurray. "The guys did a good job on the McDonald's Chevy, but we just cycled through on pit stops hoping to be in position for a run at the end, but all of the cautions at the end hurt our chances for a run to the front."

ETC.: McMurray is another driver who realizes time is running out in his bid to make the Chase via the point standings. "There are only four races left before the Chase begins," said McMurray, "so we know what we have to do. We know we need to win a race. But we can't get ahead of ourselves. We have to just go to Michigan and try to win there. That has to be our focus. We can't be looking ahead."


11 DENNY HAMLIN, Toyota

Team: Joe Gibbs Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: 20th. Has secured a spot in the Chase as a result of his win at Talladega.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Two wins and seven top-10 finishes including five top-five's in 17 starts.

LOOKING AHEAD: During the 2010 and '11 seasons, Hamlin won two races at Michigan and finished second in another one. But in the six races since then, he has four finishes of 30th or worse so it is no surprise that his main objective this week is "getting back to where we run up front at Michigan. Another win would really help us get ready for the Chase," adds Hamlin.

LOOKING BACK: Hamlin seemed headed for a top-15 finish when he was sent spinning in turn 11 with only four laps to go. Despite crashing hard into the sand-billed barrels that guard the entrance to pit road, Hamlin was able to continue as he ended the day in 24th place. "That's a tough way to end the day," said Hamlin. "I had a lot of time to think about it. That was the scariest part for me watching it was that I knew it was coming and just couldn't do anything about it."

ETC.: Car owner Joe Gibbs has changed his mind and will not appeal the penalty levied against Hamlin and his team for failing post-race inspection at Indianapolis. The team initially said it would appeal the penalty, which was issued because the firewall was not sealed. Crew chief Darian Grubb and car chief Wesley Sherrill were suspended for six weeks and Grubb was fined $125,000. Hamlin was docked 75 points as was Gibbs.


14 TONY STEWART, Chevrolet

Team: Stewart-Haas Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: 21st, 97 points out of a spot in the Chase. Lost two spots last week.

MICHIGAN RECORD: One win and 20 top-10 finishes including 12 top-five's in 30 starts.

LOOKING AHEAD: As of late Tuesday evening, Stewart has not yet decided if he will race this weekend at Michigan. "The decision to compete in this weekend's event at Michigan will be Tony's and he will have as much time as he needs to make that decision," said team spokesman Mike Arning. "It is still an emotional time for all involved, Tony included. He is grieving, and grief doesn't have a timetable." Earlier in the week, Stewart decided not to race in a sprint car event at Plymouth (Ind.) Speedway. Arning said Stewart's "extra-curricular racing plans" have been cancelled and "won't resume until further notice."

LOOKING BACK: Stewart decided Sunday morning not to compete in the Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen after the tragedy that took place Saturday night in a sprint car race at Canandaigua (NY) Motorsports Park. During the dirt track event, Stewart's car bounced off one driven by Kevin Ward Jr. The contact sent Ward spinning into the fence. Ward climbed out of his car and started walking down the track to express his displeasure with Stewart. As Stewart's car passed Ward under the caution flag, Stewart's right-rear tire hit Ward, killing the 20-year-old. Ward was sucked under the car and thrown through the air. Regan Smith replaced Stewart in the 14 car at Watkins Glen and finished 37th after being involved in a late-race accident. Stewart issued a statement that said "There aren't words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr. It's a very emotional time for all involved, and it is the reason I've decided not to participate in today's race at Watkins Glen. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy."

ETC.: On Tuesday afternoon, Ontario County (NY) Sheriff Philip C. Povero issued a statement that said, "The investigation into the death of Kevin Ward, Jr., is ongoing and is expected to continue for at least another two weeks or more. Investigators continue to seek witnesses, gather evidence, and develop the race track crash reconstruction. When the investigation is completed, we will meet with members of the Ontario county District Attorney's Office and discuss with them all aspects of the investigation into the crash that occurred on August 9, 2014 at the Canandaigua Speedway." The sheriff's office interviewed Stewart Saturday night and again Sunday at Watkins Glen. On Monday, Sheriff Povero reiterated that no evidence supports charges against Stewart. "At this time, there are no facts that exist that support any criminal behavior or conduct or probable cause of a criminal act in this investigation," said Sheriff Povero.


43 ARIC ALMIROLA, Ford

Team: Richard Petty Motorsports

WHERE HE STANDS: 22nd. Has secured a spot in the Chase with his Daytona win last month.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Best finish in five starts is 17th. Won a truck series race in 2010.

LOOKING AHEAD: Almirola said, "We tested at Michigan earlier in the year. I thought we were pretty good at the test, but when we went back, we weren't as good as we thought we needed to be. We made a lot of changes since that test to try to get better. I think that this weekend's race will be a kind of a turning point for us to find out if some of the changes we made over the last couple of months have improved our program or not."

LOOKING BACK: Almirola finished 19th at Watkins Glen after being involved in a multi-car accident that resulted in a lengthy red flag to fix the torn-up guard rails. "Our team fought hard all day," said Almirola. "Overall, I think we had a good car, but everyone was fighting hard for track position. We were able to avoid some of those big wrecks, and even though we received some damage and had to come down pit road (for repairs), I think we did a good job making up for the ground that we lost."

ETC.: Almirola is looking forward to another opportunity to be part of the "Operation Inspiration" campaign this weekend. "It is such an honor to help Eckrich thank military members and their families for everything they have sacrificed for our freedom," said Almirola.


41 KURT BUSCH, Chevrolet

Team: Stewart-Haas Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: 23rd. Has secured a spot in the Chase as a result of win at Martinsville.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Two wins and nine top-10 finishes including a third in the August race a year ago in 27 starts.

LOOKING AHEAD: Busch said, "Right now our focus is the Chase. Right now I'm focused on this 41 car in the run for the championship. We have run much better and a lot more consistent in recent weeks. That is what we need to be a contender in the Chase. We just need to keep that up this week and right through the Chase."

LOOKING BACK: Busch had a front-row seat as A J Allmendinger and Marcos Ambrose battled hard for the lead in the final six laps. "I thought the two were going to take each other out, and we were sitting in the catbird seat," said Busch. "We gave it a good battle. We battled with those guys all day long. All in all a great day with the 41 car." Busch ended up third.

ETC.: Busch had high praise for A J Allmendinger after his impressive victory at Watkins Glen. "Allmendinger brought home the trophy and he deserved it," said Busch. "He won the race in a fashion that everyone is proud of. He beat one (Marcos Ambrose) of the best in the world at driving these stock cars (on a road course). He had to pull from within. He had to dig deep, and he had to believe in himself."


47 A J ALLMENDINGER, Chevrolet

Team: JTG Daugherty Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: 24th. Clinched a spot in the Chase with his win Sunday at Watkins Glen.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Best finish in 12 starts is 11th on two occasions.

LOOKING AHEAD: Allmendinger said, "Horsepower next hurts and that doesn't matter if you are on a short track or road course or Michigan or Daytona or whatever, but it's all about handling at Michigan. Handling is just really important. It doesn't matter how much horsepower you have, if you can't get to the throttle off the corners, it's going to make the straightaways really long. You've got to be in the throttle to make that horsepower work."

LOOKING BACK: Allmendinger won a torrid duel with Marcos Ambrose to claim his first Sprint Cup victory and earn a spot in the coveted Chase for the Championship. "I can't believe we won a NASCAR Sprint Cup race," exclaimed an excited Allmendinger in victory lane. "I love these guys (his team). I just wanted it so bad for them. I wasn't going to let Marcos take this from me. I just knew on that (last) restart if he could get to me he'd move me out of the way just like I'd do to him. It wasn't rough. He didn't try to wreck me. He just moved me and so I just leaned on him. I knew if I could get a gap and get them (Ambrose and Kurt Busch) racing behind me, it was game over. So that's what I did. The significance of this win goes without saying -- how big and how important it is to this team. To be able to share it with Tad and Jodi (Geschickter) and Brad (Daugherty) - that meant so much to me. My parents are here, my girlfriend Tara. She's been such a great direction in my life."

ETC.: Fourteen months ago Allmendinger's Cup career seemed over after he failed a drug test and was suspended by NASCAR. Shortly after the suspension was announced, Allmendinger was released by car owner Roger Penske. "I have went through hell in this series and just to go through hell and back, and to know that this (a win in the Cup Series) was my dream that I've worked so hard for over the last eight years...to win a race here," said an emotional Allmendinger after his win Sunday at Watkins Glen. "To have Roger and the Penske Racing guys and Richard Childress show up (in the winner's circle) and congratulate me - that meant the world to me."


78 MARTIN TRUEX, JR., Chevrolet

Team: Furniture Row Racing

WHERE HE STANDS: 26th, 126 points out of a spot in the Chase.

MICHIGAN RECORD: Five top-10 finishes including two runner-up finishes.

LOOKING AHEAD: Truex knows "We need to win one of the next four races, it's as simple as that. If we want to make the Chase and compete with the big dogs then we have to find our way to victory lane. Having more speed and staying out of trouble are the first steps in being a factor for the win. Catching a couple of brakes will always help too."

LOOKING BACK: Truex used good pit strategy to finish 13th at Watkins Glen. "It was long day," said Truex. "But we were able to get a decent finish out of it thanks to the strategy we worked out during the (first) red flag. Track position is so important at this place."

ETC.: Truex likes the repaving job that took place in 2012 at Michigan. "The asphalt is so much smoother," said Truex. "There are no rocks and pores in it (the new pavement)." But there is a negative side to the new pavement. "It's hard to lay rubber down on these newly paved tracks, which also makes it hard for the second groove to come it," adds Truex. "The Michigan track is not as bad as last year with the groove getting a little bit wider. You now have a little wiggle room there."

[Udog]

NFLX
Dunkel

Week 2

Jacksonville at Chicago
The Bears kick off the second week of the preseason looking to follow up on their 34-28 win over the Eagles in the opener. Chicago is the pick (-4) according to Dunkel, which has the Bears favored by 9. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-4). Here are all of this week's NFL preseason picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14

Game 401-402: Jacksonville at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville 115.012; Chicago 123.963
Dunkel Line: Chicago by 9; 47
Vegas Line: Chicago by 4; 42
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-4); Over


FRIDAY, AUGUST 15

Game 403-404: Philadelphia at New England (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 119.426; New England 124.915
Dunkel Line: New England by 5 1/2; 50
Vegas Line: New England by 3; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New England (-3); Over

Game 405-406: Tennessee at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 122.570; New Orleans 124.246
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 1 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 3 1/2; 43
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (+3 1/2); Over

Game 407-408: Detroit at Oakland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 123.242; Oakland 119.979
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 3 1/2; 35
Vegas Line: Oakland by 2 1/2; 39
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+2 1/2); Under

Game 409-410: San Diego at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 123.140; Seattle 131.958
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 9; 35
Vegas Line: Seattle by 5 1/2; 38 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-5 1/2); Under


SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Game 411-412: Green Bay at St. Louis (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Green Bay 117.284; St. Louis 121.856
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 4 1/2; 45
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 2 1/2; 40 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-2 1/2); Over

Game 413-414: NY Giants at Indianapolis (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 120.028; Indianapolis 119.488
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 1; 46
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 2 1/2; 41
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (+2 1/2); Over

Game 415-416: Baltimore at Dallas (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore 126.112; Dallas 119.132
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 7; 37
Vegas Line: Dallas by 1; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+1); Under

Game 417-418: NY Jets at Cincinnati (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 118.838; Cincinnati 125.989
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 7; 45
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 3 1/2; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-3 1/2); Over

Game 419-420: Buffalo at Pittsburgh (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 117.315; Pittsburgh 121.786
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 4 1/2; 36
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 2 1/2; 40
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-2 1/2); Under

Game 421-422: Miami at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 118.514; Tampa Bay 117.249
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1 1/2; 33
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay by 2; 37 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+2); Under

Game 423-424: Atlanta at Houston (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 119.476; Houston 119.042
Dunkel Line: Even; 46
Vegas Line: Houston by 2 1/2; 40
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+2 1/2); Over

Game 425-426: Arizona at Minnesota (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 120.519; Minnesota 124.930
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 4 1/2; 42
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 3; 38
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-3); Over


SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

Game 427-428: Denver at San Francisco (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 119.393; San Francisco 125.031
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 5 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 3; 40
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-3); Over

Game 429-430: Kansas City at Carolina (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City 123.384; Carolina 122.008
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: Carolina by 3; 39
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+3); Over


MONDAY, AUGUST 18

Game 431-432: Cleveland at Washington (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 123.868; Washington 123.730
Dunkel Line: Even; 44
Vegas Line: Washington by 3; 40 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+3); Over