2015 Drivin for Lineman 200 Race Picks
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Betting Preview
Saturday June 12th, 8:48PM (EST) at Gateway Motorsports Park
by NASCARWagers.com, NASCAR Handicapping Service
Later tonight the Camping World Truck Series will take center stage at Gateway Motorsports Park with the running of the Drivin’ for Lineman 200. Green flag is scheduled to wave at around 8:48PM (EST) with 200 laps slated on the books. Since both the Xfinity and Sprint Cup Series are in Michigan this weekend, tonight’s Camping World Truck Series event will feature all Truck Series regulars. Take a look at our preview and 2015 Drivin for Lineman 200 race picks for Gateway.
With the lack of Xfinity and Sprint Cup Series talent in tonight’s field, Erik Jones and Matt Crafton are the overwhelming favorites. Despite leading the most laps in each of the last 4 races, Jones has yet to score a win this season in the Truck Series while Crafton has already scored 3 victories in the first 7 races. Crafton’s 3 victories are the most the 16 year veteran has ever scored in a single season and he has done it in just 7 races. Crafton run well at Gateway last year before finding trouble late in the event. However, the #88 truck should be plenty capable of getting another victory tonight if things fall their way.
If you consider the fact that Jones has been listed at even money every week and still has not scored a victory, anyone could make the argument that he has been overpriced on a weekly basis. I would agree with the theory but that past trend has no effect on tonight’s race. If you compare Gateway to the tracks that it shares some qualities with like New Hampshire and Phoenix, then this race should fit right into Jones driving style. In fact, I would make a rather easy prediction and say Jones will once again lead the most laps again for the 5th straight race in a row later this evening. The bigger question is can the #4 team and driver finally close the deal for the victory?
Outside of the #88 and #4 trucks, I believe the #00 of Cole Custer may have the best shot among the rest of the field to get to victory lane. Custer run well at Gateway last year and is really good on these smaller flat surfaces. The #00 truck was 2nd fastest in practice earlier this morning and has pretty decent odds to be amongst the favorites. If you are looking for other drivers that should run well to consider as dark horses or simply favor in H2H matchups, consider guys like Tyler Reddick, Johnny Sauter, and John Hunter Nemechek. Reddick should not be a surprise as he has run well all year. Sauter on the other hand has had an up and down season. However, the #98 truck had his best practice of the year this morning and ran really well at Gateway a season ago. Also as we mentioned earlier this week, John Hunter Nemechek could be a guy that has a surprisingly solid run tonight and will look to mix it up with the leaders for the 2nd year in a row at Gateway.
2015 Drivin’ for Lineman 200 Race Picks
Erik Jones +140 (3 units): best truck in the field, just needs to close the deal, fastest in practice, prequalifying bet expecting odds to be less than even money once #4 truck wins pole
Cole Custer +600 (1 unit): early forums pick, track fits his driving style, strong in practice finishing 2nd, solid value
H2H Match-ups
Johnny Sauter +150 over Matt Crafton (1 unit)
John Hunter Nemechek +100 over Austin Theriault (1.5 units)