2016 Alpha Energy Solutions 200 Race Predictions

2016 Alpha Energy Solutions 200 Race Predictions
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Betting Preview
Saturday October 29th, 1:22PM (EST) at Martinsville Speedway
by Jay Horne of NASCARWagers.com, NASCAR Handicapping Service

The Camping World Truck Series will go racing at Martinsville Speedway this afternoon with the running of the Alpha Energy Solutions 200. Last week, Grant Enfinger scored his first career win in the Camping World Truck Series at Talladega. Meanwhile John Hunter Nemecheck and Daniel Hemric were eliminated from the Chase as the field was whittled down to just 6 drivers. Today we go from the largest track on circuit to the smallest as our focus centers around the half-mile paperclip at Martinsville. Take a look as we preview today’s event and provide our 2016 Alpha Energy Solutions 200 race predictions!

Today’s race will mark the 2nd stop of the season from the Truck Series at Martinsville Speedway. Back in April, Kyle Busch wheeled his way to victory in the Alpha Energy Solutions 250. Sprint Cup Series drivers dominated the race with Busch and Kyle Larson leading the vast majority of the laps. Today neither Kyle Busch or Kyle Larson will be in action. However, Chase Elliott will represent the lone Sprint Cup Series talent this afternoon driving the #71 machine for Carlos Contreras. Elliott has been competitive in every level of NASCAR’s touring series including his 13 starts in the Truck Series in 2013 at 17 years of age.

The question today is not necessarily around Elliott’s talent but is he in good enough equipment to get the job done? Unlike other Sprint Cup Series drivers that typically come jump in top tier rides, Elliott is driving a truck that has just 2 top 10 finishes in 18 starts this year from various drivers. Additionally the #71 truck has experienced some sort of mechanical issues in 1/3 of their races this season. I originally jumped on Elliott at the early odds of +650 but wish I would have waited considering his odds are a good bit better at this time. Elliott still made the #71 truck look good in race trim in Friday’s practices but there is no doubt that he is a high risk bet either way.

Even though Elliott will carry the banner for the Sprint Cup Series drivers this afternoon, today’s winner will likely come from the group of drivers still alive in the championship hunt. Martinsville Speedway is a tough track for drivers to get accustomed to which is often the reason experience shines on this half-mile surface. In the 6 drivers competing for the Truck Series Championship, Matt Crafton, Johnny Sauter, and Timothy Peters all have Grandfather Clock trophies to their resume. In fact, both Crafton and Sauter have multiple wins at Martinsville and are always threats for the victory at this place.

I think those 3 drivers have a great shot to add to their trophy case this afternoon. Meanwhile, I will still be giving plenty of attention to the likes of William Byron, Daniel Suarez, John Hunter Nemechek, and possibly even Cole Custer as guys who also pose a threat for today’s race. Byron has proved he can win everywhere this season and his 3rd place finish back in April in his 1st start at the paperclip justifies his chances today. Byron was another driver I jumped on early at +600 odds and that appears to be a great move as he is now less than 2 to 1. Bryon was fast through all practices and even posted the fastest lap in final practice so he definitely should be one of the guys to beat this afternoon.

If we are talking about drivers with chances, I think you have to mention Daniel Suarez in that fold. Suarez is in a fast track and he typically runs well. However, he just does not win enough races for me to feel confident in backing him this afternoon at rather conservative odds. A pair of guys that may have the odds worth consideration include both John Hunter Nemecheck and Cole Custer. Both guys are notorious short track racers and have looked good in practices thus far. Nemechek posted a runner-up finish here back in April so I obviously like his chances a bit more. However, Custer is still worthy of the dark horse consideration as well.