There will be no discussion of principles package, changes, horsepower or drafting in this week’s STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway.

The smallest track on the NASCAR program at only a half-mile produces tight racing and intimate contest simply because of its close quarters.

Drivers require a particular skill set to succeed at the historic path. But patience and a cool head during a 500-lap, nearly four-hour grind is also paramount to win the race or complete well.

For those who like NASCAR gambling, here are six motorists to look at backing in Sunday’s STP 500.

Kyle Busch (+200)
It is likely going to be a while before Busch isn’t considered a popular at any course on the Cup circuit. He is off to some red-hot start and has won two races in a row.

His Automobile Club Speedway success a week back was his 200th career NASCAR national series win. Busch has a streak of seven straight Martinsville top-10 finishes such as wins in the 2016 spring race and 2017 fall race. Bet Busch to acquire at +200 and -200 to complete 1st-3rd with SugarHouse in New Jersey.

Brad Keselowski (+500)
Keselowski has ended from the top-10 seven out of the previous eight Martinsville races and won there in the 2017 spring race.

In the past 10 races in the course, the Team Penske driver has headed the third-most laps at 427. Bet him to triumph +500 and +125 to complete 1st-3rd with 888Sport in New Jersey.

Joey Logano (+600)
Martinsville was a contentious place for Logano over time, including last October when he made contact with Martin Truex Jr. over the previous turn of the final lap to have the lead and the win.

However, Logano is also among the strongest drivers in the track, and it has led 825 laps at its own previous 10 races (second most) including 309 before the field last fall. Bet him to win +600 and +150 to finish 1st-3rd with 888Sport.

Martin Truex Jr. (+600)
Truex, new at Joe Gibbs Racing this season, hasn’t forgotten how things ended last year with Logano and might have revenge in his mind.

The 2017 series winner has never won a short track race in his Cup career but was at the top-five the previous three Martinsville outings. Bet Truex Jr. to win +600 and +150 to finish 1st-3rd with SugarHouse.

Clint Bowyer (+1000)
He finished a long drought in last spring’s Martinsville race when he dominated by leading 215 laps and took the checkered flag.

Bowyer has struggled early this season but is considered among the very best short-track racers in the series as he proved again 1 year ago. Bet Bowyer to triumph at +1000 and +250 to finish 1st-3rd with 888Sport.

Denny Hamlin (+1000)
The Virginia native believes Martinsville a home track and had tens of thousands of laps under his belt at regional racing at the track before he migrated to NASCAR’s top level.

He is a five-time Martinsville winner and snuck around the Logano vs. Truex final-lap dust-up last November to finish se cond. Bet Hamlin to win at +1000 and +250 to finish 1st-3rd with SugarHouse.

2019 STP 500 Betting Tip
Last week’s qualifying session was a non-event: 12 drivers who advanced to the final round failed to get an official lap on the plank. The dozen waited till the very last second to benefit from the higher rates from the draft and miscalculated.

That won’t happen this week at Martinsville given the layout and the lack of drafting. Qualifying and receiving a high starting place might be the most critical region of the weekend.

A whopping 21 drivers have won from the pole during Martinsville’s long history. Given that the tight quarters and problem passing, particularly during extended green-flag runs, monitor position is essential. A total of 65 Cup race champions have come from the first four starting spots.

Pit stops and pit stall positioning is also critical. Look for teams close to the front four or five stalls, allowing easy access to get back on track in tight quarters, to have an advantage.

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