NASCAR: Coca-Cola 600 Betting

NASCAR betting is back at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600. The Sprint Cup Series' drivers had better stretch their legs before getting behind the wheel Sunday. This is NASCAR’s longest event, presenting a challenge for even the most savvy wheelmen. Here's a look at the favorites for this weekend's race:

Jimmie Johnson (+350) used to be a solid bet, week in and week out. However, the four-time Sprint Cup champ has struggled in recent races, finishing inside the Top 10 in just one of his last five events. Johnson is coming off a so-so showing at the Sprint Cup All-Star Race at Charlotte last weekend, finishing 13^th after starting in seventh. Johnson has done well at Charlotte in the past, finishing inside the Top 10 13 times while visiting Victory Lane four times in 17 career starts. Last season, he dropped from fifth to 13^th but did lead six laps.

Jeff Gordon (+600) is trying to put a rough day at Charlotte behind him after finishing 20^th in the All-Star Race. He had success here earlier in his career, with three wins. Last season, Gordon started in the second row but fell to 14^th at the Coca-Cola 600. He is still looking for his first win of the season and hasn't tasted the champagne since last March.

Kyle Busch (+700) is in the midst of a nasty feud with teammate Denny Hamlin. The two Joe Gibbs Racing members were involved in a wreck during the 10-lap shootout of the All-Star Race, sending Busch into the wall while Hamlin rolled to a fourth-place finish. They butted heads following the race, leaving many to question how they'll work together Sunday. Busch has been one of the best drivers in NASCAR, jumping to second in the points standings. He's finished inside the Top 10 in six straight races outside of last weekend, including wins at Dover and Richmond. 

Hamlin (+800) is coming out as the good guy in his clash with Busch. He's been just as good behind the wheel in recent weeks, posting six Top-5 showings in his last eight races. He's got two wins this year and an average finish of 13^th – good enough for fifth in the Chase for the Cup standings. What's even more impressive is that Hamlin is still recovering from knee surgery. He finished 11^th in last year's Coca-Cola 600, 24^th in 2008, and ninth in 2007. 

Kurt Busch (+1,200) is coming off a successful weekend and hopes to keep the good times rolling at Charlotte. He had the fastest car in the 10-lap shootout, jumping to a comfortable lead to win the All-Star Race and take home a cool $1 million. Busch is ninth in the points standings, finishing inside the Top 10 in six of the 12 races this season including a win at Atlanta back in March. 

Kevin Harvick (+1,500) is still holding a 69-point lead over Kyle Busch in the points standings. The No. 29 Chevrolet has been the model of consistency this season, owning an average finish of ninth. Harvick placed sixth in the All-Star Race last Sunday, marking it the sixth straight race he's cracked the Top 10. He recently signed a four-year extension with Richard Childress Racing, which should be incentive enough to run near the front this weekend.