2007 Dodge Avenger Predictions

The race may be called the Dodge Avenger 500, but all signs point to seeing a Chevy finish first at Darlington, most likely Jimmie Johnson’s or Jeff Gordon’s Chevy.

Jeff Gordon has finished in the top five in 6 of the last 12 races at Darlington including three top five finishes over the last three years.

The Dodge Avenger 500 is the result of a merger between the Carolina Dodger Dealer’s 400 and the Mountain Dew Southern 500. Jimmie Johnson won both of those events in 2004 and has finished 7th and 4th in the new once a year race format the past two seasons. His dominance at Darlington makes him another strong candidate.

Some of you race junkies might be saying “what about Greg Biffle”? Before the race merged, his best finish at Darlington was tenth, but he has won the first two Dodge Charger 500’s (the race’s previous name) and he’s looking to make it three straight in 2007. I’m sorry to say I’m not buying. He’s only finished in the top 10 twice in 2007 and not better than fifth. He’s looked soft behind the wheel his last three races and really all season. I don’t think his Ford car gets it done again this time around.

Jeff Gordon is at the top of the leader board heading into this one. I normally don’t like a lot of favorites, but he is out for blood in 2007 to prove that he is still the man to beat in NASCAR. He has six poles including four straight, three first place finishes, three seconds, a third, and two fourths. That’s the kind of domination that made Jeff Gordon a household name.

Gordon’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Jimmie Johnson, is tearing up the track as well and currently ranks second in the 2007 NASCAR standings. He has more first place finishes, with four, than Gordon. He has eight top five finishes and has been in the top five in seven of his last nine races. With his solid history at Darlington, you can bet he will be amond the leaders.

I’m not going to just tell you to take your pick even though it looks like it could be a dead heat between the two teammates. Johnson has maybe driven slightly better in 2007 on race day, but he is yet to capture a pole. Gordon’s six poles have been huge for him this season. I’m siding with the NASCAR leader to dethrone Greg Biffle at Darlington. You won’t find a safer bet.