Full Throttle

May 6, 2004

Bodog.com Sportsbook, Casino and Poker™ has released odds on who will capture the 2004 Nextel Cup Championship.

Jeff Gordon has won his past 2 straight races and has bridged the point gap between himself and current points leader Dale Earnhardt Jr.

“You constantly hear talk about athletes needing poise under pressure, well I have to say that professional drivers have to be the most poised athletes in all of the professional sports,” said Rob Gillespie, former book manager and respected industry author. “They need to sustain a high level of concentration over extended periods of time under high stress situations.”

Jeff Gordon’s 2 straight wins are part of 5 straight top 10 finishes, which have vaulted the veteran from 13th to 3rd in the overall race. Current points leader Dale Earnhardt Jr is also the odds on favorite to capture the Nextel Championship, with odds currently running at 9/2. Jimmie Johnson, who has enjoyed a very successful season of his own, sits second in points, and second in odds to capture the Championship. Johnson’s odds are currently listed at 11/2. Jeff Gordon is a four-time Cup Champion and with his recent onslaught on the tracks he has made a move to retake the Cup this year. Gordon’s odds have him right in the fray at 6/1. Three drivers with an outside chance of capturing this year’s cup are Michael Waltrip, at 100/1, Jeff Burton, at 150/1, and the extreme long shot Brian Vickers, running at 200/1 odds.

“Gordon has a wealth of experience, and if there is a driver that could go from 13th to 1st, Jeff Gordon is far and away the man to do it,” said Gillespie. “Motor sports are great to watch since so many variables come into play, and a strong team backing a strong driver is where success will come from.”

View the 2004 Nextel Championship prop here.