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11/26/2008 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - At the season-ending Sprint Cup Series awards banquet next week in New York City, Jimmie Johnson will be honored for his record-tying third consecutive championship. Johnson, who finished the season 69 points ahead of Carl Edwards, joined Cale Yarborough (1976-78) as the only drivers in NASCAR's 60-year history to win three Cup titles in a row.
Johnson's run to greatness dominated the circuit's 2008 headlines.
Johnson ended the year with seven victories and 22 top-10 finishes, but his season started off sluggishly, as he held the ninth position in points after finishing 39th at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May. His turnaround began in July, when he survived the "tire fiasco" to win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He recorded victories in the final two races of the regular season - California and Richmond - to start the "Chase for the Sprint Cup" as the third seed.
Johnson won at Kansas, the third race in the Chase, and grabbed the points lead for the first time of the season. After Edwards wrecked at Talladega and suffered mechanical problems at Charlotte, resulting in poor finishes at both tracks, Johnson was well on his way to the title.
"Talladega was a big part of it," Johnson said. "At the end, when things kind of turned out like they have, I look back at a couple of parts. I look at Talladega. I look at Phoenix as a place where we went in, came off a bad race, and we needed to be aggressive. We had to get the job done. We had to send the message back to (Edwards') guys that this thing is far from over."
Edwards scored a series-leading nine victories, including wins in three of the last four races, but came up short of spoiling Johnson's historic feat.
BUSCHED
At the start of the Chase in September, Kyle Busch was considered a strong favorite to win the championship, as he held the top seed after scoring eight wins for the season.
Busch won the spring race at Atlanta, and gave Toyota its first victory in Sprint Cup competition.
In July, there was a lot of talk of Busch tying or surpassing the modern- era record for most wins in a season. Richard Petty (1975) and Jeff Gordon (1998) share the record with 13 wins. Busch held a 207-point lead before his total was adjusted to 5,080 for the Chase.
Busch, however, never became a title contender in this year's Chase as he finished 34th at New Hampshire and then 43rd at Dover. He ended the year 10th in points.
Roush Fenway Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports once again dominated NASCAR's premier series as Edwards (Roush Fenway), Busch (Gibbs) and Johnson (Hendrick) combined for 24 wins in 36 races this season.
TROUBLE AT THE TRACK
While Johnson ended the season with a monumental achievement, NASCAR was faced with the troubling economic times as teams had to lay off hundreds of employees and scramble for sponsorship dollars in 2009.
Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing combined for seven Sprint Cup teams at the start of this season, but after the recent merger between the two organizations, Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing has been reduced to four teams, with only two of them securing full sponsorship heading into next season. Ganassi's No.40 team ceased operation midway through the season due to lack of sponsorship.
Petty Enterprises sold its controlling interest to private investor Boston Ventures, and it is struggling to find full sponsorship for the No.43 car after General Mills left at the end of the season.
With full sponsorships averaging $20 million per year, roughly 30 teams have sufficient backing for 2009, while another 15 teams have secured at least partial sponsorship or no significant financial help.
"This isn't the first economic [crisis] we've had," NASCAR chairman Brian France said. "We've been in business 60 years. We've seen the energy crisis in 1972...9/11 wasn't that long ago. This is a very big economic downturn, but we're not going to change our business model because we're in tough economic times."
"We have been in the middle of talking to team owners about them realigning with one group or another should they think that a merger would be important. We play a role in that. We obviously understand the teams that are underfunded and face the biggest risk and are working with them to find a partner, find a sponsor."
In an effort to cut costs for teams, NASCAR recently banned testing at its sanctioned tracks for its three national touring and two regional racing series next year.
In addition, given the impact of the current economic downfall upon the big three automakers in Detroit, how much the manufacturers will be involved with NASCAR next season remains uncertain. The automakers are seeking a $25 billion bailout package from the federal government.
BIG NEWS FOR STEWART, NEWMAN
The 2008 season was a memorable one for Tony Stewart, as the two-time Cup champion announced in July he'll merge with Haas CNC Racing next season to serve as both driver and owner of the newly-formed Stewart-Haas Racing. Stewart ended his 10th year at JGR by finally capturing his first Cup victory at Talladega.
Ryan Newman won the Daytona 500, giving Penske Racing its first restrictor- plate victory. Newman and Penske, however, announced they would part ways at the end of the season, with Newman later being named the second driver at Stewart's new team.
Stewart and Newman will both drive Chevrolets next year.
BAD BLOOD
Busch and Edwards sparked a rivalry in August at Bristol Motor Speedway. Edwards nudged Busch aside and grabbed the lead with 31 laps to go as he won the Sharpie 500 for the second year in a row. A frustrated Busch retaliated at the conclusion of the race by intentionally bumping Edwards. But Edwards responded by driving into the right side of Busch's car, spinning him around.
Busch enjoyed his best season so far in his first year with JGR. However, it's not without his own share of controversy, particularly stemming from the incident in May at Richmond International Raceway when he spun out Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in the final stages of the race.
Meanwhile, Edwards and Kevin Harvick engaged in a verbal and physical altercation last month in the Nationwide garage at Lowe's Motor Speedway, stemming from an accident Edwards triggered the week before at Talladega.
BIG-NAME STRUGGLES
Earnhardt, Jr., in his first season with Hendrick, snapped a 76-race winless streak in June at Michigan, but it turned out to be his only points-paying victory of the year. Earnhardt, Jr. began the year by winning both the Budweiser Shootout and the Gatorade Duel at Daytona.
Hendrick announced Mark Martin will join the organization in 2009, replacing Casey Mears in the No.5 car. Mears will take over the Richard Childress Racing No.07 Chevrolet, as Clint Bowyer moves to a fourth entry for RCR, the No.33.
Perhaps the season's biggest surprise was a winless Jeff Gordon, who failed to record a victory for the first time since his rookie season in 1993. Last year, Gordon scored six victories and finished second to teammate Johnson in the championship standings.
Matt Kenseth and Kevin Harvick were also winless this year.
YOUNG GUNS
David Ragan was arguably the most improved driver in Sprint Cup, as the second-year driver finished 13th in points with 14 top-10's. Regan Smith won rookie-of-the-year honors, but doesn't know his ride status for next year. Smith drove the No.01 Chevrolet for DEI. However, the merger of DEI and Ganassi into a four-team organization and a lack of sponsorship for the No.01 car has made Smith a free agent.
Open-wheel stars Dario Franchitti, Patrick Carpentier and Jacques Villeneuve made the switch to NASCAR, but their careers in stock-car racing appear to have been short-lived. Franchitti was relieved from his driving duties when Ganassi closed shop on his No.40 team. He returned to IndyCars later in the year. Carpentier was released from Gillett Evernham Motorsports, and Villeneuve lost his ride at Bill Davis Racing after he failed to qualify for the Daytona 500.
Sam Hornish, Jr., another open-wheel veteran-turned-NASCAR rookie, started in 34 of 36 races for Penske this season, but failed to qualifying for Homestead. He's expected back with the team next year.
IN OTHER NEWS...
Away from the track, NASCAR had its share of news in 2008.
The sanctioning body unveiled its upgraded substance-abuse policy in September, to include random testing beginning in 2009. All drivers, crew members and even race officials will be tested prior to the start of this coming season, and will be subject to random tests throughout the year.
The Car of Tomorrow ran the full Cup schedule this year, but driver safety concerns, such as unsafe carbon monoxide levels inside the cars, continued to be addressed. Soaring temperatures at Michigan and Sonoma, California in June prompted NASCAR to monitor heat and carbon monoxide inside the COTs.
Former Nationwide Series official Mauricia Grant filed a lawsuit against NASCAR for $225 million, claiming incidents of sexual harassment and racial discrimination.
Before you know it Speedweeks 2009 will be here in February, and likely the biggest topics of discussion will be Johnson's quest for a record fourth- straight series championship, and the economic recession and its effect on the sport.
Nonetheless, the 2009 season should be filled with plenty of memories, surprises and disappointments, as usual.
<< Denver WR Royal misses Wednesday's practice
Denver, CO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Denver Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal did not
participate in the team's practice on Wednesday due to a toe injury.
Royal, who has caught 58 passes for 673 yards and four touchdowns in his
rookie season
<< Quad City assigns Baldwin to Las Vegas
Moline, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Quad City Flames assigned defenseman Gord
Baldwin to Las Vegas of the ECHL, the American Hockey League club announced on
Wednesday.
Baldwin, who began his second pro season with Las Vegas, split his
<< Giants' Burress sits out practice
East Rutherford, NJ (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico
Burress missed practice Wednesday because of a hamstring injury.
Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said he is unsure if Burress will be available
for Sunday's game
<< NHL Northwest: Wild struggling on offense
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Unlike what their name may suggest, Minnesota has been
anything but Wild on offense this year.
Minnesota ranks just 25th in the NHL this year with 2.42 goals per game, down
from the 2.68 GPG it netted last year to rank 18t
Cowboys' Romo Seeking Measure of Revenge vs. Seahawks >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - As fans at Texas Stadium celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday
by watching their Cowboys play host to the Seattle Seahawks, Dallas
quarterback Tony Romo will be busy trying to exorcise a demon.
The last time Romo faced the Se
Tasty Battle of NFL Birds Featured on Thanksgiving Night >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The mood could turn celebratory at Lincoln Financial Field
on Thursday night, though that celebration might have less to do with
Philadelphia Eagles fans enjoying their Thanksgiving holiday than with the
Arizona Cardinals rej
Kaberle activated from IR >>
Raleigh, NC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Carolina Hurricanes activated defenseman
Frantisek Kaberle from injured reserve on Wednesday.
Kaberle missed Carolina's last 18 games after suffering a broken leg in an
October 17 contest at Los Ange
Bordeaux keeps CL hopes alive with draw against Chelsea >>
Bordeaux, France (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Alou Diarra's header with seven minutes to
play helped Bordeaux claim a valuable 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Wednesday in
Champions League Group A play.
The goal canceled out Nicolas Anelka's opener on
NFL betting action is back! At MySportsbook, all of the pro football odds are posted for the NFC North. Check out how we see the four teams in this cloudy division stacking up this year in the chase for the playoffs! Green Bay Packers (+125) - With QB Aaron Rodgers leading the offense and DC Dom Capers working his magic on defense, the Packers are a real force to be reckoned with.
Virtually nothing changed on this offense for Green Bay from last year to this year, save for the addition of rookie OT Brian Bulaga to the bunch. Expect more huge numbers from the Pack, and a relatively favorable schedule should get them over the hump and into the playoffs once again this season. My NFL Betting Predictions: 11-5, 1st place in NFC North Minnesota Vikings (+130) - There are still too many unknowns about the Vikes this year. There is a huge difference between QB Brett Favre and either Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels under center. Plus, is Favre comes back, is he really going to be able to keep his pick total under double digits again? Depth at running back looked like it might have been an issue with RB Chester Taylor fleeing in free agency, but drafting RB Toby Gerhart should pick up the difference. This defense is still suitable, but with a first place schedule, making the playoffs is going to be very tough regardless of whether #4 comes back or not.
There is a huge difference between QB Brett Favre and either Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels under center. Plus, is Favre comes back, is he really going to be able to keep his pick total under double digits again? Depth at running back looked like it might have been an issue with RB Chester Taylor fleeing in free agency, but drafting RB Toby Gerhart should pick up the difference. This defense is still suitable, but with a first place schedule, making the playoffs is going to be very tough regardless of whether #4 comes back or not. Play this weekly NFL Football Contestto see if you can win.
Chicago Bears (+350) - The Bears are probably a bit of an overhyped team once again this year.No, we don't think it is plausible for QB Jay Cutler to have as bad of a season as he did last year, and we do think the additions of RB Chester Taylor and DE Julius Peppers are going to help immensely, but there's still something in the water in the Windy City that we aren't so sure about. Maybe Chicago finds its way to .500... but then again, maybe it doesn't. If Favre comes back, Cutler might be the worst quarterback in this division this year.
Detroit Lions (+1500) - The Lions are probably once again going to be the whipping boys for the rest of the teams in the NFC North, but they aren't just going to roll over and die once again. There is some real talent amassing on this team offensively, as the combination of QB Matt Stafford, RB Jahvid Best, WR Calvin Johnson, and TE Brandon Pettigrew should put a bunch of points on the board if the offensive line can even remotely hold up. The questions really lie on defense, where it feels like DT Ndamukong Suh is going to be trying to stop opposing teams all by himself. This year should show some marked improvement in the Motor City.
The Patriots will make NFL betting fans a lot of money this season, get in early and enjoy the cash.
To visit this sportsbook go to MySportsbook.com for all your NFL football betting needs.
Will Ohio State continue to run the table in College Football betting odds?
MySportsbook.com favors Buckeyes, Fighting Irish and Golden Bears in this weekend's big games.
NEW YORK, NY, Sept. 21 - My Sportsbook NCAA football fans: things are beginning to get really interesting on college football's national stage. Following last weekend's "Separation Saturday", which included five teams ranked in the top 15 dropping games, the BCS Championship picture is beginning to take shape - with Ohio State leading the charge. And, according to odds makers at MySportsbook.com, the number-one-ranked Buckeyes will continue their winning ways this weekend.
Revenge will be the name of the game in Columbus this Saturday, as Ohio State looks to even the score following last season's loss to Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions. Although Penn State are listed as 16.5 point underdogs, they are 11-10 all-time versus the Buckeyes. Paterno and the Lions, however, will have to shut down Heisman Trophy favorite Troy Smith who has thrown for 769 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Speaking of revenge, Notre Dame will be out for some against Michigan State, following last year's 44 - 41 overtime loss to the Spartans in South Bend. The thirteenth-ranked Irish, listed as a 3-point favorite, will also be looking to avenge last Saturday's thrashing from the Michigan Wolverines. The Spartans, meanwhile, have won seven of the last nine match-ups against Notre Dame and are coming off an impressive 38-23 victory over Pittsburgh.
Out west, 22nd-ranked Arizona State will be battling for their first victory over 21st-ranked California since 2000. Although the Golden Bears are listed as 7.5-point favorites, the Sun Devils are 3-0, lead the nation in sacks with 18 and possess the Pac-10's leading passer in sophomore quarterback Rudy Carpenter.
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Visa needs.
NCAA Football betting lines (home team in CAPS)
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Date Favorite Opponent Point Spread
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Sept 21 GEORGIA TECH Virginia 17
Sept 22 NEVADA Northwestern 6.5
Sept 23 MICHIGAN Wisconsin 14
Sept 23 Minnesota PURDUE 3
Sept 23 SYRACUSE Miami (Ohio) 6.5
Sept 23 MISSOURI Ohio 21.5
Sept 23 Louisville KANSAS STATE 14
Sept 23 TENNESSEE Marshall 22
Sept 23 CLEMSON North Carolina 16.5
Sept 23 FLORIDA Kentucky 24
Sept 23 Iowa ILLINOIS 20.5
Sept 23 FLORIDA STATE Rice 30.5
Sept 23 AUBURN Buffalo 41.5
Sept 23 BOWLING GREEN Kent 7
Sept 23 NAVY Tulsa 4.5
Sept 23 VIRGINIA TECH Cincinnati 27
Sept 23 BYU Utah State 29
Sept 23 OHIO STATE Penn State 16.5
Sept 23 TEXAS Iowa State 25
Sept 23 Washington State STANFORD 10
Sept 23 CALIFORNIA Arizona State 7.5
Sept 23 UCLA WASHINGTON 3
Sept 23 INDIANA Connecticut 1.5
Sept 23 Central Michigan EASTERN MICHIGAN 4
Sept 23 WYOMING Air Force 1
Sept 23 UTEP NEW MEXICO 9.5
Sept 23 West Virginia EAST CAROLINA 21
Sept 23 Boston College NORTH CAROLINA STATE 7
Sept 23 GEORGIA Colorado 27
Sept 23 ARKANSAS Alabama 1.5
Sept 23 BAYLOR Army 11
Sept 23 WESTERN MICHIGAN Temple 28
Sept 23 MISSISSIPPI Wake Forest 2.5
Sept 23 KANSAS South Florida 5.5
Sept 23 TEXAS A&M Louisiana Tech 23.5
Sept 23 UAB Mississippi State 9.5
Sept 23 LSU Tulane 36
Sept 23 Utah SAN DIEGO STATE 6.5
Sept 23 BOISE STATE Hawaii 15
Sept 23 Notre Dame MICHIGAN STATE 3
Sept 23 USC ARIZONA U 22
Sept 23 Oklahoma State HOUSTON 1
Sept 23 OREGON STATE Idaho 23
Sept 23 OKLAHOMA Middle Tennessee State 29
Sept 23 MARYLAND Florida International 18.5
Sept 23 AKRON North Texas 17.5
Sept 23 SOUTH CAROLINA Florida Atlantic 29.5
Sept 23 NEBRASKA Troy 23
Sept 23 SMU Arkansas State 6
For complete NCAA football odds and World Series odds please visit MySportsbook.com
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