NASCAR Jack: From Tasmania to the Finger Lakes
By NASCAR JACK

It’s raining today in Tasmania with the high expected to be around 55 degrees. For Marcos Ambrose (+300), who learned his trade karting in Tasmania and then moved up to the Australian motor series, all he wants is sunshine in upper New York state in order to continue his assault on the road track at Watkins Glen.

The Devil Racer repeated as winner of the Nationwide race yesterday and churned his way to the favorite for today’s Cup race. His prowess as a road racer was never more visible than when he bumped last year's winner, Kyle Busch (+800), at the bus stop and masterfully took the lead for good.

It will be an enjoyable afternoon watching an artist performing his craft.

Here are my matchup picks:

Marcos Ambrose (-150) vs Juan Pablo Montoya (+120)

Marcos is up against another road specialist. Juan Pablo is showing himself to be one of the best in NASCAR and sits in eighth spot in the standings. He starts 10th today, while Ambrose starts in fourth like a scorpion poised to sting any challenger. I’m taking Ambrose. You didn’t think I would pick someone else after that intro did you?

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (+120) vs Clint Boyer (-150)

This should be a slam dunk for Clint, who is having a much better year than Junior. Boyer has four top five finishes, eight top 10s and a better AF (average finish) than Earnhardt. My problem with this matchup is whether Boyer can be patient enough to stay out of the kitty litter. I say he will need a tow truck. Pick Junior.

Kurt Busch (-125) vs Denny Hamlin (-105)

Kurt is fourth in the standings, Denny is fifth. Kurt is starting in second spot today, Denny in third. That's about as close as they will be today because Denny will be a contender and Kurt won’t. Denny has a top five and three top 10s with a AF of 6.7. Kurt has zeros. Pick Hamlin.

Kasey Kahne (-130) vs Ryan Newman (Even)

Both drivers are having terrific seasons and only 15 points separate them. Neither has been proficient at road courses but KK changed that with this year’s win at Sonoma. That will give him extra confidence as he goes for the road race sweep. Pick Kahne.

Last week: 2-2

Season: 31-39