It’s that time of the year when NASCAR tries to bring in some racing fans too dumb to understand Formula One.

And since NASCAR’s target market are mostly rednecks, these guys could just rename this thing they do going around in circles for 300-plus laps as the 2008 NASCAR Chase for the Cup, and have their fans get excited about it.

So who are the favorites? Well, there’s Jimmie Johnson for one. Johnson comes into the 2008 Chase for the Cup as the two-time defending Sprint Cup champion. Johnson has been relatively quiet in 2008. He has just four wins in the series this season. However, he comes into the Chase with lots of momentum as the winner of the last two races.

Jimmie Johnson and his no.48 Hendrick Motorsports team know how to get the job done during the Chase. They have been in this situation before and prevailed.

Next we have Dale Earnhardt Jr. Junior is one of four drivers with one win during the regular season. He comes into the Chase 70 points behind Kyle Busch and since he’s now one of the more popular figures in the sport, getting his fan base going for the Chase is as easy as, well… you get the drift.

Clint Bowyer, who had to battle his way into the Chase, also has to be a favorite. He was 12th in points coming into Richmond and held off David Ragan for the final Chase spot.

Among other notables include Denny Hamlin, who had a frustrating Chase in 2007. Bad luck and bad finishes caused him to wind up a distant 12th in the final standings, last among the 2007 Chasers. Jeff Burton, who started 2008 with 14 consecutive finishes of 13th or better, is also another contender.

Who will win the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Kyle Busch 2.00

Dale Earnhardt Jr. 6.50

Jimmie Johnson 7.00

Jeff Gordon 11.00

Want more odds? Visit Bodog for more NASCAR betting odds and the best betting lines on some of today’s biggest sporting events.

2008 NASCAR Season Sprint Cup