For those of you who read my favorite early-week bet for the First Data 500 at Martinsville (which I'm sure everyone did), you already know that I like Aric Almirola in today's race.
As I wrote, the driver of the No. 10 Ford has been fast at the flat tracks this season, including a solid run at Martinsville earlier this season, which is significant since those races used the current aero package that was implemented prior to the start of the season.
Aric has impressed since hitting the track this weekend as well, qualifying fourth while posting the second-fastest 10-lap, 15-lap and 20-lap averages in final practice.
In addition, Almirola ran the fastest 25-lap and 30-lap averages among the drivers who made runs of those lengths.
I do think he's worth some change at 50-1, which is his current price to win today's race at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook. However, I'm eyeing a different Almirola bet worth considering for the First Data 500.
Almirola (2-1) for a Top-5 Finish
For all the reasons above, Almirola should be in the mix for a top-five finish at Martinsville. In fact, the only car faster than his in practice was teammate Clint Bowyer's, indicating that Stewart-Haas Racing's setups have plenty of speed.
At the time of writing, FanDuel Sportsbook is offering 2-1 on this prop bet, but be sure to shop the market, as I've already seen a few books posting 3-1 as well.
