Happy Harvick value to join in Johnson's party

THEY have finally found a track where Jimmie Johnson doesn't have an incredible record, but it looks far to late to deny Nascar's top man a record-breaking fourth straight Sprint Cup crown.

Once the field have crossed the line for Sunday's Ford 400 at Homestead, Florida (Sky Sports Xtra, 8pm), only Johnson and his Hendricks Motorsports team-mate Mark Martin will be in the hunt for the title – and Johnson will be assured of the quadruple if he finishes 25th or better even if Martin wins the race.

Homestead, used just once a year in the series, is one of those rare tracks where Johnson has never won. In eight attempts he has one second place and one third, with a mediocre for him average of 13.6.

That said, the car on pole position is the No. 48 Chevvy containing the champion elect...

Twenty-first, third and seventh in the practice sessions, he does look opposable at a bigger-than-usual 4-1, particularly as cruising around and staying out of trouble will be plenty good enough to take the title.

Martin, at 6-1, seems a solid first port of call for an alternative. The veteran has had a tremendous campaign and his practice pace suggests he has at least as strong a claim as Johnson to post Hendricks' first win at Homestead.

He was fastest in second practice, third in Happy Hour and lines up on the second row, with only Scott Speed and Aussie Marcos Ambrose between him and his title rival.

The biggest value around, though, may lie with Stan James's 25-1 for Kevin Harvick, who was second fastest in final practice and lines up sixth on the grid.

He was second to Carl Edwards in this race last season, fifth in 2006 and eighth in 2005, so the place clearly suits him.

No driver has been more consistent this weekend than Ryan Newman, who posted solid placings of fourth, fourth and fifth in practice and from seventh on the grid hehas the pace to contend for a place in the money at 33-1.

Ambrose can't be left out at 100-1 from an unusually high starting spot on the second row. The Aussie has really made his mark on the series this season and his solid if not spectacular practice times suggest he can stay towards the front. He almost certainly won't shy away from mixing it with the title contenders.

Others to consider are Jeff Burton, who has enjoyed a recent revival and was fastest in final practice. He's done in 26th on the grid but is a master at cruising his way towards the front from such positions. Also Clint Bowyer has been looking more lively in recent races and starts tenth.

This has traditionally been a happy hunting ground for track sponsors Ford, with Edwards winning last year and Matt Kenseth (2007 winner, led a lot of laps last year) and Greg Biffle (2006, 2005 wins) also strong, but given the team's overall slump this season none can be fancied - Biffle led the way in qualifying with eighth place.

Recommendations

Kevin Harvick
2pts e-w 25-1 Stan James

Mark Martin
2pts 6-1 Stan James

Ryan Newman
2pts e-w 33-1 Stan James

Marcos Ambrose
0.5pt e-w 100-1 Betfred, Blue Sq, Stan James