Addington takes over crew chief role for Stewart

Autoracing Betting Lines

11/28/2011 - Kannapolis, NC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Steve Addington has replaced Darian Grubb as crew chief for reigning Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart effective immediately, Stewart-Haas Racing announced on Monday.

Addington has won 16 Sprint Cup races as crew chief, including two with driver Kurt Busch this season. He served in the role for Busch's team the past two seasons. Last week, Addington informed Penske Racing that he would not return with the team for the 2012 season.

Stewart and Addington worked together at Joe Gibbs Racing from 2005-08.

"I know Steve well, and I know how he goes about setting up a racecar," Stewart said in a team statement. "My comfort level with him is already strong. He balances the technical part of our sport with the real-world experiences we get at the track, and that will allow for a smooth transition, as we prepare to defend our title in 2012."

Before Addington joined Penske, he was the crew chief for the teams of Bobby Labonte (2005), J.J. Yeley (2006-07) and Busch's younger brother, Kyle, (2008 through race No.33 of the 2009 season). Twelve of his wins came with Kyle Busch at JGR.

"Tony and I are a lot alike, and we're able to push each other," Addington said. "I saw how he worked when we were at Gibbs together, and I'm not surprised at all at the success he's created at Stewart-Haas Racing. He expects a lot, and he knows a lot. His talent behind the wheel is obvious, but his ability to motivate and get everyone to believe that whatever goal they set is attainable is something every crew chief wants, and I plan to make the most of it."

The crew chief change comes eight days after Stewart clinched his third Sprint Cup championship as a driver and first as a team owner.

Stewart and Carl Edwards ended this season with 2,403 points each, but in a tiebreaker, Stewart captured the title by virtue of his five wins -- all of them coming in the 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup -- compared to only one victory for Edwards.

Grubb, who became a first-time championship-winning crew chief, had been with Stewart's No.14 Chevrolet team since the inception of SHR in '09.

"Darian was a very important part of the success we've had at Stewart-Haas Racing," Stewart noted. "I'm very proud of everything he helped accomplish, especially this year when we all rallied to win the championship. He's a great person, and I know he'll continue to be successful in this sport."

Grubb was informed midway through the Chase that he would not be back with the team next year. He had worked for Hendrick Motorsports from 2001-08.

Stewart and Grubb will be honored for their championship season on Friday in Las Vegas.

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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout

An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.

Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off.  Randy was not impressed though.  Paula thought he started off fantastic.  "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either. 

Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed.  Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact.  He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition. 

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Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys.  Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com - this sportsbook accepts credit cards.

Matt Kenseth And Kevin Harvick Favorites To Take NASCAR Nextel Cup Championship

(September 15)—The NASCAR season has hit the homestretch with the opening event on this year’s Chase for the Cup taking place this weekend at the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway. With 10 races remaining to determine the Cup Series champion, leading online sportsbook MySportsbook.com today announced odds on all 10 Chase qualifying drivers capturing the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship.

One of the largest sportsbook sites on the Internet, MySportsbook.com currently lists the top two drivers in the point standings as the early favorites to win the Nextel Cup. Entering the Chase for the Cup with a slim five-point lead in the point standings, 2003 NASCAR champ Matt Kenseth has been made a slight favorite to win his second Cup at 7/2 betting odds. 2001 Cup Rookie of the Year Kevin Harvick has betting odds listed at 5/2 and four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon is listed at 6/1 to capture the Nextel Cup this year.

Hoping to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father who won six NASCAR titles, Dale Earnhardt Jr. stands at 8/1 to breakthrough with his first Cup victory. Staying with the family theme, MySportsbook.com lists 2005 Rookie of the Year Kyle Busch at 14/1 to succeed big brother Kurt’s 2004 NASCAR title. While Kasey Kahne was the final driver to qualify for the Chase with a third place finish last week, the oddsmakers give him a fighting chance at 10/1 mainly due to several mile-and-a-half tracks remaining on the schedule. Despite going winless on the NASCAR circuit this season, Jeff Burton enters the Chase at 5/1 to capture the Cup title. Meanwhile, rookie Denny Hamlin is 4/1 to win the championship, while veteran driver Mark Martin enters the Chase for the Cup as a 15/1 long shot to win his first NASCAR title in his 24th and final season.

MySportsbook.com will offer comprehensive Nascar betting lines on every race remaining on the Nextel Cup series including driver match-ups, props and odds to win each race. For a complete list of NASCAR odds, please visit www.MySportsbook.com.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts US credit cards needs.