Let it ride.

There is no more fitting statement for NASCAR and sports wagering. After 37 races and hundreds of picks, being up fake money is a source of pride, even if that pride amounts to just 122 fake dollars. But instead of walking away with my head held high, I am taking my fake winnings from 2012 and throwing them down for 2013. Championship odds are out, and here is where my fake money is going.

24 fake dollars on Tony Stewart at 10/1
Let’s assume this new car model resembles to the COT. Hendrick Motorsports had great success in those races. Stewart started strong, wins at Chase tracks and has secure sponsorship. He can let it ride.

So what about Jimmie Johnson? The #48’s numbers were some of his historical best, and he didn't win the title. If Johnson dips at all, can 5-time become 6-time? I just don’t see it, especialy at 7/2.

22 fake dollars on Brad Keselowksi at 11/1
The manufacturer switch will be an issue. But Joey Logano is a major teammate upgrade, if for no other reason than he brings Joe Gibbs Racing knowledge to the shop. Plus, Keselowski is wearing the crown well and doesn’t look like the type of person to let up. Coupled with his Nationwide schedule, and I can see a repeat champion.

21 fake dollars on Kasey Kahne at 12/1
Did anyone have a more quietly successful season than Kahne? As tracks get faster, Kahne looks like a better and better pick for races. Why not titles?

19 fake dollars on Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle at 14/1

Roush cars are hot and cold. 2012 was cold. Really cold at the end.  The 1.5 mile configurations suit Roush cars well, and his teams ran well on superspeedways.

17 fake dollars on Dale Earnhardt Jr. at 15/1
Earnhardt Jr. successfully ran for points in 2012. If we think the Hendrick model will do well, can’t imagine Johnson repeating 2012 and don’t trust Jeff Gordon, that leaves Kahne and the #88.

Here’s how your favorite driver stacks up. Enjoy the ride this holiday season, and insert random catchphrase here.

Here’s a look at the complete list of odds to win the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion offered by Wynn Las Vegas:
Jimmie Johnson 7/2
Denny Hamlin 7/1
Kyle Busch 8/1
Clint Bowyer 9/1
Tony Stewart 10/1
Matt Kenseth 10/1
Jeff Gordon 11/1
Brad Keselowski 11/1
Kasey Kahne 12/1
Carl Edwards 14/1
Greg Biffle 14/1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 15/1
Kevin Harvick 16/1
Martin Truex Jr. 22/1
Jamie McMurray 30/1
Ryan Newman 30/1
Juan Pablo Montoya 40/1
Joey Logano 50/1
Ricky Stenhouse 50/1
Paul Menard 60/1
Jeff Burton 75/1
Marcos Ambrose 85/1
Kurt Busch 100/1
Aric Almirola 100/1
A.J. Allmendinger 200/1
Danica Patrick 250/1
Regan Smith 300/1
Field 50/1