How fitting to have a gambling theme when a casino sponsors a race?

With four legitimate contenders competing for the 2012 Sprint Cup title, there are gaming related questions that will impact each of their chances of ending the season as champion.

Can Brad Keselowski regain his mojo?
Miller Man had a fuel gamble go against him. That’s unheard of. Fuel economy is Keselowski’s biggest competitive advantage. Without it, he can’t take home the title.

Can Jimmie Johnson win a race?
Ask Carl Edwards what good finishes will get you.

Can Denny Hamlin win twice at Kansas?
Has anyone won twice at the same track in the same year? It would be nice for Hamlin’s chance to make that happen this week.

Can Clint Bowyer win with his first brush at a title?
Champions usually fail winning a championship, learn from the near miss, then take home gold. Bowyer has the attitude to overcome a relative lack of experience this close to a title. Can we say the same for every member of that team? It would be great for racing if this were the case.

Up just a fake 102 dollars after my 234th straight loss, here are fake picks for the sake of entertainment purposes alone.

18 fake dollars on Jimmie Johnson at 5/1
Five Time has the highest average finish among active drivers at Kansas.

18 fake dollars on Denny Hamlin at 5/1
Hamlin won at Kansas earlier this year and has silently lurked the last few weeks.

14 fake dollars on Brad Keselowski at 8/1
Keselowski won at Kansas earlier this year and tends to do well at fuel duels, last week excluded.

Here's what The Spread  thinks. Enjoy the race Sunday, and insert random catchphrase here.

Denny Hamlin 5/1
Jimmie Johnson 5/1
Greg Biffle 7/1
Kyle Busch 8/1
Brad Keselowski 8/1
Kasey Kahne 8/1
Carl Edwards 12/1
Matt Kenseth 12/1
Jeff Gordon 12/1
Clint Bowyer 15/1
Martin Truex Jr 15/1
Tony Stewart 15/1
Mark Martin 15/1
Kevin Harvick 20/1
Regan Smith 30/1
Joey Logano 40/1
Ryan Newman 60/1
Kurt Busch 75/1
Sam Hornish Jr 100/1
Marcos Ambrose 100/1
Jeff Burton 200/1
Paul Menard 200/1
Danica Patrick 300/1
Bobby Labonte 300/1
AJ Allmendinger 300/1
Aric Almirola 300/1
Trevor Bayne 300/1
Juan Montoya 300/1
Jamie McMurray 300/1
Field (Any Other Driver) 50/1