Football Betting

Crew chief Letarte extends contract with HMS

Autoracing Betting Lines

07/30/2010 - Pocono, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Steve Letarte, the crew chief for four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, has signed a multi-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports.

Letarte and HMS made the announcement Friday at Pocono Raceway, the site of this weekend's Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500.

"I'm extremely excited," the 31-year-old Letarte said. "Hendrick Motorsports is the only company I've ever received a paycheck from. I've worked here since I was a teenager, and they've provided wonderful opportunities for me. I owe a lot to them. I'm really excited to be extended here so I can go a few more years."

HMS promoted Letarte to Gordon's crew chief in September 2005 when then crew chief Robbie Loomis departed the team and took a position with Petty Enterprises. Later that season, Letarte picked up his first win as a crew chief when Gordon scored the victory at Martinsville Speedway.

Gordon currently is second in points, but has been winless in the last 49 races, which is the longest drought in his Cup career. His most recent victory came in April 2009 at Texas. Gordon's last series title came in 2001.


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Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value

If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture.  Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).

For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot.  The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.

TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the  drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.

"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,'  it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."

"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.

Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash.  Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win. 

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