Franchitti takes pole for season-opener in Brazil

Autoracing Betting Lines

03/14/2010 - Sao Paulo, Brazil (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti will start on the pole for the Sao Paulo Indy 300 after posting the fastest time in Sunday's qualifying on the streets of Sao Paulo.

One day after qualifying was delayed due to poor track conditions, Franchitti lapped the 2.6-mile, 11-turn street circuit in one minute, 27.7354 seconds. Qualifying took place on the same day as the race -- a first for the series.

"I was a little surprised to get into (the Firestone Fast Six)," Franchitti said. "I didn't have a very good day yesterday. We struggled to get my car the way I wanted it to work."

IRL officials postponed Saturday's scheduled qualifying after slippery concrete and very bumpy conditions along the front straightaway portion of the track presented safety concerns. Part of the straight rests on an area referred to as the Anbembi Sambodromo, which is one-third of a mile in length. The track surface in that section recently was painted for an annual spring carnival in Sao Paulo.

Track officials brought in grinding equipment and added grooves to the track overnight. Drivers participated in a 30-minute warm-up session during the morning, and track conditions significantly improved.

Franchitti was among several drivers who spun and crashed during the first two practice sessions.

Alex Tagliani, making his debut with the FAZZT Race Team, grabbed the outside pole after finishing 0.322 seconds behind Franchitti.

Justin Wilson, in his first run with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, qualified third. Ryan Hunter-Reay and Will Power rounded out the top-five.

Tony Kanaan, Scott Dixon, who was fastest in two of the three practice sessions, Ryan Briscoe, Brazilian Helio Castroneves and rookie Takuma Sato will start sixth through 10th, respectively.

Danica Patrick, fresh off a three-race NASCAR Nationwide Series stint, will start 13th.

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Mens NCAA Basketball Tournament odds  
As of February 9, MySportsbook.com has released its coveted 2007 Mens NCAA Basketball Tournament betting odds. “March Madness betting ” only a month away, the top ranked Florida Gators are favorite at 7-2 to win it all. The defending champs have not disappointed at all this season and currently have a 22-2 record and are undefeated (9-0) in SEC play. The Gators’ thrive off of their extremely balanced, experienced and versatile attack. All five starters started in last seasons National Championship game. What is most impressive with this group is their balance; the five starters all average between 10.7 and 13.6 PPG. The Gators have been on an absolute roll having won 15 straight by an average of 16.4 PPG.

Right behind the Gators are the 5th ranked UNC Tar Heels at 9-2. The Heels (21-3, 7-2) are absolutely loaded with top notch talent and are as deep as any team in the country. A concern for the Tar Heels might be inexperience. Of their top four scorers/ minute earners, three are freshmen and the other is a sophomore. The rest of the regular season, the Tar Heels play only one team that is currently ranked (Duke). Their remaining opponents do combine for an impressive 107-58 record though.

Other teams that the MySportsbook.com members seem to believe will win it all include the west coasts’ top team #2 UCLA (6-1), #3 OSU behind man-child Greg Oden (8-1), and #4 Wisconsin (10-1) behind their defense which has given up 70+ points only three times all season.

Below is a list of some of the favorites to win the 2007 Men’s NCAA Basketball Championship lines. For the full list of teams and March Madness odds be sure to log onto MySportsbook.com. If you want to use your credit card to bet on college hoops or any other event, MySportsbook.com has the highest credit card acceptance rate in the industry.

Arizona 20-1

Butler 20-1

Duke 30-1

Florida 7-2

Georgetown 30-1

Indiana 35-1

Kansas 15-1

Marquette 25-1

Maryland 40-1

Memphis 50-1

Nevada 50-1

UNC 9-2

OSU 8-1

Oregon 30-1

Pittsburgh 15-1

Texas 30-1

Texas A&M 18-1

UCLA 6-1

Wisconsin 10-1

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