Daytona 500 Odds: Should You Back A Favorite Or Will a Long Shot Prevail Yet Again?

The long NASCAR season kicks off Sunday with the biggest race of the year — and the reigning series champion out front, just like he ended last season.

Ryan Blaney, who claimed his first title in NASCAR’s premier Cup Series last season, is the favorite at many sportsbooks to win the Great American Race on Sunday, just ahead of three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin (they are even at BetMGM). But they’ll hardly be the only contenders on the fast 2.5-mile track, which is known for producing big wrecks, unpredictable finishes, and sometimes stunning longshot winners.

Indeed, the last three Daytona 500 winners have been +10000 Michael McDowell, +3000 Austin Cindric and +3500 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. The nature of aerodynamic drafting at Daytona notably reduces the advantage that top drivers have, making the Daytona 500 a race almost anyone can win — proven they’re up front at the end and can get their car across the finish line in one piece. That’s also why top drivers have longer odds than they might normally have – even as favorites.

Current Daytona 500 Odds

North Carolina Bettors: Start Your Engines

The NASCAR has its Hall of Fame in North Carolina and features two races in the Charlotte area, so let’s take a moment and give those folks a taste of what to expect with legal NASCAR betting launching soon.

Although sports bettors in North Carolina won’t be able to legally wager on the Daytona 500, that’s about to change. North Carolina sports betting launches March 11, meaning those in the Old North State will be able to wager on NASCAR beginning with the March 17 race at Bristol, Tenn., as well as the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway and the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Top North Carolina betting apps will offer an array of NASCAR odds ranging from race winners, top-five and top-10 finishers, head-to-head matchups and props. And since the NASCAR season runs through November, sports bettors in North Carolina will have ample opportunities to back top drivers such as  Chase Elliot or Joey Logano or take chances on long shots such as Josh Berry or Chase Briscoe.

And don’t forget to claim North Carolina sportsbook promos, which typically offer new customers bonus bets they can then use to wager on NASCAR, or any other sport. You must be at least 21 years old and physically within North Carolina to take advantage of bonus offers, or to wager legally in North Carolina.

What will those promo code offers look like? While we don’t yet know for certain, we are beginning to get an idea of which sportsbooks will launch in the Old North State. BetMGM has partnered with Charlotte Motor Speedway to gain market access, and the BetMGM North Carolina bonus code deal could be a Bet & Get offer like it’s extended for other state launches and currently offers nationally.

Other Top Operators Readying for NC Launch

Bonus bets are a great way to get started in sports betting, since they help new customers build their bankroll. DraftKings has gained North Carolina market access through a partnership with Charlotte-based NASCAR, and the DraftKings North Carolina promo code offer promises to be a highly sought-after bonus similar to what it’s offered in other states.

Similarly, the Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina promo code is also likely to deliver terrific value, just as it’s done in every other state where it’s gone live. Just remember that bonus bets expire, usually in seven to 14 days, so read the terms and conditions.

The apparel arm of Fanatics has long been a partner with NASCAR, so the Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina promo code is not to be missed. 

The Daytona 500 begins a season-long journey for drivers and sports bettors alike, one that hits an extra gear when North Carolina sports betting launches March 11 and offers the promise of wagering value all along the way.