To get things under for the 2021 NASCAR season, we head to Florida for the Daytona 500 this weekend. As always, the NASCAR betting odds offer a range of markets and very competitive odds across all the top-tier sportsbook providers.
The event always draws in an international audience. Now we’re at the 63rd annual Daytona 500, with 44 cars in with a chance of winning the race. It’s Denny Hamlin who starts out as the favourite in the NASCAR betting odds.
While Hamlin looks in pole position in the oddsmakers eyes, as always in this sport it could go any way. Hamlin is tailed by a number of top drivers, who will certainly have their sights set on a championship title in 2021.
Through this article we will assess the odds and make some free picks for the winner – as always, the team here is focused on providing a range of motorsports odds and insights, even for the F1 and MotoGP.
Denny Hamlin to win (8.00)
Hamlin enters the race as the favourite, with a record-breaking attempt this year, as he looks to make it three consecutive wins in the Daytona 500.
Although he starts as a favourite, stats alone won’t be enough to win this one. The form we’ve seen from Hamlin in recent years has shown that he’s certainly worthy of being near the top of the pile.
The psychological edge he’ll have from knowing he can break a record on Sunday will drive Hamlin forward. Expect to see an excellent contest this year at Daytona.
Chase Elliot to win (10.00)
Chase Elliot was the 2020 NASCAR Championship winner and was driving with real aggression last season. However, when it comes to the Daytona, his stats don’t look so great.
He has finished 30th or worst in half his 10 Daytona starts. In recent years the reigning NASCAR champ has finished 37th, 14th, 33rd, 17th, and 17th most recently.
By all accounts, not a particularly good showing. If you dig deeper into the history of the sport, only five times has the reigning champion come to Daytona and won.
Ryan Blaney to win (12.00)
He has won two of the last three races he’s attended at Talladega. Blaney has shown that he will be once again competing for the title, with the way he’s been driving.
He was second in last year’s race, only narrowly missing out to Denny Hamlin, making it the second time he’s been the runner-up in a Daytona 500.
Blaney is fast becoming one of the best racers in NASCAR, maybe this will be his year to claim the Daytona 500 title.
Brad Keselowski to win (12.00)
Finally, we have Keselowski, who is just behind the other two in the NASCAR betting odds. He’s one of the top drivers in the race, but his record at Daytona leaves a lot to be desired.
He has finished 27th or worse in 5 of the last 6 at Daytona. It’s a shocking record, but there’s always the possibility, he can win this one as we’ve seen many upsets over the years.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
