Auto Racing / NASCAR Picks and Predictions – Page 12

2023 Grant Park 220 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2023 Grant Park 220 Chicago Street Race with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series moves to the streets of downtown Chicago Sunday for the 2023 Grant Park 220. Green flag is scheduled to drop shortly after 5:30 p.m. ET (NBC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook lines around the 2023 Grant Park 220 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

2023 Grant Park 220: What you need to know

This is the inaugural running of the street race in Chicago alongside the Lake Michigan shoreline in Grant Park and the museum campus
Showers are in the forecast for Sunday, as the forecast for the Loop Station in downtown Chicago calls for temperatures in the upper 60’s with a 40% or greater chance of showers until 3 p.m. CT
New Zealand’s Shane Van Gisbergen made a splash in practice, turning a best speed of 88.572 mph. He was 3rd in qualifying at 89.403 mph, and the TrackHouse Racing driver will start on Row 2 in his only NASCAR Cup start of the season
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin topped the charts Saturday in qualifying, posting a best speed of 89.557 mph
23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick was nipping at the heels of Hamlin, posting a best speed of 89.513 mph, just missing out on the pole
Jenson Button will make his 2nd-career start in Chicago, starting 8th in the grid. The former F1 driver was 18th in his NASCAR Cup Series debut at COTA in late March
JTG Daugherty Racing’s Ricky Stenhouse Jr. crashed in practice, so the team will have to use a backup car Sunday. As a result, he’ll start 36th in the grid
TrackHouse Racing’s Ross Chastain (87.171 mph) and Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick (87.052 mph) struggled in qualifying, and will go off 34th and 35th respectively

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

2023 Grant Park 220 – Expert picks

Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:45 a.m. ET.

DENNY HAMLIN (+650) isn’t the chalk, and oddly enough he has the 4th-shortest odds at FanDuel, and the 2nd-shortest odds (+400) at BetMGM. It’s yet another reminder why you need to shop around, as the outright betting numbers vary greatly from app to app.

Hamlin is set to go off from the pole after Saturday’s qualifying effort.

We won’t see a lot of passing on this narrow, 12-turn track through the streets of Chicago. Passing opportunities will be limited to the long straightaways and occasional chances on turns. While the pole sitter seems like a no-brainer, with tight turns, there is a high chance for error.

In addition, the driver of the No. 11 seems like a lightning rod for contact and controversy lately, so this is anything but a sure thing. Still, for a chance to multiply your initial wager by 4 times, this is the best bet.

2023 Grant Park 220 – Long shot

JENSON BUTTON (+4800 at FanDuel Sportsbook) is a former F1 driver who has already appeared behind the wheel of a stock car driving at COTA earlier this season. Like Hamlin above, the odds vary greatly from BetMGM, which has Button listed at just +2000. Take advantage.

Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney (+6000 at BetMGM Sportsbook) also has some rather long odds for a driver of his stature. While he struggled at Sonoma in the most recent road course setup, he was a respectable 7th at Martinsville. While he is a much better option on the superspeedways, Blaney is worth a roll of the dice at this elevated price.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook..

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1950]

2023 Ally 400 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2023 Ally 400 at Tennessee Superspeedway with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Nashville Superspeedway Sunday for the 2023 Ally 400. Green flag is scheduled to drop shortly after 7 p.m. ET (NBC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook lines around the 2023 Ally 400 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

2023 Ally 400: What you need to know

Hendrick Motorsports has been to Victory Lane in each of the 1st 2 Cup races in Nashville, with Kyle Larson winning the inaugural race in 2021, and Chase Elliott picking up checkers in 2022
Larson followed up his win with a 4th-place showing last season, and he is just 1 of 2 drivers with a pair of top-5 runs in the 2 Cup starts
TrackHouse Racing’s Ross Chastain has not won at the track, but he has been 2nd and 5th in his 2 Cup outings, joining Larson in the exclusive club
Chastain started on the pole Sunday, posting a best speed of 160.687 mph, the only driver to eclipsed 160 mph Saturday
23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick will start on the outside of Row 1, posting a best speed of 159.573 mph in qualifying. He has finished 18th in each of his prior Cup starts in Nashville
Team Penske’s Austin Cindric has finished 7th in each of his prior Cup starts in Nashville. He’ll go off 24th on Sunday evening
RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher has had a difficult time in his 2 previous Cup starts in Nashville, ending up 30th and 36th with 1 DNF. His 33.0 Average-Finish Position (AFP) is worst among all active drivers
Kaulig Racing’s Justin Haley surprised in qualifying, and he’ll go off 3rd Sunday after a best speed of 159.557 mph

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

2023 Ally 400 – Expert picks

Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 5:33 p.m. ET.

ROSS CHASTAIN (+550) isn’t the chalk, but he is the best option on the board for bettors.

He is 1 of just 2 drivers with top-5 finishes in each of his 2 Cup starts at Nashville Superspeedway, and he goes off on the pole Sunday night. Chastain managed a blazing 160.687 mph speed in qualifying Saturday, the only driver to crack the 160 mph barrier. In addition, Chastain showed out in practice with a 161.370 mph best speed in practice, 3rd-best among all drivers.

2023 Ally 400 – Long shot

AUSTIN CINDRIC (+15000 at BetMGM Sportsbook) has managed a pair of 7th-place finishes in 2 previous Cup starts at Nashville Superspeedway, and he is 1 of 6 drivers to manage top-10 results at this track. It’s actually a little surprising his odds are so long, so take advantage.

If you’re not feeling Cindric, and aren’t quite as adventurous, CHRISTOPHER BELL (+2000 at FanDuel Sportsbook) has the 12th-longest odds. Like Cindric, who starts 24th, Bell will go off from a spot which isn’t exactly advantageous. He starts 18th, but he has managed finishes of 8th and 9th in the previous 2 starts at the track.

2023 Ally 400 prop pick(s)

Chevrolet (+115 ) – Top Manufacturer

Chevy is 2-for-2 in the previous 2 Cup starts at Nashville Superspeedway, and Chastain, Kyle Larson, William Byron and Chase Elliott are drivers with odds of +1000 or lower. The books are feeling Chevy drivers to win, and you should, too. I really like Chastain’s chances to grab a win, break up the Hendrick monopoly and smash a watermelon Sunday night.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook..

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1950]

2023 Toyota Save Mart 350 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2023 Toyota Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Sonoma Raceway Sunday for the 2023 Toyota Save Mart 350. Green flag is scheduled to drop shortly after 3:30 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook lines around the 2023 Toyota Save Mart 350 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

2023 Toyota Save Mart 350: What you need to know

Stewart-Haas Racing’s Daniel Suarez picked up his first NASCAR Cup Series win last season in the Toyota Save Mart 350 at Sonoma
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin is on the pole after posting a best speed of 92.178 mph, just edging out 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick (92.068 mph)
Hendrick Motorsports drive Kyle Larson won the 2021 race, and the California native has 94 laps led and a 15.1 Average-Finish Position (AFP) in 8 Cup starts at the track. He was sharp in practice, posting a best speed of 91.73 mph to top the charts
Team Penske driver Austin Cindric made his Cup debut at Sonoma last season, and he posted a 5th-place finish after starting 25th
SHR’s Kevin Harvick will make what is expected to be his final Sonoma start. He has a win, 7 top-5 finishes and 11 top-10 runs with 95 laps led in 21 Cup starts with a 12.8 AFP
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Martin Truex Jr. leads all active drivers with 3 wins at Sears Point, while posting 5 top-5 finishes, 213 laps led and a 17.7 AFP with 3 DNFs. He was 2nd in practice with a 91.079 mph
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is the only other active driver besides MTJ with multiple DNFs, but he doesn’t have nearly the same good results. Stenhouse has a 27.0 AFP, and 18th is his best finish at the track
Christopher Bell (25.5 AFP – 2 Cup starts), Michael McDowell (23.9 AFP – 10 starts – 1 DNF), Ryan Preece (25.0 AFP – 2 starts), Tyler Reddick (27.0 AFP – 2 starts) and Bubba Wallace (26.8 AFP – 4 starts – 1 DNF) have all struggled early in their Cup careers at Sonoma
AJ Allmendinger, normally a road course specialist, has struggled at Sonoma in 11 career Cup starts. While he has led 65 laps, he had just 2 top-10 finishes and 1 DNF with a subpar 23.5 AFP. He is the top Chevy in the starting grid, going off 5th

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

2023 Toyota Save Mart 350 – Expert picks

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:05 a.m. ET.

KYLE LARSON (+350) is the chalk and he is a strong play for Sunday’s race. He has enjoyed recent success at the track since the 2020 installment was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While he was just 15th last season, he had a strong practice and qualifying session leading up to the race. And he won the 2021 race after the hiatus.

He was also strong in practice Saturday, leading all drivers with a 91.73 mph mark, well ahead of 2nd place and Truex at 91.079 mph.

2023 Toyota Save Mart 350 – Long shot

Take a chance on 2 long-shot drivers for a chance to win.

CHASE BRISCOE (+6600) is worth a small-unit play. He has finished 13th and 17th in his 2 Cup starts at Sonoma, improving each time. In addition to a small-unit play, a CHASE BRISCOE TOP-10 FINISH (+2200 ) is a value pick at plus-money.

In addition to taking a flier on Briscoe, look at CHRIS BUESCHER (+1700), too. He was 14th in practice with a 90.379 mph best speed, and he was 7th in qualifying Saturday, managing a best speed of 91.811 mph, just ahead of Sonoma extraordinaire Truex. Like Briscoe above, a CHRIS BUESCHER TOP-10 FINISH (+500 ) is also an attractive pick.

2023 Toyota Save Mart 350 prop pick(s)

Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook

TOYOTA (+145) – Top Manufacturer

I know Toyota is hopeful that one of their cars will win in the Toyota Save Mart 350, that’s for sure.

Hamlin is on the pole, Reddick managed a 2nd-place showing with a best speed of 92.068 mph, and Ty Gibbs was also dominant in practice and qualifying. In fact, he’ll go off 6th on Sunday. Bell was also 4th, with Truex lurking in the 8th starting spot. That’s 4 Toyotas in the Top 8 starting spots ahead of a bevy of Chevys.

While I like Larson (Chevy) to win, and Briscoe (Ford) and Buescher (Ford) as long-shot picks, playing Toyota seems a little silly. But as a backup play, or if you just want to cheer for a car type, not a particular driver, or you just want to hedge a little, Toyota has many other options in favorable starting positions to rise up and spoil the day for Chevy and Ford.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook..

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1950]

2023 Enjoy Illinois 300 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2023 Enjoy Illinois 300 at Worldwide Technology Raceway with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Worldwide Technology Raceway Sunday for the 2023 Enjoy Illinois 300 presented by TicketSmarter. Green flag is scheduled to drop shortly after 3:30 p.m. ET (FOX Sports 1). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook lines around the 2023 Enjoy Illinois 300 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

2023 Enjoy Illinois 300: What you need to know

Team Penske’s Joey Logano picked up the win last season at Gateway, picking up checkers after starting 7th. He’ll go off 6th on Sunday after posting a top speed of 136.339 mph in qualifying
Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch posted a best speed of 137.187 mph to top qualifying on Saturday afternoon. He was runner-up to Logano in Illinois last season
Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney, who won the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte on Monday, will start opposite Busch on Row 1 after qualifying with a best speed of 137.153 mph. Blaney finished 4th in the 2022 race
Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin will be the top Toyota in the field after posting a best speed of 136.903 mph, starting 3rd in Sunday’s grid
Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick will start on the outside of Row 2 after a best speed of 136.766 mph. He hopes for a better showing at Gateway after a DNF and 33rd-place run in 2022
Corey LaJoie, who finished 36th with a DNF last season at Gateway, will be being the wheel of the No. 9 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports in place of the suspended Chase Elliott

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

2023 Enjoy Illinois 300 – Expert picks

Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at at 1:32 a.m. ET.

KYLE BUSCH (+750) is a value play at this price, as he starts on the pole. He posted a runner-up finish last season in a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, and he shouldn’t see any dropoff in his RCR Chevy on Sunday. He turned the best speed in qualifying on Saturday, and appears to be on a mission to get over the hump after his 2nd-place showing at Gateway in 2022 inaugural event.

2023 Enjoy Illinois 300 – Long shot

Take a shot on COREY LAJOIE (+6000 at BetMGM Sportsbook), as he will have tremendous machinery at his disposal this weekend. He finished 36th with a DNF last season in the inaugural event at Worldwide Technology Raceway, but that was in a much more inferior car with Spire Motorsports, as his engine blew. He was limited to 72 laps. It will be interesting to see how he performs behind the wheel of Elliott’s No. 9 whip.

2023 Enjoy Illinois 300 prop pick(s)

Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook

KYLE BUSCH (-126) over Christopher Bell

Again, Rowdy is on the pole after looking great in qualifying, and he was a runner-up in the inaugural Enjoy Illinois 300 at Gateway last season. Perhaps contrarian bettors figure there is nowhere to go but down, but that’s a silly premise. Busch has looked very comfortable at the track last season, and so far in the events leading up to Sunday’s run.

Bell was 9th in last season’s event, and he posted a qualifying speed of just 135.755 mph on Saturday afternoon. Barring disaster striking Busch, this should be a slam-dunk play.

CHEVROLET (+145) – Top Manufacturer

Again, I like Busch to win this race, and he is now in a Chevy, after running last season in his more familiar Toyota with JGR. I also said above to take a flier on LaJoie for a chance to multiply your initial wager at 60 times, although that’s a long shot. Still, LaJoie is also in a Chevy.

The biggest threat here will be Blaney, and last season’s winner Logano, who are behind the wheel of Fords.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook..

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1950]

2023 Coca-Cola 600 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Monday’s 2023 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

Editor’s note: Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 was postponed due to wet weather and will run Monday. Sunday’s original story (below) has been updated.

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway Monday for the 2023 Coca-Cola 600. Green flag is scheduled to drop shortly after 3 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 2023 Coca-Cola 600 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

2023 Coca-Cola 600: What you need to know

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin won the Coca-Cola 600 last season in a race which featured 18 cautions, 2nd-most in the history of the track
Hamlin is 2nd in Average-Finish Position (AFP) at 11.9 (min. 4 starts) with 11 top-5 runs and 395 laps led in 31 career Cup starts
23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick leads all active drivers with a 9.3 AFP, and he has never finished lower than 14th at Charlotte in 4 career Cup starts
Jimmie Johnson, the 7-time Cup Series champ, will drive the No. 84 Chevrolet for the Legacy Motor Club. He leads all active drivers with 8 wins at Charlotte, while also posting 1,936 laps led in 37 career Cup starts with a 12.9 AFP
Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron, who has wins at Las Vegas, Phoenix and Darlington this season, has struggled in his Cup career at Charlotte. He has a 19.3 AFP in 6 career Cup starts with 2 DNFs
Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick starts from the outside of Row 1. He has 3 career wins at Charlotte, tied with Martin Truex Jr. for 2nd-most among active drivers
23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace, who was 2nd in the All-Star race last weekend at North Wilkesboro, has had big-time issues at Charlotte. He has a dismal 26.3 AFP with 2 DNFs

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

2023 Coca-Cola 600 – Expert picks

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at Sunday at 7:10 p.m. ET.

MARTIN TRUEX JR. (+1000) has been a bit on the erratic side this season. He has a win at Dover, what amounts to the home track for the New Jersey native, but he also has just 2 top-5 finishes, and 5 top-10 runs in his 12 starts this season.

While that sounds like MTJ should be avoided, he brings a lot of energy and excitement to Charlotte. In 31 career Cup starts, Truex has picked up checkers on 3 separate occasions, while posting 13 top-10 runs and 1,059 laps led with a 14.1 AFP.

2023 Coca-Cola 600 – Long shot

It’s more of a massive long shot, but JIMMIE JOHNSON (+15000) is definitely worth a look. He is no longer in top-notch machinery like his days with Hendrick Motorsports when he was competing for championships, but Johnson knows this track well. He has dominated with 8 career wins. Why not risk a $1 or $2 on the 7-time series champ?

If that’s not for you, CHASE BRISCOE (+8000) is also worth a shot. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver rattled off 3 consecutive top-5 runs on the Bristol dirt, Martinsville and Talladega. Briscoe has raced twice in the Cup Series at Charlotte, posting a 4th-place finish last season. If that’s too risky, too, consider BRISCOE TOP-10 FINISH (+230), which is still an outstanding value.

2023 Coca-Cola 600 prop pick(s)

CHASE BRISCOE (+120) over Austin Dillon

As mentioned above, Briscoe was 4th last season in the 600, and he has also finished 23rd with 2 laps led in his 2 career Cup starts at the track.

Dillon is quite a bit riskier. While he has won at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 14 career Cup starts, he has managed just 4 top-10 finishes with 10 laps led and 3 DNFs, too. Briscoe is a value play at plus-money.

MARTIN TRUEX JR. (-150) over Bubba Wallace

Again, Truex is a 3-time winner at this track, most among the active, full-time Cup drivers, while turning in a dominating 14.1 AFP with 1,059 laps led. He also has never had a DNF at Charlotte in his 31 career Cup starts

On the flip side, Wallace has consistently struggled in his 6 career Cup runs in Charlotte, posting a 2 DNFs, leading just a single lap while posting a 26.3 AFP. This is free money. Take advantage.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook..

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1950]

2023 Indianapolis 500 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2023 Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with IndyCar Series expert picks and predictions.

The IndyCar Series heads to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday for the 2023 Indianapolis 500. Green flag is scheduled to drop for the 107th running of the Indy 500 at approximately 12:45 p.m. ET (NBC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 2023 Indianapolis 500 odds, and make our expert picks and predictions, including NASCAR’s best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

2023 Indianapolis 500: What you need to know

Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson won the Indy 500 last season for Chip Ganassi Racing, the 1st victory for the team since Dario Franchitti won in 2012. He’ll go off from Row 4 Sunday
Helio Castroneves, the 4-time Indy 500 winner from Brazil, will go off from the middle of Row 7 in his Dollara-Honda after a qualifying speed of 231.954 mph
Brazil’s Tony Kanaan, the winner of the 2013 Indianapolis 500, announced earlier this year that this will be his final run at the venerable track. The 48-year-old starts on the outside of Row 3
Alex Palou is on the pole after a qualifying speed of 234.217 mph. His 4-lap average was the 2nd-fastest in Indy 500 history behind Arie Luyendyk’s 236.896 mph back in 1996
Palou is looking for the Indy double, after posting a victory on the Indianapolis road course in the GMR Grand Prix
Japan’s Takuma Sato, winner of the 2017 and 2020 installments of the Indy 500, starts between Alexander Rossi and Kanaan on Row 3
France’s Simon Pagenaud, the 2019 Indy 500 victor, starts on the inside of Row 8 after a qualifying speed of 231.878 mph
Pato O’Ward, 6 points back of Palou for the IndyCar Series points lead, is set to start in the middle of Row 2 next to 2022 pole sitter Scott Dixon

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

2023 Indianapolis 500 – Expert pick

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 a.m. ET.

PATO O’WARD (+500) is a solid value to win his 1st Indianapolis 500. He sits 2nd in the points race, and that’s apropos. He has finished 2nd in 3 of his 5 starts so far this season, posting runner-up finishes at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the Grand Prix of Texas and the Indianapolis road course event 2 weeks ago.

He has led just 2 laps in the last 3 races, but overall he has been in front of the pack for Team McLaren for 116 total laps in 5 races this season. The Monterrey, Mexico-born O’Ward was a runner-up last season at the Indy 500 behind Ericsson, too.

2023 Indianapolis 500 – Long shots

HELIO CASTRONEVES (+4000) is worth a roll of the dice. He won the Indy 500 at the Brickyard, sipping milk on the bricks in 2001, 2002 and 2009 for Team Penske. Not many saw his 2021 victory coming with Meyer Shank Racing, however.

It will be an uphill climb for the 4-time winner, as he starts in the middle of Row 7 after a qualifying speed of 231.954 mph. He could reach Indianapolis immortality, breaking a tie with A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears and Al Unser Sr. with his 5th checkered flag. He has just a single top-10 finish, and he hasn’t led a lap in 5 races this season, but the 48-year-old is still an attractive small-unit play at this price point.

If you’re a little less risky, check out Rinus VeeKey (+1300) and Felix Rosenqvist (+1400). Both have moderate odds, and each go off from Row 1 with the pole sitter Palou.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook..

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1950]

2023 Monaco Grand Prix odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2023 Monaco Grand Prix at Circuit de Monaco, with Formula 1 expert picks and predictions.

The Formula 1 World Championship races through the streets of Monte Carlo on Sunday for the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix. Green flag is scheduled to drop shortly after 8 a.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix odds, and make our expert picks and predictions, including NASCAR’s best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

2023 Monaco Grand Prix: What you need to know

Spain’s Fernando Alonso has managed to reach the podium 4 times in 5 Formula 1 starts this season, including a 3rd-place finish at the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix May 7
Belgium’s Max Verstappen has been tremendously consistent, taking his Red Bull Honda to Victory Lane 3 times in 5 starts, with his other 2 finishes resulting in runner-up runs. Verstappen was 3rd last season in Monaco
Mexico’s Sergio Perez, the defending winner at Monaco, has posted wins at the STC Saudi Arabian GP, as well as the Azerbaijan GP, while hitting the podium a total of 4 times in 5 starts. His worst finish was 5th place in Australia, a race he started 20th
Lewis Hamilton hasn’t dominated like past seasons, managing just a single podium in 5 starts this season, a runner-up at the Rolex Australian GP. He was 8th in Monaco last season
George Russell of Team Mercedes has had some uneven results despite favorable starting positions. He hasn’t been on the podium in 5 races. He was 5th last season at Monaco

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

2023 Monaco Grand Prix – Expert pick

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 9:45 a.m. ET.

SERGIO PEREZ (+500) picked up the victory last season at Circuit de Monaco, and he is a tremendous value for a chance to multiply your initial wager by 5 times.

Perez has been a model of consistency this season, hitting the podium in 4 of his 5 races. Max Verstappen (+100) is the chalk, but he settled for 3rd place last season after winning the 2021 installment. Perez has a legitimate chance at a Formula 1 championship this season, and a win at Monaco would be huge for the Mexican driver, Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate.

2023 Monaco Grand Prix – Long shot

While LEWIS HAMILTON (+2500) has posted some ugly numbers this season, he has topped the podium twice in the past 6 races at the Monaco Grand Prix since 2016.

Hamilton hasn’t touched the podium this season, but it’s crazy seeing the 6-time World Champion with such long odds. It’s worth a roll of the dice, hoping he can regain his composure and form.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook..

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1950]