Category: Auto Racing / NASCAR Picks and Predictions

2023 Cook Out 400 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2023 Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Richmond Raceway Sunday for the 2023 Cook Out 400. The green flag is set to drop shortly after 3 p.m. ET (USA Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook lines around the 2023 Cook Out 400 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

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2023 Cook Out 400: What you need to know

  • Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson picked up the win on April 2 in the 1st stop this season at Richmond Raceway
  • Larson has finished inside the top 20 in 16 of his 17 career Cup starts at Richmond, posting a 10.8 Average-Finish Position (AFP)
  • Hendrick’s William Byron had a best speed of 117.101 mph in practice to lead all drivers, followed by teammate Chase Elliott at 116.364 mph
  • RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher was the top Ford in practice, posting a best speed of 116.134 mph, while Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christoper Bell was the best Toyota at 115.870 mph
  • 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick is on the pole after posting a 113.689 mph best speed in qualifying, while Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch is on the outside of Row 1 after his 113.636 mph
  • Busch leads all active drivers with 6 Cup wins at Richmond, posting a 7.2 AFP in 35 career starts with 1,530 laps led and 18 top-5 runs
  • Virginia native Denny Hamlin has 4 victories in 33 Cup starts at what is considered his home track, while posting an 8.7 AFP with 2,206 laps led and 17 top-5 finishes
  • If you’re not familiar with Cook Out, by the way, it’s a mostly a regional fast-food chain in the south with amazing burgers and Carolina-style BBQ

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2023 Cook Out 400 – 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 3:29 a.m. ET.

DENNY HAMLIN (+500) is one of the safest plays to win the race outright, if you’re more conservative. He always races well at his home track, posting 4 wins with 17 top-5 finishes and 21 top-10 runs with a circuit-best 2,206 laps led with an 8.7 AFP in 33 career Cup starts.

In addition, it’s a little more on the risky side, but playing HAMLIN OVER LARSON HEAD-TO-HEAD (-142) at FanDuel Sportsbook is worth playing. While Larson won last time out at Richmond, the driver of the No. 11 machine is always in the mix at the 3/4-mile short track.

2023 Cook Out 400 – Long shot

While this might not be a definitely long-shot pick, Penske Racing’s JOEY LOGANO (+2200) is worth a look at this price point.

Logano has 2 wins in his career at Richmond, while posting a 10.2 AFP in 28 career Cup starts, and that’s 4th-best among all drivers with at least 7 starts at the track. It’s hard to believe Logano is available at that price, so take advantage.

Hendrick Motorsports driver ALEX BOWMAN (+5000) has even longer odds. He won at this track in April 2021, and the driver of the No. 48 machine has managed 4 top-10 finishes in his 18 career Cup starts. Yes, he has led just 19 laps at the track in his career, but he has never had a DNF, and he has very long odds for a guy who has been to Victory Lane at the track within the past 2 seasons.

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

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2023 Highpoint.com 400 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2023 Highpoint.com 400 at Pocono Raceway with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Pocono Raceway Sunday for the 2023 Highpoint.com 400. The green flag is set to drop shortly after 2:30 p.m. ET (USA Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook lines around the 2023 Highpoint.com 400 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

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2023 Highpoint.com 400: What you need to know

  • Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott picked up a win last summer at the “Tricky Triangle” and he has 4 top-5 finishes and 67 laps led with a 14.1 Average-Finish Position (AFP) in 13 Cup starts at the track
  • Elliott’s teammate, William Byron, has never won at Pocono. However, he has 2 top-5 runs, 5 top-10 finishes, 70 laps led and he leads all active drivers with a 9.4 AFP in 9 Cup starts
  • Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin leads all active drivers with 6 victories at Pocono, while positng 14 top-5 finishes, 21 top-10 runs, 818 laps led and an 11.8 AFP in 33 Cup starts
  • JGR’s Martin Truex Jr., who won in New Hampshire on Monday, has picked up checkers twice in his career at Pocono, while posting a 14.5 AFP in 33 Cup starts
  • Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch is 2nd to Hamlin among active drivers with 4 wins in his 35 Cup starts with a 15.7 AFP
  • Team Penske’s Austin Cindric struggled in his 1st Cup run at Pocono last season, posting a 31st-place finish
  • Daytona 500 winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has had a rough time over the years at Pocono, with no finishes in the Top 10 in his 19 Cup starts

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2023 Highpoint.com 400 – 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 12:15 a.m. ET.

CHASE ELLIOTT (+1600) is the defending champ at this track, and he is a strong value with the 10th-shortest odds on the board.

He has the win last July, 4 top-5 finishes and 8 top-10 results while leading 67 laps with just 1 DNF in his 13 career Cup starts at the track. He is a strong bet as he searches for that playoff-clinching 1st checkered flag of the season.

If you like to be a little more conservative, ELLIOTT TOP-10 FINISH (-160) is still not priced out of line at FanDuel Sportsbook.

If you prefer to play it a little safer, DENNY HAMLIN (+800) has always been money at the track. You can’t go wrong with the No. 11, if you’re not as risky.

2023 Highpoint.com 400 – Long shot

It’s hard to ignore CHRIS BUESCHER (+6600) at this price point. He picked up a victory at Pocono in August 2016 at the track, which was his 1st-ever Cup Series victory.

Buescher has had mixed results in Long Pond over the years, finishing inside the Top 10 on just 2 occasions in 13 Cup runs. He has a rather mediocre 20.8 AFP. Even BUESCHER TOP-10 FINISH (+240 at FanDuel Sportsbook) for a chance to more than double up isn’t a bad play.

2023 Highpoint.com 400 – Prop picks and bets

Looking at the head-to-head race props at FanDuel Sportsbook, there are several solid values.

In a battle of former teammates, and a battle of former multiple winners at the track, DENNY HAMLIN (-118) over Kyle Busch is a strong play. Hamlin leads all active drivers with 6 checkered flags in Long Pond.

I also love ALEX BOWMAN (-108) over Daniel Suarez in another H2H play. Yes, Suarez has a 15.0 AFP in 11 career Cup starts, which is slightly better than Bowman, who has a 17.9 AFP in 13 Cup tries at a triangle. But Bowman also won in June 2021 at the track, and he has finished in the Top 10 on 4 occasions, while leading 34 laps.

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

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2023 Crayon 301 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Monday’s 2023 Crayon 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

Editor’s note: Sunday’s 2023 Crayon 301 was postponed due to rain and will run Monday, starting at noon ET.  Sunday’s original story (below) has been updated.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway Monday for the 2023 Crayon 301. The green flag is set to drop shortly after noon ET (USA Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook lines around the 2023 Crayon 301 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

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2023 Crayon 301: What you need to know

  • Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell is the defending champ in New Hampshire, winning last July to snap a 4-race win streak by Ford
  • Bell has been a quick learner in Loudon, finishing 1st, 5th and 28th in his 3 career Cup starts at the track
  • Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick has won 2 of the past 4 New Hampshire races, and he has picked up checkers 4 times at the flat track in Loudon
  • Harvick, making his final NHMS start, has posted a 12.2 Average-Finish Position (AFP) with 14 top-5 finishes, 23 top-10 runs and 831 laps led in his 39 career Cup starts
  • JGR’s Denny Hamlin has won 3 times in his career at New Hampshire in 29 Cup starts, and he leads all active drivers with a 9.5 AFP
  • Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch has won 3 times at New Hampshire, but this is his 1st start with this new team. He has 11 top-5 finishes, and 16 top-10 runs with a circuit-best 1,134 laps led in his 31 career Cup starts
  • Team Penske’s Joey Logano is good for 2 wins, 8 top-5 runs and 13 top-10 finishes in his 24 career Cup starts, while posting a 14.6 AFP
  • Front Row Motorsports driver Michael McDowell has struggled over the years in New Hampshire, posting a dismal 32.5 AFP in20 career Cup starts with 10 DNFs
  • Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman has had a hard time in Loudon, too, posting just a single top-10 result in 11 career Cup starts with a 24.3 AFP

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2023 Crayon 301 – Expert picks

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 3:44 p.m. ET.

KEVIN HARVICK (+1000) is looking for a Hollywood finish to his career, and he is a strong bet to get the all-important win on the flat track where he has been the best.

Harvick leads all active drivers with 4 victories with 14 top-5 finishes in his 39 career Cup starts, while posting a 12.2 AFP. He has had just a single DNF in his career, too.

Even playing KEVIN HARVICK TOP-5 FINISH (+130) at plus-money is a strong bet, as it is not priced out of line.

2023 Crayon 301 – Long shot

It’s not exactly a textbook “long-shot” bet, but seeing JOEY LOGANO (+1300) listed with some rather long odds is a bit surprising.

The Team Penske driver hasn’t won at the track since receiving the celebratory lobster in September 2014. However, Ford has won 4 of the past 5 starts in New Hampshire, and Team Penske should be right there at the end when the dust clears. Playing JOEY LOGANO TOP-5 FINISH (+170) offers solid value and is worth a play. The odds for him to finish in the top 10  was -120, which was a steal, but the juice has since climbed to -165.

2023 Crayon 301 – Prop picks and bets

We’re looking to Harvick and Logano above, so it’s natural to play FORD (+250) at the Manufacturer of the Winning Car.

In addition, LOGANO (+325) can help you multiply your initial wager by 3.25 times if he finishes as the Top Ford Car, while Harvick (+250) is a lesser value if he is the top finisher among his manufacturers’ cars.

I’m also leaning LOGANO (-160) over Ross Chastain (+125) in the head-to-head matchbets section. Saturday, the line had Logano at -120, which I really liked, but it has since climbed. We’ve covered Logano’s solid history at the track above. As for Chastain, he has a so-so 16.5 AFP with just 3 total laps led in his previous 4 career Cup starts at the track.

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

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2023 Quaker State 400 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2023 Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway Sunday for the 2023 Quaker State 400. Green flag is scheduled to drop shortly after 7 p.m. ET (USA Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook lines around the 2023 Quaker State 400 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

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2023 Quaker State 400: What you need to know

  • Team Penske driver Joey Logano won the 1st stop in Atlanta on March 5
  • Logano’s win snapped a 3-race win streak at Atlanta by Chevrolet, although it was the 6th win by Ford in the past 9 starts at the track
  • Logano has a win, 3 top-5 finishes and 347 laps led with a 15.9 Average-Finish Position (AFP) in 19 career Cup starts at the track
  • Dawsonville, Ga. native Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports leads all active Cup drivers (min. 2 starts) with an 11.3 AFP
  • Aric Almirola finished with the fastest time in the final round of qualifying (31.261) and will be on the pole for Sunday’s race.
  • Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney has a win, 4 top-5 runs and 5 top-10 finishes in 10 Cup starts in Atlanta with 0 DNFs and a solid 11.6 AFP
  • Front Row Motorsports driver Michael McDowell has struggled in his 15 career Cup starts in Atlanta, posting a dismal 29.6 AFP with no top-10 finishes and 4 DNFs
  • Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Dillon has also had a hard time in Atlanta, managing just a single top-10 finish with a 21.5 AFP in 13 career Cup runs
  • Kyle Busch (2), Brad Keselowski (2) and Kevin Harvick (3) are the only active Cup drivers with multiple wins in Atlanta
  • Harvick also leads all active Cup drivers with 1,360 laps led and 5 DNFs in Atlanta

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2023 Quaker State 400 – Expert picks

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10:22 p.m. ET.

CHASE ELLIOTT (+1200) is desperate for a win, and he is a great bet at his home track to get the job done.

The driver of the No. 9 machine has posted top-10 runs in 7 of his 9 career Cup starts, leading 164 laps while posting the 11.3 AFP. He missed the first race in Atlanta this season due to his snowboarding accident, with Josh Berry filling in and finishing 18th in his stead.

2023 Quaker State 400 – Long shot

Things haven’t exactly gone according to plan for KEVIN HARVICK (+2000) in his final Cup Series campaign, but he could change all of that in the blink of an eye.

Happy was a dismal 33rd in the first Atlanta race after starting out 6th. He has managed 7 top-10 finishes this season, including a runner-up in Darlington. He has also shown some signs of life lately, finishing 11th or better in 3 of the last 5 races, although he tumbled to 29th on the street race in Chicago last weekend.

COREY LAJOIE (+3500) is worth a look as a long shot bet in Atlanta. He was outstanding in the March race, turning in a surprising 4th-place finish. While he still has just 2 top-5 finishes, 19 laps led and a 21.4 AFP in 8 career Cup starts, he is still worth a roll of the dice.

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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

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[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.

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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..

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