Tag: chase-elliott

2021 Bass Pro Shops Night Race odds, picks and prediction

Looking at the odds for Saturday’s 2021 Bass Pro Shops Night Race, with NASCAR odds, picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Bristol Motor Speedway for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race Saturday. The green flag is set to drop at approximately 7:35 p.m. ET. Below we analyze the 2021 Bass Pro Shops Night Race odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and predictions.

This will be the first race on the pavement at Bristol Motor Speedway this season as you might recall we had a dirt-surface race March 29, which was won by Penske Racing’s Joey Logano.

The last driver to win on the pavement was Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick last Sept. 19, in the night race.

2021 Bass Pro Shops Night Race: What you need to know

  • Martin Truex Jr., of Joe Gibbs Racing, is on the pole for Saturday’s race. He hasn’t had a lot of success at this track in the past, however, posting just two top-5 runs, three top-10 finishes and no wins with a 20.73 Average-Finish Position (AFP) in 30 career Cup starts.
  • MTJ’s teammate Kyle Busch has dominated at Bristol. The driver of the No. 18 machine leads all active drivers with eight wins, 14 top-5 finishes, 19 top-10 runs and 2,592 laps led with a 12.77 AFP.
  • Kurt Busch is second to his little brother with six career victories at Bristol, and he has 21 top-10 finishes in his 40 career Cup starts.
  • Harvick won last summer’s night race, and he is one of just four active drivers with at least three career Cup wins at BMS. The Busch Bros. and Penske’s Brad Keselowski (3) are the others.

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Who is going to win the 2021 Bass Pro Shops Night Race?

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:10 a.m. ET.

KYLE BUSCH (+380) is the favorite here. His brother KURT BUSCH (+1500) has decent odds considering he has six career victories in Thunder Valley. Take advantage.

KYLE LARSON (+425) has never won in 12 career Cup starts, and he has just two finishes inside the Top 5, or 16.7 percent of his starts. However, he has a respectable 14.42 AFP, but I’d look elsewhere for bettor values.

CHASE ELLIOTT (+750) is also searching for his first-ever victory at this track. He has 10 career Cup runs, with half of his starts resulting in finishes of 10th or better. He also has 310 laps led under his belt already, and he leads all active drivers with a 12.1 AFP.

Long-shot and prop bets for the 2021 Bass Pro Shops Night Race

Besides Kurt Busch to win, which is worth a small-unit play in and of itself, take KURT BUSCH TOP 10 FINISH (-135) for a solid value.

KEVIN HARVICK TOP 10 FINISH (-200) is a little on the pricey side, but he has 20 top-10 finishes in his 40 career Cup starts, so it’s a good bet.

I also really like the prop for car number of race winner. Play OVER 11.5 (+100) at even money, and if the race winner has a car number of 12 or higher, you’ll win. That includes eight-time winner Kyle Busch, although his brother Kurt, Elliott or Larson are not included.

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Super Start Batteries 400 at Kansas odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Super Start Batteries 400 Presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts at Kansas Speedway sports betting odds and lines, with NASCAR analysis, picks and tips.

The NASCAR Cup Series moves to the Kansas Speedway for the Super Start Batteries 400 Presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts. The green flag drops Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET with the race televised on NBCSN. Below, we analyze the Super Start Batteries 400 odds and betting lines, with NASCAR picks and tips with odds from BetMGM sportsbook.

Super Start Batteries 400: What you need to know

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 8:20 a.m. ET.

Thursday’s race at Kansas Speedway will be the 29th installment since its NASCAR Cup Series debut race back in 2001 – won by Jeff Gordon.

  • Denny Hamlin took checkers in the last Kansas Cup race (Oct. 20, 2019), while Brad Keselowski raced to a win in the spring run (May 11, 2019).
  • All three manufacturers have had success at Kansas Speedway in recent seasons, with Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota each posting a win across the past three races. In the past six races, though, Toyota has three checkered flags, while Chevrolet has raced to wins in 12 of the 28 Cup races at the track.
  • Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon was an upset winner last Sunday at Texas. He has an impressive 13.8 Average-Finish Position (AFP) across his past eight Kansas starts. Fellow RCR driver Tyler Reddick ended up second in Texas, and was ninth in his Kansas Cup debut last season.
  • Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott was the last driver to steer a Chevy to Victory Lane at this track and has a sparkling 2.33 AFP across his past three Kansas starts.

Who is going to win the Super Start Batteries 400?

ELLIOTT (+650 for Thursday’s race) has one win in his past three Kansas Cup starts along with three consecutive top-5 showings. While there has been a couple of upset winners the past two weekends with Cole Custer at Kentucky and Dillon winning in Texas, look for one of the favorites to come through in this one.

Elliott started 13th in his winning run at Kansas in the Fall of 2018, and the average starting position of the past three winners is 13.3.

KEVIN HARVICK (+450), of course, is among the favorites Thursday night. He leads all drivers with a 9.79 AFP (min. two Cup starts) in 28 Cup races in Kansas, picking up three victories with eight top-5 showings and 15 top-10 runs. He also leads the way among all drivers with 855 laps led.

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MARTIN TRUEX JR. (+650) went off the rails at Texas, clipping teammate Kyle Busch in the middle of the run and was never able to recover, ending up 29th. Look for MTJ to return with a vengeance at Kansas, a track where he has won twice, posting eight top-5 finishes and led 759 laps in 23 Cup starts, good for a 13.87 AFP.

Kansas Speedway long-shot bets

JIMMIE JOHNSON (+3500) has three wins in 27 career Cup starts while posting a 10.33 AFP. Of course, all of that success came with crew chief Chad Knaus at the top of JJ’s pit box. Meanwhile, the seven-time Cup champion Johnson hasn’t won since June 2017. Will he never win a Cup race again? Don’t bet on it. He’s a GREAT SMALL-UNIT PLAY at this price.

Knaus, by the way, will be away from William Byron’s team for the birth of his second child. Keith Rodden will take over crew chief duties for the No. 24.

TYLER REDDICK (+3500) had his best career Cup finish last Sunday, rolling to a second-place finish. Is it Reddick’s turn this week? This will be only his second Kansas Cup race – as mentioned above, he finished ninth last year.

Lastly, don’t forget Kansas native CLINT BOWYER (+4000) at his home track. While he has never won in 23 career starts here, he has three top-5 showings, eight top-10 runs, 63 laps led and a 15.7 AFP. One of these days he is going to win in his native Sunflower State.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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GEICO 500 at Talladega odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway sports betting odds and lines, with NASCAR analysis, picks and tips.

The NASCAR Cup Series moves to the Talladega Superspeedway for the GEICO 500. The green flag drops Sunday at 3 p.m. ET with the race televised on FOX. Below, we analyze the GEICO 500 odds and betting lines, with NASCAR picks and tips with odds from BetMGM sportsbook.

GEICO 500: What you need to know

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, June 19 at 4:50 p.m. ET.

Sunday’s run at the Talladega Superspeedway is the first on a superspeedway track since the Daytona 500 opened the 2020 Sprint Cup Series season. That seems so long ago, as the stands were packed during pre-COVID 19 days. However, Talladega will actually host 5,000 fans in the frontstretch grandstands/towers, and there will be a limited amount of motorhome spots available outside of the track, too.

  • Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott (+800 for Sunday’s race) won the spring race at Talladega last season, while Penske Racing’s Ryan Blaney (+1100) took checkers in the fall race at the Alabama superspeedway.
  • Talladega’s tri-oval is 2.66 miles long, compared to Daytona International Speedway, which is 2.5 miles long. There are four turns, and those turns have a 33-degree bank with a slight bank or fifth turn in front of the main grandstand.
  • Each of the past five winners have started fourth or lower in the grid, and 15 of the previous 16 winners have started from the outside of Row 2 or lower.
  • Ford has dominated this track in recent years, posting eight victories in the past nine starts.

Who is going to win the GEICO 500?

BRAD KESELOWSKI (+850) leads all active drivers with five victories at Talladega, so the Penske driver has to be considered a must-bet option, especially considering Ford’s dominance in recent seasons.

Keselowski has seven top-5 finishes, 11 top-10 showings and 293 laps led in his 22 career starts with a 16.0 Average-Finish Position (AFP) and four DNFs.

JOEY LOGANO (+900), Keselowski’s teammate, picked up a victory in the spring 2018 Talladega race, and has raced to Victory Lane in three of the past nine Cup races at Talladega Superspeedway. In 22 career starts, Logano has finished inside the top 5 on eight occasions, leading 319 laps and posting a 16.2 AFP.

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CHASE ELLIOTT (+800) has been a quick study at Talladega, picking up a win in eight Cup starts at the track. In addition, he has three top-5 showings and four top-10 finishes, while racking up 126 laps in the front of the pack and turning in a 13.25 AFP, second among active drivers with at least three career Cup starts at the superspeedway.

Talladega Superspeedway prop bets

ARIC ALMIROLA (-110) has stepped up his game in recent seasons, bringing it home inside the top 10 in each of his past seven Talladega starts. As such, he is a SOLID BET TO FINISH INSIDE THE TOP 10 yet again. The defending champ from the fall race, Blaney (-200) is a little on the expensive side even for a top-10 finish. While yes, he won last season at the track, he had posted a 23.8 AFP in the previous five runs at ‘Dega. A better bet might be Ryan Newman (+185), as he has finished inside the top 10 in four of the past five runs at the superspeedway.

For Talladega, you can take part in group betting. If you’re new to betting, this simply means you choose one driver among a listed group of four. Whomever places highest cashes a winning ticket. In Group 3 betting, AUSTIN DILLON (+250) is a good play in the group with William Byron (+215), Matt DiBenedetto (+250) and Christopher Bell (+275).

Among the best finishing position matchups, take LOGANO (-118) to finish better than Denny Hamlin. ALMIROLA (-115) is a good bet to outpace Alex Bowman, while DILLON (-118) is also worth playing against DiBenedetto.

Talladega Superspeedway long-shot bets

RICKY STENHOUSE JR. (+2000) is always worth a look at superspeedways. He picked up a win here during the spring 2017 run in his Ford, while starting from the pole position. In 13 career Cup starts here, he has five top-5 showings, eight top-10 runs and a 11.62 AFP, leading all active drivers.

ALMIROLA (+2000) is also worth a roll of the dice, posting a win, four top-5 runs, eight top-10 results and 46 laps led with a 15.35 AFP in his 20 career Talladega starts. And, as mentioned, he has cracked off seven straight runs finishing ninth or better, including the win in the fall of 2018 at ‘Dega.

Want action on this race? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway sports betting odds and lines, with NASCAR analysis, picks and tips.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads down to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Dixie Vodka 400. The green flag drops Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET with the race televised on FOX. Below, we analyze the Dixie Vodka 400 odds and betting lines, with NASCAR picks and tips with odds from BetMGM sportsbook.

Dixie Vodka 400: What you need to know

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday, June 13 at 6:20 a.m. ET.

Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway will be the first sporting event with fans in the stands since mid-March. NASCAR will allow 1,000 fans, just military members or first responders, to attend as honorary guests. Fans will be required to wear masks, will be screened upon arrival and will be expected to follow physical-distancing guidelines at six feet apart.

Even with a smattering of people in the grandstands, this event will have a much different look and feel from previous seasons. From 2002 to 2019, the South Florida track hosted the final race of the season, leading to the crowning of the Cup Series champion. Joe Gibbs Racing’s Kyle Busch (+500 for Sunday’s race) won the championship with a checkered flag at this track last season, his second trip to Victory Lane at HMS in five years.

  • Six of the previous seven races have been won by a driver starting fifth or better. Denny Hamlin (+1000), Joey Logano (+800), Brad Keselowski (+1000), Busch and Chase Elliott (+700) are in starting spots 1 through 5.
  • Toyota has been the Victory Lane in two of the past three at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and four of the past seven.
  • Busch leads all drivers with 463 laps led, although he ranks 12th among active drivers with a 16.33 Average-Finish Position (AFP) across his 15 career starts at this track.
  • Rick Ware Racing’s J.J. Yeley (+100000) and Front Row Motorsports’ Michael McDowell (+50000) lead all active drivers with four DNFs apiece.

Who is going to win the Dixie Vodka 400?

HAMLIN (+1000) was a big disappointment at Martinsville Wednesday night, but has had strong results at this track in the past. Look for a nice bounce back. Plus, he is a strong value at this price.

Hamlin has two career wins at Homestead-Miami Speedway, while posting four top-5 runs, 10 top-10 finishes, 256 laps led and a 10.53 AFP in 15 starts at the track.

KEVIN HARVICK (+400) is always a threat at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He leads all active drivers with a sparkling 6.42 AFP in 19 career starts. While he has just one win, he has placed inside the top 5 on 11 different occasions while leading 414 laps. He has never finished lower than 20th at this track, too.

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CHASE ELLIOTT (+700) has yet to taste victory at HMS, but has never finished lower than 15th, either. In fact, he has a 9.50 AFP, second best in the field among drivers with at least four starts.

Homestead-Miami Speedway prop bets

HARVICK (-154) is a strong play to finish inside the top 5. In addition, HAMLIN (+140) is worth a roll of the dice to finish in the top 5, too.

Among the best finishing position matchups, take HAMLIN (-112) to finish better than Keselowski. CLINT BOWYER (-106) is a good bet to outpace William Byron, while Florida native ARIC ALMIROLA (+125) is a value play over Tyler Reddick.

Homestead-Miami Speedway long-shot bets

AUSTIN DILLON (+1400) has the best potential to crash the party and spoil the day for the favorites. He has shown tremendous and consistent improvement since making his debut at this track in 2014. He improved to 15th in 2015, 12th in 2016, 11th in both 2017 and 2018 and eighth last season.

Want action on this race? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway sports betting odds and lines, with NASCAR analysis, picks and tips.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500. The green flag drops Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on FOX. Below, we analyze the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 odds and betting lines, with NASCAR picks and tips with odds from BetMGM sportsbook.

Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500: What you need to know

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, June 5 at 6:05 p.m. ET.

Penske Racing’s Brad Keselowski (+800) is the defending winner of this race, and he picked up checkers last season after starting from the 19th position.

  • The past three winners of the NASCAR Cup Series race in Atlanta have been in a Ford, with the three previous winners in a Chevrolet. A Toyota hasn’t been to Victory Lane in Atlanta since the AdvoCare 500 in 2013 when Kyle Busch (+650) raced to the win.
  • Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott (+600) has drawn the pole position, as starting spots 1-12 were a random draw from charter teams in those positions in team owner points.
  • The pole sitter hasn’t won in Atlanta in 18 Cup races dating back to Kasey Kahne (now retired) when he won the Golden Corral 500 in his Dodge March 20, 2006.
  • Four of the past six winners in Atlanta have started in position No. 10 or lower in the starting grid.
  • Stewart-Haas Racing driver Kevin Harvick (+450) leads all active drivers with 1,197 laps led in Atlanta. The next closest competitor is Ganassi’s Kurt Busch (+1600) with 802.

Who is going to win the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500?

While a pole sitter hasn’t hoisted the trophy in Atlanta since 2006, ELLIOTT (+600) is always a good choice. He has been running very consistently since the restart of the season and has been in contention for every race since the return.

Elliott leads all active drivers with a 10.5 Average-Finish Position (AFP) in four starts in Atlanta, posting a top-5 run and three top-10 finishes. He has never ended up lower than 19th at the track.

KURT BUSCH (+1600) has three wins under his belt in Atlanta, while turning in seven top-5 showings and 14 top-10 runs in 28 career starts. Plus, he has a strong 14.9 AFP along with those 802 laps led. Father Time isn’t catching up with the veteran – he turns 42 in August – especially as far as Atlanta in concerned, as he leads all drivers with a 6.9 AFP across the past 10 starts at the track. That includes finishes of fourth, seventh, eighth and third over the past four runs.

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KESELOWSKI (+800) is running with a lot of confidence, and is the defending champ of this race. He also won last week at Bristol for his second victory in the past three races. And remember, Ford has been to Victory Lane in each of the past three Atlanta runs, so …

Atlanta Motor Speedway prop bets

KURT BUSCH (-125) is almost a near certainty to finish INSIDE THE TOP 10, so play that. In addition, take the elder BUSCH (-115) over Jimmie Johnson in a head-to-head, best finishing position prop.

Another strong head-to-head play is ARIC ALMIROLA (-115) over Matt DiBenedetto. Almirola hasn’t exactly lit the track afire, but DiBenedetto just has never been able to figure the place out. In four Cup starts, DiBenedetto is 29th, 28th, 31st and 26th.

Atlanta Motor Speedway long-shot bets

Ol’ wily veteran MATT KENSETH (+6000) of Ganassi Racing is worth a roll of the dice here. He has never won in 29 tries in Atlanta, but has turned in 11 top 5s, 17 top 10s and he has led 363 laps in his career. He has an 11.93 AFP, best among all active drivers with at least five starts at the venerable, bumpy track.

If you’re looking for a REAL long shot to bet on, try DANIEL SUAREZ (+50000). He has three Cup starts under his belt in Atlanta, finishing 21st in his debut in 2017, 15th in 2018 and 10th in 2019. Of course, he is now in a more inferior machine, racing for Gaunt Brothers Racing in the No. 96 Toyota rather than his previous years with JGR and one season with SHR, thus the extremely long odds. But hey, it’s worth a $1 bet.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Food City presents the Supermarket Heroes 500 at Bristol odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Food City presents the Supermarket Heroes 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway sports betting odds and lines, with NASCAR analysis, picks and tips.

The NASCAR Cup Series moves to Bristol Motor Speedway for the Food City presents the Supermarket Heroes 500. The green flag drops Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.  Below, we analyze the Supermarket Heroes 500 odds and betting lines, with NASCAR picks and tips with odds from BetMGM sportsbook.

Supermarket Heroes 500: What you need to know

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, May 29 at 3:35 p.m. ET.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott (+900) was able to end his streak of bad luck by capturing checkers at the Alsco Uniforms 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Thursday night. He is among the favorites to win again Sunday.

  • Elliott leads all active drivers with an 11.5 Average-Finish Position (AFP) in eight career starts at Bristol. While he has never won at “The Last Great Colosseum,” he has three top-5 finishes, four top-10 showings and 199 laps led with no DNFs. He took third, 11th and fifth in his past three Bristol starts.
  • Joe Gibbs Racing driver KYLE BUSCH (+450) is the favorite, but he just hasn’t been himself. He’s only led 14 laps this season, and all of those occurred at the Daytona 500. That means the No. 18 machine hasn’t been out front in seven races dating back to Feb. 17. He leads all drivers with eight wins at Thunder Valley, posting a 13.45 AFP with 2,333 laps led in 29 career starts. He is sure to get it going at Bristol.
  • Ganassi Racing’s Matt Kenseth (+2500) is second among active drivers with four wins at Bristol. He owns 15 top-5 finishes and 22 top-10 runs in 36 career starts there with a 13.61 AFP and 1,583 laps led.
  • Kenseth’s Ganassi teammate KURT BUSCH (+1400) has managed six wins in 38 career starts at Bristol, second among active drivers only to his younger brother. The elder Busch has 12 top-5 finishes, 20 top-10 results and 1,095 laps led with only three DNFs.
  • Two of the past four pole sitters at Bristol have ended up winning, and four of the past 10 starters from the No. 1 position have come away with checkers.
  • Toyota has won four of the past five starts at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Who is going to win the Supermarket Heroes 500?

Both BUSCH BROTHERS would make for solid plays here – with a KYLE win paying 4.5 to 1 or better yet, a KURT victory scoring a nice 14-to-1 payoff.

Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports driver JIMMIE JOHNSON (+2000) is looking to snap a 103-start win drought. He is one of eight active drivers with two or more wins at the track.

The seven-time champ Johnson has a 13.28 AFP in 36 career starts with only 15 of his results outside of the top 10. He also has 914 laps led at Bristol and just one DNF.

Stewart-Haas Racing’s KEVIN HARVICK (+800) had a strong car Thursday night in Charlotte, but he faded late. He is also one of those multiple winners at Bristol, and figures to be right there in the end. He has 912 laps led and a 13.84 AFP in his career at the short track.

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BRAD KESELOWSKI (+1400) of Penske Racing had several years of ugly results at Bristol, but he showed well in last season’s summer “Night Race” with a third-place run. He has two career checkered flags at the short track, as does his teammate JOEY LOGANO (+600). The two Penske drivers have combined to lead 1,461 total laps at Thunder Valley, too. And don’t forget about Penske’s Ryan Blaney (+1600). He finished seventh, fourth and 10th in his past three Bristol runs.

Bristol Motor Speedway long-shot bets

Harvick’s teammate CLINT BOWYER (+2500) has never won in 28 career starts at Bristol, but he is always in the mix. He has seven top-5 showings, 15 top-10 finishes and a strong 14.07 AFP with only two DNFs and 281 laps led. Bowyer is eighth or better in each of his past four Bristol starts. A $10 wager would profit $250 if he claims the checkered flag.

JTG Daugherty’s RICKY STENHOUSE JR. (+4000) turned in a top-5 finish in Thursday’s Charlotte race, and he’ll arrive at Bristol brimming with confidence. He has always showed well at the short track, posting a 14.43 AFP in 14 career starts and just one DNF, although he has never led one lap here. Last season was a train wreck, as he was 33rd in both starts, but he averaged a 7.3 AFP in four starts from Summer 2016 to Spring 2018 at BMS. Backing the 40-to-1 long shot is worth a roll of the dice.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Alsco Uniforms 500 at Charlotte odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Alsco Uniforms 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway sports betting odds and lines, with NASCAR analysis, picks and tips.

The NASCAR Cup Series continues on at Charlotte Motor Speedway Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET for the Alsco Uniforms 500. Below, we analyze the Alsco Uniforms 500 odds and betting lines, with NASCAR picks and tips with odds from BetMGM sportsbook.

Alsco Uniforms 500: What you need to know

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, May 25 at 6:05 p.m. ET.

It was another really entertaining race Sunday evening at the Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte. Penske Racing’s Brad Keselowski (+900 for Wednesday’s 500) will be looking for the double-dip sweep in the Queen City, but is he a good bet?

  • Keselowski will start from the 20th position Wednesday, as Sunday’s finishing positions 1-20 will be inverted for the starting grid. His four previous stops at CMS resulted in a 19.3 Average-Finish Position (AFP), so go another way.
  • MARTIN TRUEX JR. (+500) is the Alsco Uniforms 500 favorite. He enters with five straight finishes of sixth or better at Charlotte, including Sunday’s sixth-place result. Eight of his past nine starts at the track have been sixth or better, good for a 4.0 AFP.
  • Joe Gibbs Racing driver KYLE BUSCH (+600), who took fourth at the 600, admitted after Sunday’s race that he “stole a top 5 (finish)” and that his car was maybe a “ninth-place car at best.”  He hasn’t been hitting on all cylinders so far this season, but he has a 3.7 AFP in his past three Charlotte starts.
  • Rookies Christopher Bell (+15000) and Tyler Reddick (+4000) made their Cup debuts Sunday at Charlotte, with Reddick ending up eighth and Bell finishing ninth.

Who is going to win the Alsco Uniforms 500?

Hendrick Motorsports driver CHASE ELLIOTT (+600) was snake-bitten in each of the past two races, and his bettors definitely suffered a bad beat Sunday. Elliott had what seemed to be an insurmountable lead with two laps to go at the 600, but teammate William Byron (+2000) cut a tire, bringing out the caution flag.

Elliott’s crew chief Alan Gustafson followed by making a questionable call, pitting for four tires. So, Elliott didn’t get to restart from the front and couldn’t make up the difference in the two-lap overtime period. He did work his way all the way up to third by the time the checkered flag waved – and actually received a second-place finish when JIMMIE JOHNSON (+900) failed post-race inspection and was disqualified. Byron, by the way, finished 20th, so he will be the pole-sitter on Wednesday night.

But it’s been back-to-back heartbreakers for the No. 9 car.

Elliott was wrecked late at Darlington by Kyle Busch, turning two potential wins in the past two races into nightmare finishes for Elliott and his bettors.

Meanwhile, seven-time champ JOHNSON (+900) looks to be running with renewed vigor, as he looks to snap a 102-race win drought dating back to June 4, 2017 at Dover. He is getting closer, and is worth a small-unit bet at a track he has fared well in the past.

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Kevin Harvick (+900) of Stewart-Haas Racing quietly posted a fifth-place finish Sunday despite the fact it looked like he just didn’t have it. This is a scary sign for the rest of the field, as he and his team have a few days to figure it out.

The better bet than Harvick, however, might be Hendrick’s ALEX BOWMAN (+800). He led 164 laps at the 600 before settling for a 19th-place finish. He proved earlier at the Auto Club 400 in California that he can win races, and he had a runner-up in Darlington in the first race back.

Charlotte Motor Speedway long-shot bets

Reddick and Bell are strong plays based on their top-10 performances Sunday. However, don’t sleep on RICKY STENHOUS JR. (+10000) for a small-unit wager. He was 13th, 10th and 5th in his prior three stops in Charlotte before a 24th-place run Sunday. He has the tools to not just finish high, but win at this track.

A little less risk AUSTIN DILLON (+8000). He won on this track in the 600 back in May 2017. Dillon posted a 14th-place run in Sunday’s race, and is worth a roll of the dice.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway, with NASCAR betting odds, picks and best bets.

Say goodbye to those virtual races, as the NASCAR Cup Series returns for real at Darlington Raceway Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the betting odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and tips with odds from BetMGM sportsbook.

NASCAR changes: What you need to know

Sunday’s return to action after the pause due to COVID-19 will not have any practice sessions or qualifying. In fact, there will be no practice sessions for any May race, and qualifying will only be held for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte May 24. Here is what we know:

  • Positions 1 through 12 to be determined by a random draw from charter teams in those positions in team owner points
  • Positions 13-24 to be determined by a random draw among charter teams in those positions in owner points
  • Positions 25-36 to be determined by a random draw among charter teams in those positions in owner points
  • Positions 37-40 to be filled out by open, non-chartered teams in order of owner points

NASCAR standings & Darlington odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, May 13 at 1:25 a.m. ET.

A quick perusal of the current standings after four starts shows Stewart-Haas Racing’s (SHR’s) Kevin Harvick (+600 for Sunday’s Darlington race) sitting in first, one point ahead of Penske Racing’s Joey Logano (+750). Hendrick Motorsports teammates Chase Elliott (+850), Alex Bowman (+1300) and Jimmie Johnson (+2000) are in third through fifth, respectively, while Penske’s Ryan Blaney (+2200) sits sixth. SHR’s Aric Almirola (+5000) is tied for seventh with Kyle Larson (more on him below). Matt DiBenedetto (+5000) of Wood Brothers is ninth, while Penske’s Brad Keselowski (+850) rounds out the top 10.

As for Larson, he was released by Chip Ganassi Racing and indefinitely suspended by NASCAR for uttering a racial slur during a live virtual racing broadcast during the COVID-19 pause. While he has completed a mandated sensitivity training course, Matt Kenseth (+2000) is coming out of retirement to join CGR in the No. 42 car.

Who is going to win Sunday at Darlington Raceway?

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Kyle Busch (+500) is noticeably absent from the top 10 in the standings, but he is actually listed as the race favorite due to his recent run of success at the track. While he hasn’t won in the past 10 stops, he has been 11th or better in each of those starts.

Busch has finished seventh or better in eight of his past 10 starts at Darlington, posting a stellar 11.1 Average-Finish Position (AFP) in his 15 overall runs at the South Carolina track.

Johnson actually leads all active drivers with three wins at “The Lady In Black,” and he has a 12.1 AFP in 21 starts with nine finishes inside the top 5. He has also led 554 laps, fourth-most of any driver. Busch actually leads with 716 laps led, followed by Harvick (581) and Denny Hamlin (+700), another driver currently outside of the top 10 in standings. That could change in a hurry, however.

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Martin Truex Jr. (+800) is also flying a bit under the radar – he won this race in 2016, followed by his JGR teammate Hamlin in 2017. So, definitely do not base your wagering decisions on starting position alone. The past two winners have come from a starting position of 15th and 13th, and the last five winners have been from eighth or lower in the starting grid, so the pole hasn’t amounted to much lately.

Darlington Raceway long-shot bets

If you’re looking to back a long shot, why not Kenseth? He is a rather moderate underdog in his return to the track. Kenseth won at Darlington as recently as the 2013 season, and raced a Cup car in 2018, albeit a 25th-place fun. He has five top-10 starts in his past seven Darlington runs, including the 2013 win, so how amazing of a story would it be if he won Sunday?

SHR’s Clint Bowyer (+5000) has been a disaster at Darlington in recent years, posting a 40th-place run in 2017, a 36th-place finish in 2018 before running sixth last season. He is a great driver, but a long shot for a reason, as he has found the title “Track Too Tough To Tame” apropos. In 14 career Darlington starts, he has a dismal 21.6 AFP with just two top-10 showings and only 17 laps led. Still, a driver of his caliber at this price is worth a small-unit bet, especially with all of the chaos and uncertainty heading into the season restart.

Want action on this race? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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NASCAR Betting: FanShield 500 odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series FanShield 500 at Phoenix Raceway, with NASCAR betting odds, picks and best bets

The NASCAR Cup Series moves to Phoenix Raceway Sunday afternoon for the FanShield 500 at 3:30 p.m. ET in Avondale, Ariz. Below, we analyze the FanShield500 betting odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and tips.

Who is going to win the 2020 FanShield 500 at Phoenix Raceway?

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch (+325) has been at or near the top of the heap at Phoenix (previously ISM Raceway) for a while now. He has rattled off nine consecutive finishes in the Top 10, with eight of those runs resulting in a finish of fourth or better, with three runner-ups and a pair of checkered flags. Since the fall 2015 race he has an Average-Finish Position (AFP) of 2.9, which makes him the overwhelming betting favorite

Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott (+1000) is on the pole for Sunday’s race. He has been a quick study at the track, posting an AFP of 13.8 in eight career starts with two top-5 showings, four top-10 finishes and 156 laps led, although he does have a DNF in that span. His teammate Jimmie Johnson (+5000) is looking to snap a lengthy winless drought, and Phoenix could be just the place for him. He has four career wins at the track, second-most among all active drivers. In 33 career starts, he has a 10.3 AFP with 15 of his runs resulting in a finish of fifth or better while leading 994 laps.

New to sports betting? A successful $10 wager on Busch to win would return a profit of $32.50.

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Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick (+550) is always a threat at this track as well. He has collected nine checkered flags at this flat track in his 34 career starts, with exactly half of his starts resulting in a finish of fifth or better. He also leads all active drivers with 1,595 laps led. And, most importantly, he has never had a DNF in his 34 starts at Phoenix, so you know he’ll be there in the end.

JGR’s Denny Hamlin (+800) is one of five active drivers with at least two wins at the track, four if you exclude the injured Ryan Newman. The driver of the No. 11 FedEx Toyota has registered 13 top-5 showings in his 29 career starts with an impressive 11.0 AFP and 821 laps led.

Also of note, JGR’s Martin Truex Jr. (+600) will start from the back of the field due to an engine change before pre-technical inspection Saturday.

2020 FanShield 500 longshot bets

Of the racers without a career win at Phoenix, Ganassi Racing’s Kyle Larson (+2500) has slightly longer odds than the four above. He is the best non-winner by the career numbers. In 12 career starts he has a tremendous 12.7 AFP with four top-5 finishes, six top-10 showings and 69 laps led. He was a runner-up in the spring ’17 race, and he has five finishes of sixth or better in his past seven starts.

If you want an even deeper sleeper, SHR’s Aric Almirola (+6000) could be a nice selection. He has never won at the track, but in 18 career starts he has a solid 15.3 AFP with 14 of his finishes coming in the Top 20, and two runs inside the Top 5. The ‘Cuban Missile’ had back-to-back fourth-place runs in the fall of ’18 and spring of ’19 race, too.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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NASCAR Betting: Auto Club 400 odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Auto Club 400 sports betting odds and lines, with NASCAR analysis, picks and tips.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to the Auto Club Speedway Sunday afternoon for the Auto Club 400 at 3:30 p.m. ET in Fontana, Calif. Below, we analyze the Auto Club 400 betting odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and tips.

Who is going to win the 2020 Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway?

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Saturday at 12:05 p.m. ET.

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch (+500) won last season’s Auto Club 400, and he has also picked up three checkered flags across his past six starts at the California track. The defending series champ is off to a rather uneven start through two starts this season, so perhaps a start at ACS is just what is needed to jump-start his season. In 21 career starts at the track he has four wins, 10 top-five finishes, 15 top-10 runs and 807 laps led with a 10.0 Average-Finish Position (AFP), too.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott (+800) has had some strong showings at this track in the past, but victory has eluded him thus far. In four starts he has a 10.8 AFP with a pair of top-10 finishes, five laps led and he has never finished lower than 16th. He’ll be one to watch. Elliott’s teammate Jimmie Johnson (+1600) is showing some signs of life early on, and he leads all active drivers with six California wins, 13 top-five finishes in 25 starts, 980 laps led and a 7.6 AFP.

New to sports betting? A successful $10 wager on Johnson to win would return a profit of $160.

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Penske Racing driver Joey Logano (+600) will be looking for checkers for the second consecutive weekend. He is seventh or better in each of his past five outings, including a runner-up finish last season. Logano has never won this race in 13 career starts, but he has 57 laps led and a 13.1 AFP, sixth-best among all active drivers.

Logano’s teammate Brad Keselowski (+800) won this race in 2015, and he has rattled off three straight top-five showings, and five top-10 finishes in a row. Kes has a 14.5 AFP in his 11 career starts with 81 laps led.

2020 Auto Club 400 longshot bets

Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kurt Busch (+2500) is worth a small-unit wager, as he enters Sunday’s race with the fourth-best AFP among active drivers. In 26 career starts he has a win, seven top-five finishes, 13 top-10 finishes and no DNFs with a 12.6 AFP and 298 laps led.

If you’re looking for a little bit more of a longshot, Erik Jones (+3300) fits the bill. He has finished 12th, seventh and 19th in three career starts at ACS with a solid 12.7 AFP, fifth among active drivers.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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