kyle-larson – Syndication Server

2024 Xfinity 500 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2024 Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway, with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

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The NASCAR Cup Series is at Martinsville Speedway Sunday for the 2024 Xfinity 500. The green flag drops at 2 p.m. ET (NBC) for the final start of 3 Round of 8 races in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NASCAR odds around the 2024 Xfinity 500 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

Xfinity 500: What you need to know

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Martin Truex Jr. is on the pole for Sunday’s race after posting a best speed of 96.190 mph in qualifying
Truex, no longer alive in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, has 3 career wins at Martinsville with 10 top-15 finishes and 1,063 laps led in 37 career starts with a 15.9 Average-Finish Position (AFP)
Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney leads all active drivers with an 8.8 AFP in 17 career Cup starts with a win and 9 top-5 finishes. He enters sixth in the playoff standings, still alive for a Championship 4 spot
JGR’s Denny Hamlin has 5 career Cup victories at Martinsville while posting 19 top-5 finishes and 2,448 laps led with a 10.2 AFP in 37 career Cup starts
Hamlin will start from the back of the field in 37th, as he smacked the wall on Turn 3 in practice Saturday, heavily damaging his car due to an apparent hung throttle
JGR’s Christopher Bell sits atop the playoff standings. In 9 career Cup starts he has a win, 159 laps led and a 16.2 AFP at Martinsville. Bell is set to go off 16th Sunday
Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron has 2 career Cup wins at the Virginia short track, while posting a 13.8 AFP in 13 career starts. He’ll go off third on Sunday
Hendrick’s Chase Elliott is still alive in eighth place in the playoff standings. He has a win, 6 top-5 finishes and 1,104 laps led with a 12.7 AFP in 18 career Cup starts at Martinsville. He goes off second Sunday

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Xfinity 500 – Expert pick

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NASCAR odds. Lines last updated at 12:51 a.m. ET.

KYLE LARSON (+600) is a good value for the chance to multiply up by 6 times with a victory.

He currently sits in third place in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs standings, as he vies for a spot in the Championship 4.

Larson has 19 career Cup starts at the “Paper Clip”, going for a win, 5 top-5 finishes and just 7 top-19 runs, so this hasn’t been his best track. He has a 16.7 AFP, too, which is middle of the road, while posting 4 DNFs. However, he needs a strong finish to head to Phoenix for a shot at a championship, and he is a good bet to do just that.

Xfinity 500 – Contender

JOEY LOGANO (+2000) is still alive in the playoff standings, but he’ll need a lot of help. He checks in seventh, 28 points back of Tyler Reddick below the cut line. He’ll likely be going all out, as it’s now or never.

Logano is 4th among active drivers with a 10.8 AFP in 31 career Cup starts at Martinsville. While he has just a one grandfather clock to his name, the prize awarded for winning at the Virginia short track, he does have 11 top-5 finishes and 19 top-10 runs with 1,208 laps led and 0 DNFs.

For the chance to multiply up by 20 times, Logano is a strong value. He goes off from the 12th spot in the starting grid.

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2024 South Point 400 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2024 South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

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The NASCAR Cup Series moves to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Sunday for the 2024 South Point 400. The green flag drops at 2 p.m. ET (NBC) for the 1st race of 3 Round of 8 races in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NASCAR odds around the 2024 South Point 400 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

2024 South Point 400: What you need to know

Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson leads all active drivers with a 9.3 Average-Finish Position (AFP) in 16 career Cup starts LVMS while posting 3 checkered flags and 8 top-5 finishes. Larson goes off 5th on Sunday
Larson tops the playoff standings, 20 points clear of Christopher Bell heading into the Round of 8 races
Bell snagged the pole with a best speed of 185.344 mph in qualifying, and he is 1 of 4 Toyotas starting in the 1st 2 rows. Bell has a so-so 19.1 AFP with just 2 top-5 finishes in 9 career Cup starts at LVMS
Hendrick’s Alex Bowman, eliminated from the playoffs, is the top Chevy in the starting grid, going off 3rd
Team Penske’s Joey Logano is 8th in the playoff standings. He is the top Ford in the starting grid, going off 10th
Logano has 3 career wins at Las Vegas, posting 7 top-5 finishes and 13 top-10 runs with 538 laps led in 22 career Cup starts. He has a 9.9 AFP
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Martin Truex Jr. has 2 career wins at LVMS, 7 top-5 finishes and 16 top-10 runs in 25 career Cup starts, and he is 2nd among active drivers with a 9.8 AFP
Hendrick’s Chase Elliott has never won in Vegas, while posting just 3 top-5 finishes and 178 laps led with 3 DNFs in 14 career Cup starts while posting a mediocre 18.6 AFP
JGR’s Denny Hamlin has a win, 6 top-5 finishes and 13 top-10 runs with 408 laps led in 25 career Cup starts in Vegas with a 12.5 AFP
Hendrick’s William Byron has a win at LVMS in 13 career Cup starts, with a 15.1 AFP and 271 laps led

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2024 South Point 400 – Expert pick

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NASCAR odds. Lines last updated Saturday at 9:38 p.m. ET.

KYLE LARSON (+360) is the chalk, but he is a strong play at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

While Toyotas dominated in qualifying, Larson is lurking in the weeds at 5th in the starting grid. Don’t be surprised to see the No. 5 machine slide to the top of the line early in Sunday’s race, and lead a significant amount of laps.

He leads all active drivers with the 9.3 AFP, while 50.0% of his starts in Las Vegas have resulted in a finish of 5th or better. He also has an Average Driver Rating of 105.4, leading all active drivers.

2024 South Point 400 – Contender

CHASE ELLIOTT (+1300) isn’t a bad play at this price point.

While Elliott has never won at LVMS, he is 7th in the NASCAR standings heading into the Round of 8 races. Elliott has posting 5 finishes inside the Top 10, but he has 3 DNFs. There is plenty of risk, but Elliott needs a strong finish, and Chevrolet has won 3 straight races at the track, while posting checkered flags in 6 of the past 8 starts since Sept. 27, 2020.

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2024 Cook Out 400 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2024 Cook Out 400, with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

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The NASCAR Cup Series is back after the Olympic break, returning Sunday for the 2024 Cook Out 400 at to Richmond Raceway. Green flag is slated to drop shortly after 6 p.m. ET (USA Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 2024 Cook Out 400 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

2024 Cook Out 400: What you need to know

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin, the Chesterfield, Va. native, won the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond back on March 31 earlier this season, leading just 17 of the 407 laps. He is on the pole for Sunday
Hamlin has 5 checkered flags at Richmond, while posting 19 top-5 finishes and 2,243 laps led in 35 Cup starts with an 8.3 Average-Finish Position (AFP)
Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch leads all active drivers with a 7.4 AFP (min. 3 Cup starts) and 6 wins at Richmond, although most of that production came as a member of JGR. He goes off from the 12th spot
Team Penske’s Joey Logano has 2 wins in 30 career Cup starts with 14 top-5 finishes, 951 laps led and a 9.7 AFP at Richmond. He starts 9th on Sunday
Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson has 2 career Cup wins at Richmond, while posting 5 top-5 runs and 9 top-10 showings with 329 laps led and a 10.8 AFP in 19 starts. Larson starts 15th in the grid
TrackHouse Racing’s Ross Chastain will start 22nd Sunday. He has just a single top-5 finish in 11 Cup tries at Richmond with a dismal 20.7 AFP
23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace is starting 8th Sunday. His best-career finish at Richmond is 12th, posting a 21.8 AFP in 12 Cup starts

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2024 Cook Out 400 – 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 2:29 a.m. ET.

DENNY HAMLIN (+350) is the best bet for Sunday’s race. He normally gets up for these races on his home track and he is difficult to beat.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson (+700) is a better value, but he doesn’t have the advantage of picking his pit stall first. Pit road is cramped at Richmond, and picking an advantageous pit stall can be the difference between contending, and simply having to struggle to get a top-10 finish.

2024 Brickyard 400 – Contender

RCR’s KYLE BUSCH (+4000) just hasn’t been himself in the No. 8 machine, but you have to keep playing him, even of a little bit of money, at the tracks he has traditionally dominated.

While Busch ended up just 20th in the Toyota Owners 400 back in late March, he goes off 12th Sunday. Don’t be surprised to see Busch challenge for a win, and a potential playoff spot.

If you’re a little more conservative, KYLE BUSCH — TOP-10 FINISH (+135) at plus-money is still a value.

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2024 Brickyard 400 – Prop Bet

JOSH BERRY — TOP-10 FINISH (-155) is moderately priced, but still worth a roll of the dice for this prop.

Berry will go off from the 3rd spot Sunday after posting a speed of 117.601 mph in qualifying. He is the top qualifying Ford in the field. He doesn’t have a lengthy Cup history at Richmond, but he was 2nd and 11th in his 2 previous starts. A top-10 showing would not be surprising in the least.

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2024 Ally 400 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2024 Ally 400, with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

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The NASCAR Cup Series Nashville Superspeedway Sunday for the 2024 Ally 400. Green flag is scheduled to drop shortly after 3:30 p.m. ET (NBC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 2024 Ally 400 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

2024 Ally 400: What you need to know

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin is on the pole for Sunday’s race in Nashville with a best qualifying speed of 160.354 mph
Stewart-Haas Racing driver Josh Berry will start on the outside of Row 1 after turning in a best qualifying speed of 159.749 mph. His previous best starting position was 3rd at Iowa
Hendrick Motorsports Kyle Larson is the top Chevrolet in the starting grid, going off 4th on Sunday. Larson won the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race in Nashville in 2021
Hendrick’s Chase Elliott took home the hardware in 2022 at Nashville, but he has had mixed results in the track’s 3 Cup races, finishing 1st, 4th and 39th
JGR’s Christopher Bell has never finished higher than 7th in a Cup race at Nashville, but he has also never ended up lower than 9th
Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney has been feast or famine at Nashville, posting a 3rd-place finish with 2 DNFs and a 25.3 Average-Finish Position (AFP)
Larson and Ross Chastain are the only 2 active drivers to finish 5th or better in all 3 previous Nashville Cup races
Chase Briscoe, who is headed for JGR next season, has had a devil of a time at Nashville in the past. He has 3 Cup starts at Nashville, finishing 31st, 31st and 34th with 1 DNF
Hendrick’s Alex Bowman has struggled over the years at Nashville, posting a 22.3 AFP in 3 Cup starts

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2024 Ally 400 – 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 4:43 a.m. ET.

KYLE LARSON (+400) has the 2nd shortest odds to win the race — only behind Hamlin (+375). As mentioned, Larson and Chastain are the only 2 drivers who have posted top-5 finishes in all 3 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Nashville Superspeedway.

Larson has managed a 3.3 AFP, posting a win, a 4th and a 5th-place with a Nashville-best 264 laps led. He has qualified well, and he has finished even better. His Average Starting Position is 5.0, and he is one better this Sunday, going off 4th.

2024 Ally 400 – Contender

Again, ROSS CHASTAIN (+1400) is one of just 2 drivers to finish in the top 5 in each of the 3 NASCAR Cup Series Nashville races.

Chastain started the season a bit slow, but he has picked up the pace lately. He turned in a 10th-place finish at New Hampshire last time out, and he has been 12th or better in each of his past 6 NASCAR Cup Series starts.

2024 Ally 400 – Prop Bets

In a Matchbet, CHASE ELLIOTT (+145) vs. Hamlin (-190) is worth a roll of the dice. All Elliott has to do is finish higher than Hamlin.

Elliott has a win at Nashville, and he also has a pair of top-5 finishes. There is risk, as Elliott goes off 13th, while Hamlin is on the pole. However, we don’t have to worry about any of the other drivers.

While Elliott’s 18th-place finish at New Hampshire last week was a bummer, especially since he started on the pole, he has finished 7th or better in 8 of his past 12 Cup races. He is slowly starting to show signs of his pre-injury dominant self.

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2024 Iowa Corn 350 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2024 Iowa Corn 350, with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

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The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Iowa Speedway Sunday for the 2024 Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol. Green flag is scheduled to drop shortly after 7 p.m. ET (USA Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 2024 Iowa Corn 350 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

2024 Iowa Corn 350: What you need to know

Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson is on the pole for the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa after posting a best speed of 136.458 mph in qualifying
RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski goes off 5th on Sunday. He has 7 Xfinity Series races under his belt at Iowa, posting 3 wins, 6 top-5 finishes and an Average-Finish Position (AFP) of 3.0 with 332 laps led
Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell also has an extensive history at Iowa from his Xfinity Series days, taking checkers twice in 5 races with 4 top-5 finishes and a 4.4 AFP
Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney starts on the outside of Row 1. He has an Xfinity Series win in 5 starts, while posting 3 top-5 finishes and a 5.4 AFP. Blaney also won a Truck Series race in 4 tries at Iowa
Hendrick’s William Byron has won an Xfinity race at Iowa in just 2 tries, leading 78 laps while posting a 5.0 AFP. He also won his only Truck Series start at Iowa. Byron goes off 4th on Sunday
Erik Jones has won once in an Xfinity Series race at Iowa Speedway, while also posting 2 wins in the Truck Series in 4 career starts
Other NASCAR Cup Series drivers in the field this week with an Xfinity Series win at Iowa include Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (3), Chase Briscoe (1), Chris Buescher (1), Kyle Busch (1) and Ryan Preece (1)
Ross Chastain didn’t make an Xfinity Series start at Iowa, but he has 6 runs in the Truck Series. He was a runner-up once, but he has a dismal 17.3 AFP in a truck, while posting just the 1 top-10 finish

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2024 Iowa Corn 350 – 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 1:37 a.m. ET.

It’s a good idea to focus on a driver who has been on the track before for a competitive race. While Larson (+400) tore it up in qualifying, WILLIAM BYRON (+1100) is a much better value to pick up the win at the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway.

Byron has the history at this track spanning longer than this weekend. He has picked up checkers in the Xfinity Series at Iowa Speedway, and he has a win in his lone start in the Truck Series. He has the chance at the trifecta Sunday.

2024 Iowa Corn 350 – Contender

BRAD KESELOWSKI (+1400) is worth a roll of the dice if you don’t take one of the favorites or Byron.

Keselowski has 7 races in the Xfinity Series under his belt at Iowa, and he has never finished lower than 8th place, while leading the pack for 332 laps. In 7 career starts, he has been inside the Top 5 on 6 occasions, with 3 checkered flags.

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2024 Enjoy Illinois 300 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s 2024 Enjoy Illinois 300, with NASCAR expert picks and predictions.

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The NASCAR Cup Series moves to World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway on Sunday for the 2024 Enjoy Illinois 300. Green flag is scheduled to drop shortly after 3:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 2024 Enjoy Illinois 300 odds, and make our expert NASCAR picks and predictions.

2024 Enjoy Illinois 300: What you need to know

Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch, who picked up the win in last season’s race at Gateway by holding off Denny Hamlin, goes off 10th Sunday
Team Penske’s Joey Logano won the inaugural running of the Enjoy Illinois 300 in 2022, edging Busch in overtime. He starts 12th Sunday
Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney is 1 of just 4 drivers to produce a top-10 finish in both Cup races at this track. He has posted a 5.0 Average-Finish Position (AFP) with 95 laps led, 2nd-most behind Busch (187)
Joe Gibbs Racing’s Martin Truex Jr. has managed a 5.5 AFP in 2 starts, finishing 5th and 6th in his 2 Cup starts
Front Row Motorsports driver Michael McDowell is on the pole for Sunday’s race. He finished 18th in 2022 at WWTR, and 9th in 2023
Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson improving to 4th in last season’s installment after posting a 12th-place finish at this track in 2022
JGR’s Christopher Bell, who won the rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600 last weekend in Charlotte, goes off 4th on Sunday. He has finished 9th and 11th in his 2 Cup starts at Gateway
23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace has registered finishes of 26th and 30th in 2 starts at WWTR, including one DNF
JTG Daugherty Racing’s Ricky Stenhouse Jr. qualified 24th for Sunday. He has finished 32nd in each of the previous 2 races here

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2024 Enjoy Illinois 300 – 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 1:19 a.m. ET.

RYAN BLANEY (+325) is the chalk in Sunday’s Cup race, and he is worth a roll of the dice.

The Team Penske program has been on point at the World Wide Technology Raceway in suburban St. Louis. Penske finished 1st, 4th and 11th in 2022, with Blaney ending up 4th. He was 2nd in Stage 1 in that inaugural Cup race, by the way, while leading 12 laps.

In 2023, Penske was again solid, finishing 3rd, 6th and 13th, with Blaney bringing it home 6th with 83 laps led and a Stage 2 victory while posting a 121.5 Driver Rating. It’s his time to shine on Sunday.

2024 Enjoy Illinois 300 – Contenders

KYLE LARSON (+1300) has some rather long odds heading into this race.

Larson missed the double last week, as he attempted to race the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. However, rain delayed the IndyCar Series race, he stayed there, and Justin Allgaier took the wheel of the No. 5 Hendrick Chevy. Larson actually arrived just as the rain started to fall at Charlotte, and the weather never subsided, eventually getting called due to rain.

Larson still hasn’t received a waiver to make the playoffs, as NASCAR rules stay a driver must make all 36 regular-season starts to qualify. It is expected he will be granted the waiver, but for now, he could race with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder.

Larson was 4th at this race last season, so he is a solid value at this price.

2024 Enjoy Illinois 300 props

Prop odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook

KYLE LARSON TOP-5 FINISH (+230) is still a strong value for the chance to double up for a top-5 finish. He ended up 4th in last season’s race, so roll with the Hendrick driver for this prop.

FORD – WINNING MANUFACTURER (+135) is worth a roll of the dice, as we mentioned above about Team Penske’s dominance at this track in the 1st 2 Cup stops.

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2024 Indianapolis 500 odds, picks and predictions

Looking at the odds for Sunday’s Indianapolis 500, with expert picks and predictions.

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The IndyCar Series moves to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday for the 2024 Indianapolis 500. Green flag for the 108th running of the Indy 500 is scheduled to drop shortly after 12:30 p.m. ET (NBC). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 2024 Indianapolis 500 odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

2024 Indianapolis 500: What you need to know

Weather is an issue for Sunday’s race as scattered thunderstorms, including some potentially severe with hail, are in the forecast from 11 a.m. through 3 a.m. Monday. The chance of precipitation is 50 percent or greater for a better part of Sunday
Arrow McLaren driver Kyle Larson is attempting to become the 5th driver to start the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 in the same day. The weather might negate those plans, however
Larson was impressive in qualifying, challenging for the pole in the Fast Six, before securing the 5th starting spot after he posted a speed of 232.846 mph
Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin is on the pole, starting from the inside of Row 1. His teammates Will Power and Josef Newgarden, the 2023 Indy 500 winner, are alongside him on the front row
Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou, who sits atop the IndyCar Series standings with 152 points and 4 top-5 finishes, will go off from the middle of Row 5
2022 Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson is in the middle of Row 11, the final row, in between Katherine Legge and Graham Rahal
2-time Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato (2017, 2020) goes off from the inside of Row 4

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2024 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 5:27 a.m. ET.

WILL POWER (+725) goes off from the middle of Row 1. The Team Penske driver sits 2nd in the IndyCar Series standings, and the Indianapolis 500 would be the perfect place for Power to get his 1st victory of the 2024 schedule.

While Power has been unable to secure checkers, he has 3 top-5 finishes, and 4 finishes inside the top-10. He has been very consistent, and he understands how to get to the milk on the bricks at this track. Power won the 2018 Indianapolis 500 in his Dallara DW12-Chevrolet.

2024 Indianapolis 500 Long shots

ALEX PALOU (+1300) has some rather long odds given the fact he sits on the perch of the IndyCar Series standings. Palou leads all drivers with 4 top-5 finishes, and he is 12 points clear of Power.

Palou will have to work his way up the grid as he starts in the middle of Row 5 between COLTON HERTA (+950), another long-shot bet worth a look, and Callum Ilott.

Herta is tied for 3rd in the series standings with Scott Dixon (127 points), and Herta has managed a pair of top-5 finishes and 4 runs inside the top-10.

It’s a good idea to back HERTA TOP-5 FINISH (+130) and PALOU TOP-5 FINISH (+170), too.

2024 Indianapolis 500 Prop picks

WILL POWER (-145) BEST FINISHING POSITION over Kyle Larson (+110)

There is a chance this bet turns into “no action” if Larson elects to leave Indy for Charlotte early Sunday because of weather and the start of the 500 is delayed. If Sunday’s race is a complete washout and postponed to Monday, Larson will very well likely return to Indy.

If Larson races Indy, backing a former Indianapolis 500 winner in Power over a 1st-time starter in Larson, albeit a talented one not entirely new to open-wheel racing, is the move.

Sunday 3-race parlay

MAX VERSTAPPEN to win Monaco GP (+800), POWER to win Indy 500 (+725), and TYLER REDDICK to win Coca-Cola 600 (+1000) pays 815.75 to 1 at BetMGM Sportsbook. It’s a long-shot, sure, but that’s what makes it fun. A simple $2 bet would profit $1,623.50. That’s worth a roll of the dice.

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2022 Ally 400 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s 2022 Ally 400 odds at Nashville Superspeedway, with NASCAR odds, picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday for the 2022 Ally 400. The green flag is set to drop a little after 5 p.m. ET (NBC). Below we analyze the 2022 Ally 400 odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and predictions.

Sunday’s race is scheduled for 300 laps and 400 miles on the 1.3-mile oval at Nashville Superspeedway. The Cup Series made its debut at the track in 2021.

2022 Ally 400: What you need to know

Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson posted the victory in last season’s inaugural race, leading 264 of the 300 laps after starting from the 5th position. Larson goes off 3rd Sunday.
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin picked up the pole honors after Saturday’s rain-shortened, qualifying session. He finished 21st last season in Nashville after starting 13th.
Current TrackHouse Racing’s Ross Chastain, who drove for Chip Ganassi last season, was a runner-up to Larson at this track last year. He started 19th and led 4 laps before his 2nd-place finish. The Florida watermelon farmer will start from the 7th spot Sunday.
Hendrick’s Chase Elliott actually led the 2nd-most laps to his teammate Larson last season in Nashville, turning 13 laps in first. However, a disqualification after a post-race inspection due to loose lug nuts dropped him to 39th.

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Ally 400 – Expert picks

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:30 a.m. ET.

LARSON (+480) is listed as the favorite, and rightly so after he dominated this track last season en route to the Cup Series inaugural win. Nobody was better, or even close, to the No. 5 machine.

However, HAMLIN (+900) is worth a roll of the dice since he is going off from the pole position. He struggled at the track in 2021, dropping 8 spots from his original starting spot. But it’s always nice to be out front and see a bunch of clean air to start.

Ally 400 picks – Long shot

ARIC ALMIROLA (+4000) ended up in 4th place at last season’s inaugural Music City race. He has been a bit uneven this season in what will be his final time racing a full schedule.

The “Cuban Missile” is also a worth a look in the props section. Playing an ALMIROLA TOP-10 FINISH (+130) is still plus-money.

Ally 400 prop picks

AUSTIN DILLON TOP-10 FINISH (+220)

The driver of the No. 3 machine, who is also now a reality TV star, posted a respectable 12th-place showing last season after scooting up from a starting spot of 28th.

DANIEL SUAREZ TOP-10 FINISH (-125)

Suarez has had 2 weeks to celebrate, becoming just the 5th foreign-born driver to secure checkers in a Cup Series win with his successful Sonoma run. He will look to build upon the confidence of that victory, and should be able to run inside the top 10 on the 1.3-mile oval.

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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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Federated Auto Parts 400 picks contest

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.

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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.

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