Daytona 500 Expert Betting Picks

With the 2017 Daytona 500 quickly approaching, NASCAR betting odds fans and auto racing bettors everywhere will be back in all their glory! Better yet, thanks to the value-packed odds surrounding Sunday’s big race and my expert betting analysis, you could potentially cash in big on one of the biggest and best NASCAR races of the entire season! The 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off Friday at Daytona International Speedway. Now, with the beloved Dale Earnhardt Jr. favored to get back in the winner’s circle in his first competitive race in months, let’s find out right where the value for the Daytona 500 lies.

Here’s A Closer Look At The Daytona 500 Expert Betting Picks

   

The Favorite To Win The Daytona 500:  Dale Earnhardt Jr. 5/1

Dale Earnhardt Jr. hasn’t raced since last July because of his bouts with concussions, but he’s been installed as the prohibitive favorite to win the Daytona 500. Now, while I’m a huge fan of both, the late Dale Sr. and Junior and I realize that the latter has won here in 2004 and 2014. However, I have to admit that I’m stunned Dale Jr. has been installed as the favorite and I really don’t expect to see him end up in the winner’s circle, although it would be a great story.

The Smart Bet To Win The Daytona 500: Brad Keselowski 6/1

Keselowski finished a respectable 20th at last year’s Daytona 500 after finishing 41st in 2015. While his last two appearances certainly don’t inspire a whole lot of confidence that he can pull of the win this year, Keselowski’s fourth place finish in 2013 and his third place finish one year later for Team Penske, makes me believe he’s got  legitimate shot at winning this year’s Daytona 500.

The Longshot To Win The Daytona 500: Kurt Busch 20/1

Sure, Kurt Busch hasn’t won at Daytona in 14 career starts, but I believe he’s as good of a longshot selection as anyone else. Busch has been a bridesmaid at Daytona a whopping three times in his career (2003, 2005 and 2008) while finishing fourth in 2002 and fifth in 2011. Busch also finished 10th at Daytona in 2009 and 2016 to total an impressive five, top-five finishes and two top-10 finishes. I see no reason why Busch can’t end up with the ‘ring on his finger’ instead of catching the proverbial bouquet this time.

Racing Notes and News

For the 2017 season, every race will be divided into three segments. An overall race winner will be declared, but there also will be winners of the individual segments. Points will be awarded not just for the final running order, but for the top 10 at the end of the first and second segments. The 2017 Daytona 500 will take place on Sunday February 26, 2017 at 2:00 PM ET, live from Daytona International Speedway while airing on Fox. American idol alum Jordin Sparks will sing the National Anthem and actor Owen Wilson will serve as the Grand Marshall.

Odds to Win 2017 Daytona 500

Dale Earnhardt Jr. 5/1 Brad Keselowski 6/1 Joey Logano 6/1 Denny Hamlin 10/1 Jimmie Johnson 10/1 Kevin Harvick 12/1 Kyle Busch 10/1 Matt Kenseth 12/1 Martin Truex Jr. 20/1 Chase Elliott 12/1 Austin Dillon 30/1 Clint Bowyer 30/1 Kurt Busch 20/1 Kyle Larson 20/1 Daniel Suarez 30/1 Field 30/1 Here are some individual matchup finishes you can also bet on at the 2017 Daytona 500.

Matchups

Brad Keselowski Even Dale Earnhardt Jr. -120 Kevin Harvick -110 Matt Kenseth -110 Martin Truex Jr. -110 Chase Elliott -110  Joey Logano -110 Denny Hamlin -110  Austin Dillon 30/1 Kurt Busch 20/1  Jimmie Johnson -110 Kyle Busch -110