First Surprises of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Season

After a strange season in 2020, where we saw doubleheaders, midweek races, and cars flying around tracks with no fans in attendance, there was a sense that things might be about to get back to normal in the world of NASCAR this season. While the opening 7 races of the season, which included the amazing spectacle of a dirt race, the results have been about as surprising as they get. If you are a fan of betting on underdogs when playing NASCAR races, then you may have already pocketed some nice winnings this season. We are 7 races in and have yet to see any driver win twice, so let’s quickly recap the surprises that we have seen thus far so you can keep making your bets against their NASCAR odds.

NASCAR Betting Analysis: Early Season Surprises

The craziness started in the opening week of the season, when a wreck involving Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski at Daytona allowed Michael McDowell to steal the race and get the win that just about no one saw coming. The belief heading in was that Denny Hamlin was the man to beat given how well he had run at Daytona, but the result was a sign of things to come.

The road course race at Daytona was next, with many race fans looking at defending champions Chase Elliott as the man to beat due to his previous positive results when taking part in road races. Instead, it was rank outsider Christopher Bell who got the win. Surely, we would see things becomea little more predictable at Homestead, right? William Byron did have a good run in his previous effort at Homestead, but it was still a surprise to see him lead over 100 laps and get the win in Week 3.

It was Race 4 of the season that finally saw a result that was not a total shock, but still a bit of a minor surprise. After being suspended for the majority of the 2020 season, Kyle Larson returned with no sponsors and a lot to prove this year. We did expect him to pick up a win or two this season, but getting it at Las Vegas in the opening month did not appear to be in the cards.

Martin Trues Jr. was not a total surprise with his win at Phoenix, but a closer look at his previous runs there probably had most bettors looking elsewhere for a winner. The following week in Atlanta, Kyle Larson looked to be in total control before somehow letting Ryan Blaney in to get the win in what was another surprising victory.

Next up was one of the most anticipated races of the season, with the drivers heading to Bristol to race on the dirt. Prior to the start of the season, this was the race where many believed that Larson would open his account. There were a couple of other drivers with dirt experience who were among the favorites, but it was Joey Logano who came away with the win. Again, this was a winner not expected to be in the running. Noe, as we head into Race 8, you have to wonder when the next surprise is coming.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?