DAYTONA, FL - FEBRUARY 17: Kyle Larson, driver of the 5 HendrickCars.com Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro, leads during Race 1 of the Bluegreen Vacations Duel at Daytona on February 17, 2022 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fl. Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 17 NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series - Bluegreen Vacations Duel at Daytona Icon220217108024
Top 5 best bets for the Daytona 500
With the kickoff of the Daytona 500 this Sunday the 2022 NASCAR season will be underway. So, what can we expect to see from NASCAR in 2022? NASCAR viewership has been in decline in the last several years for a multitude of reasons. With the implementation of NASCAR’s Next-Gen cars this year, NASCAR is not only looking to make the cars safer for the drivers but cut down on cost making the racing more competitive for the smaller teams. I also look for the Next Gen cars to highlight individual driving ability. Next-Gen cars may not be without problems, in the Bash for Cash at the LA Coliseum a possible transaxle problem ended Tyler Reddick’s day, however, it is believed the problem may have been caused by the extreme heat generated during short track racing, it will certainly be something to look for at Bristol, Martinsville, and Richmond. No such problems were reported during both Dual races Thursday night.
NASCAR’s 2021 Champion Kyle Larson and his #5 Hendrickcars.com team looks to continue his dominance from a season ago and he is currently +900 to win the race, +220 to finish in the top 3, and +100 to finish in the top 5. If Larson can run a clean race and keep himself out of trouble, finishing the race in the top five should be a pretty safe bet. Larson had a strong car in the first dual race leading a handful of laps and will start the 500 on the pole.
Brad Keselowski is starting in row 2 on Sunday and looked strong in the first Duel race Thursday night finishing 1st. Keselowski is currently sitting at +1400 to win, +350 to finish in the top 3, and + 160 to finish in the top five. If Keselowski’s car holds together and he can finish the race there is a better than good chance he will finish in the top five, and he certainly has the car to win the race.
Chase Elliot is starting in row 6 in the 11th position for Sundays Daytona 500. Elliot has become a fan favorite and has proven to be one of Nascar’s most dominant drivers. Elliot finished 2nd in last year’s Daytona 500 and always seems to find a way to be in contention. Elliot is currently +1100 to win, +240 to finish in the top 3, and +110 to finish in the top 5. I look to see Elliot in contention at the end of the race recording a top 5 finish.
Kyle Busch finished 4th in Dual race number 2 Thursday night. Busch has struggled in the Daytona 500 in recent years finishing 14th in 2021 and 34th in 2020. If Busch can stay out of trouble, he certainly has a car to put him in the top 5. Bush is currently at +1500 to win, +300 to finish in the top 3 and + 160 to finish in the top 5.
Kevin Harvick always seems to be in the conversation at the end of the race. Harvick is starting in row 11 Sunday and has some work to do to get upfront. If he can avoid the inevitable trouble that comes with running in the middle of the pack at Daytona it is a good bet, he will be in contention at the end of the race. Harvick is currently sitting at +2000 to win, +400 to finish in the top 3, and +200 to finish in the top 5. A strong finish from Harvick could pay off big.
Joey Logano wrecked in the final lap of Dual race number two Thursday night. Logano who led 33 laps of the 60-lap race was running in first place on the final Lap when he attempted to block Chris Buescher from passing. Logano’s wreck means he must start the 500 in his untested backup car. Currently, Logano sits at +1200 to win, +280 to finish in the top 3, and +140 to finish in the top 5. With slightly lower odds than Harvick, it doesn’t appear the odds compilers are concerned about the performance of Logano’s backup car, but for me, it slightly nudges him out of the top five.