🏎️ NASCAR Odds Guide USA (2024)

New to NASCAR betting? Thanks to its viewership going through the roof, NASCAR attracts a lot of betting activity in the United States. Every race presents an opportunity to cash in on the action, and every lap gets more electrifying with money on the line.

However, success in NASCAR betting requires more than familiarity with drivers and teams; you also need to understand betting odds.

In this guide, we will break down the ins and outs of NASCAR odds. Learn the different types, how to read them, and strategies to increase your chances of winning.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Know the different NASCAR odds types and formats.
Understand how driver, team statistics, and other factors affect NASCAR odds.
Learn betting tips to maximize NASCAR odds.

Understanding NASCAR Odds

Like the ones in other sports, NASCAR race odds serve the same purpose. They indicate the probability of a driver winning and potential payouts if you win.

Moreover, judging from their odds, you can easily identify who the oddsmakers consider favorites or underdogs in a race. These odds are usually presented in three ways:

Fractional Odds: Popularly used by UK and Ireland bookmakers, this format expresses odds as fractions—for example, 5/1, 3/2, etc. While the numerator represents potential winnings, the denominator indicates the amount of stake required. E.g.,
- 5/1: You get $5 for every $1 bet.
Decimal Odds: These odds are widely used in Europe, Africa, Australia, and several places. They are displayed as decimals (6.00, 1.50, 2.19). Decimal odds show total returns per unit stake.
- If you wager $1 on odds of 6.00, your payout will be $6 ($1 x 6.00).
Moneyline Odds: Used by US sportsbooks, moneyline odds are the most common format for NASCAR betting. They are displayed as positive (+ underdog) or negative (- favorite) values. While + shows how much you will pay per $100 bet. Favorite odds show the amount you need to stake to win $100.

How to Find NASCAR Odds

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to tracking NASCAR odds. Due to its popularity, many of the best sports betting sites offer up-to-the-minute odds and conversations on the motorsport.

Here are some convenient options:

Online Sportsbooks: Sports betting sites are your primary source of finding NASCAR odds. Depending on your state, you should be able to access legitimate sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM to check and compare odds.
Betting Exchanges: Peer-to-peer betting platforms like Betfair, Smarkets, and Prophet Exchange allow you to find more competitive odds and even set your NASCAR odds.
NASCAR Communities & Forums: Irrespective of the social media site you are on, you are bound to find NASCAR communities where you can engage with fellow NASCAR fans and betting experts —for instance, r/NASCARbetting, theNASCAR Subreddit on Reddit, NASCAR Facebook groups, etc.

Our Pick of the Best Sportsbooks for NASCAR Odds

As stated earlier, sportsbooks are your number-one go-to for NASCAR betting odds. However, their odds are usually not the same. This is why it’s important to compare odds across different platforms for the best value.

Find below a list of 3 of the most reputable sportsbooks offering competitive NASCAR odds in the US.

FanDuel

Welcome Offer	350 free spins + $1000 back in casino bonus
States Live In	AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, DC, WV, WY
Minimum Deposit	$5

FanDuel offers a comprehensive market for NASCAR events and contests, including Cup Series, Xfinity Series, Daytona 500, and more. Apart from featuring competitive odds, the site also gives you a wide variety of NASCAR-tailored betting options, including moneyline, podium finish, head-to-head matchups, and more. I was quite attracted by their futures markets, including Rookie of the Year.

The site offers essential features like live betting, odds boost, expert picks, and real-time updates. As a member of FanDuel, you can also benefit from a generous welcome bonus, exclusive offers, secure payment options, and more.

DraftKings

Welcome Offer	$200 in bonus bets
States Live In	AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, DC, WV, WY
Minimum Deposit	$5

DraftKings has the second-largest share of the US sports betting market. The sportsbook features a wide range of NASCAR odds, including futures, driver matchups, and group matchups.

DraftKings also offers odds on various NASCAR events, such as the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Trucker Series. If you are a NASCAR fan who likes to wager on the action like me, you will love the bookie’s extensive betting options and daily fantasy contests.

Signing up now on the sportsbook will qualify you for a generous welcome bonus of $200. All you need to claim is to deposit at least $5 and bet a minimum of $5 on any sport, including NASCAR.

Caesars Sportsbook

Welcome Offer	Up to $1,000 in bonus bets
States Live In	AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, DC, WY
Minimum Deposit	$10

Caesars Sportsbook is another top-notch platform for NASCAR betting. One of its standout features is the live betting option, allowing you to wager on the race as it progresses.

The bookmaker also provides its customers with same-game parlays and micro-betting options to wager on specific in-game events. Caesars’ competitive odds and extensive betting markets have made it one of my go-to destinations for NASCAR betting.

More than once, I have found significantly better odds after comparing the lines at other sportsbooks. Other appealing features of this site include generous bonuses, a responsive interface, and a unique loyalty program.

Key Factors that Influence NASCAR Odds

Several factors drive NASCAR betting lines and often determine the outcome of its races. Let’s look at them below.

Driver Performance and Statistics

Like any other motorsport, drivers’ performance is one of the most critical factors determining their NASCAR odds to win. A string of strong finishes, pole positions, and fastest laps command shorter odds, while a slump or inconsistent results can send their odds soaring.

Oddsmakers consider these statistics before deciding a driver’s probability of winning a race. They check the recent race results, average finish position (AFP), and points earned per race.

The historical performance of each driver at specific tracks and other metrics like driver rating and quality passes also help bookmakers set accurate odds. These factors should also inform your wagering decisions.

Track Conditions, Car Performance, and Weather

Each track presents distinct challenges, and drivers’ past results and styles can greatly impact their odds. For instance, Daytona International Speedway, with its high-banked turns and super speedway, favors experienced drivers with drafting skills like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch. It is no wonder these drivers often have shorter odds and are favorites for winning on this track.

Additionally, a well-engineered, powerful car can give a competitive advantage in NASCAR. It can translate into faster lap times, better fuel efficiency, and improved handling, which ultimately increase the driver’s odds of achieving top spot on the podium.

Lastly, weather conditions like rain, heat, or wind can alter the racing landscape and affect handling and strategy in NASCAR. A rainy day can reset the competitive balance, allowing underdog drivers to compete with favorites. This is where live betting can reward savvy bettors.

Major NASCAR Events and Their Odds

The NASCAR calendar is usually packed with adrenaline-fueled racing from February to November. Here are select events that take center stage in the sport.

NASCAR Cup Series

The NASCAR Cup Series features a 36-race season, with 40 drivers competing in each event. Some of the biggest races in the season include the Daytona 500, Geico 500, Coca-Cola 600, and more.

Sports betting odds are determined in this event by factors like driver performance, team strength, track history, and qualifying results. You will find the odds being displayed mainly in moneyline format in the US.

Example: Here are some of the winner odds for the 2024 Daytona 500 event that occurred in February:

Joey Logano +1000
Ryan Blaney +1100
Brad Keselowski +1100
Denny Hamlin +1200

NASCAR Xfinity Series

This is the second-highest level of pro stock car racing in the US. It features a 33-race season and 38 drivers. Notable races include Daytona 300, Talladega 300, Bristol 300, and Road America 180. It showcases NASCAR’s future stars and develops them for the Cup Series.

Odds here are displayed and influenced by factors similar to the Cup Series.

Example:

Noah Gragson: 6/1 (+600)
Austin Cindric: 8/1 (+800)
Daniel Hemric: 12/1 (+1200)

However, keep in mind that upsets are more relatively common in the Xfinity Series than Cup Series.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is the third-highest level of professional stock car racing in the US, serving as a crucial stepping stone for drivers and teams aspiring to reach the Xfinity Series and, ultimately, the Cup Series. The series comprises 23 events and features 36 trucks competing in each race.

Example: Using the 2023 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway as an example, here’s how odds were displayed for four drivers contesting the title:

Corey Heim (+145)
Carson Hocevar (+145)
Grant Enfinger (+500)
Ben Rhodes (+600)

Due to the tight racing, varied track types, and vehicle parity, the favorite doesn’t often win in the Craftsman Truck Series. Sometimes, there are close calls between heavy favorites and dark horses. In 2023, Ben Rhodes defied odds of +600 to clinch the championship win.

Live NASCAR Odds

NASCAR live betting allows you to wager on a race after it has started. Once the green flag drops, pre-race lines are removed, and sportsbooks switch to live betting odds. Live NASCAR odds are updated in real-time during races and fluctuate due to changing circumstances in the race.

The odds continuously shift due to factors like:

On-track performance
Pit stops
Weather conditions
Accidents or cautions

Example:

If Denny Hamlin’s pre-race odds were set at +800, and he maintained a strong start through 50 laps, his odds would shorten to +300 or less.
If he loses the lead during a caution and falls back, his odds of winning will lengthen, as his probability of winning the race has decreased significantly.

Our Top Tips for Using NASCAR Odds to Your Advantage

If you want to make smarter NASCAR bets, you need to learn how to use the odds to your advantage. Find below some expert tips to achieve this.

Be Updated

Stay up to speed with the latest NASCAR news and updates. This will keep you informed about driver/team performance, track injuries, new rules, and other key developments that can influence odds and race results. With this knowledge, you can anticipate odds movements and capitalize on the information.

Compare Odds

You will find differences in odds for the same NASCAR wager at multiple sportsbooks. To get the best value for your bet, ensure you shop for odds across betting platforms. I recommend using odds comparison tools like OddsChecker to easily find the highest payout for your NASCAR bets.

Analyze Performance Trends

Ensure you study driver and team performance over time. Consider their historical stats, especially relating to their form on specific tracks. You should also check their head-to-head matchups against other top drivers, consistency throughout the season, and other metrics.

Manage Your Bankroll

From experience, I realized that maximizing NASCAR odds is not about betting on every game, but rather selecting high-value bets with long-term profitability in mind. Ensure you set a realistic budget and stick to it. Allocate your funds smartly, and don’t be swayed by long shot odds with high payout potential but a low probability of success. Moreover, remember not to chase your losses.

So, Ready to Check Out Some NASCAR Odds Tonight?

Odds are the backbone of all sports wagering activities. Navigating NASCAR odds requires you to have an understanding of odds types, NASCAR betting markets, driver, team, and track stats.

By mastering NASCAR betting odds, you can stay ahead of market trends and maximize your potential payouts. As you prepare to bet on NASCAR odds this week, remember to follow our winning tips and gamble responsibly.

Do you know you can also use some of your NASCAR betting strategies on F1 racing? Here is everything you need to know about placing Formula One bets.