The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series regular season is reaching its conclusion, with just four races left before the playoffs. Kyle Larson leads the standings, with a tight battle between Chase Elliott and Tyler Reddick following closely behind. However, the most intriguing competition is for the final playoff spot, with Bubba Wallace trying to secure his position by closing the gap on Chris Buescher and Ross Chastain. The potential for a new winner in the upcoming races could also shake up the standings.
As the NASCAR season takes a break for the Olympics, sports betting sites like DraftKings are offering odds on the championship contenders. Favorites include Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell, with William Byron and defending champion Ryan Blaney also in the mix. With the playoff picture still fluid, now is a good time to consider making future bets on potential outcomes.
One potential bet to consider is Bubba Wallace making the playoffs, with odds of +180 on sites like bet365. Wallace has been on a streak of strong finishes, putting him in contention to secure a spot based on points rather than just a race win. Despite tough competition from drivers like Chastain, Wallace’s recent speed and consistency could give him an edge heading into the final races of the regular season.
On the other hand, William Byron is facing challenges that could impact his chances of making the Championship Round of 4. With odds of -120 to miss out on the final round, Byron’s recent struggles in finishing races and lacking speed compared to other contenders could hinder his playoff hopes. While his playoff points may carry him through initially, there are concerns about his ability to compete with the top drivers.
In terms of overall manufacturer performance, Toyota has emerged as a strong contender for the championship title. Despite having fewer drivers than other manufacturers, Toyota’s lineup includes favorites like Bell, Hamlin, and Reddick, who are all capable of making a run for the title. With a solid foundation in the championship standings and a mix of veterans and up-and-coming talent, Toyota could be a solid choice for those considering future bets on the winning manufacturer.
For those looking for a longshot bet with potential high returns, an exact finish prediction of Christopher Bell in first and Ryan Blaney in second at odds of 25/1 could be worth considering. Both drivers have shown strength at Phoenix, which is a critical track for the championship race. With their track record at the venue and their current standings in playoff points, Bell and Blaney have a good chance of contending for the title. Betting on this exact finish could provide a lucrative payout if it plays out as predicted.
