If you are new to the petrol-head sport of NASCAR, you probably don’t know much about NASCAR betting markets. I know because I’ve been in the same boat.
Looking at the NASCAR odds feels like you are strapped in a fast car that is going at 100 mph. Things are moving fast, and you don’t understand much of it.
But NASCAR betting isn’t really difficult, and whether you are a newcomer in the world of betting or someone who likes to try a new sport, there are a few things you need to know about.
Moneyline Bets
Obviously, we start with the most popular option among bettors, moneyline bets, or race winners. There isn’t a more straightforward bet than this one.
You pick a driver and a car that you think is going to win the race. Odds are assigned to each driver and they reflect their chances of victory.
You might see something like this:
- Kyle Larson: +600
- William Byron: +500
- Ross Chastain: +750
The smaller the number, the higher the driver’s chances according to the sportsbook. But of course, in NASCAR anything is possible.
This might be a straightforward bet, but if you do your research, a well-placed moneyline bet bring you a lot of profits. This is especially rewarding if you are going to bet on an underdog, which is rare to see, but a bet supported by research can help make the right choice.
If you want to find an underdog with a chance to win a race, make sure to check ClutchBuzz for the latest betting information.
If you are a true NASCAR OG fan, you probably remember Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s 40-1 victory at the 2023 Daytona 500. This driver shook the world and made people who placed a bet on him on ClutchBuzz very happy.
This shows that NASCAR is an unpredictable sport, sometimes long shots pay off big time.
Podium Finish Bets
NASCAR isn’t only about picking the race winner. There are safer alternatives. You can always go for a podium finish, and pick a driver that will finish at the top three positions.
This significantly reduces your risk, but at the same time, you cannot expect the same reward as picking the race winner. In other words, your profits will be smaller.
Here’s how the odds might look:
- Kyle Larson: +200
- William Byron: +175
- Ross Chastain: +225
While the payouts are lower compared to moneyline bets, the increased likelihood of winning can be a comforting trade-off.
Top 5/10 Finish Bets: Even More Leeway
If you’re really hedging your bets, go for top 5 or top 10 finish wagers. These bets offer significantly lower risks but come with correspondingly lower payouts. They are ideal if you believe a driver will perform well but aren’t confident, they’ll dominate the race.
- Kyle Larson: Top 4 (+300), Top 5 (+100), Top 10 (-200)
- William Byron: Top 4 (+350), Top 5 (+150), Top 10 (-150)
This strategy allows you to diversify your betting portfolio, spreading the risk across multiple outcomes.
Stage Winners: For the Tactical Bettors
NASCAR races are divided into stages, and betting on stage winners can be a thrilling experience. This requires a deep understanding of race dynamics, including track strategies and pit crew efficiency. If you know a driver tends to start strong or has a knack for mid-race sprints, stage-winner bets could be your go-to-market.
Head-to-Head Matchups: The Duel
Head-to-head bets pit two drivers against each other. Your chosen driver doesn’t need to win the race; they just need to finish ahead of their rival. This type of bet can be less risky than picking an outright winner, and it’s perfect for adding some personal rivalries to your betting excitement. For example:
- Kyle Larson +110 vs. William Byron -130
These bets often come with shorter odds, reflecting their lower risk.
Group Betting: Team Spirit
Group betting involves wagering on a group of drivers, often from the same team. Given that NASCAR teams use similar equipment and strategies, this can be a more predictable market. Odds will look something like this:
- Joe Gibbs Racing +350
- Team Penske +250
- Hendrick Motorsports +175
If you believe in the strength and consistency of a particular team, this can be a great way to bet.
Futures Bets: The Long Game
Futures betting involves placing bets on events that will occur later in the season, such as who will win the NASCAR Cup Championship. These bets carry high risks due to the many variables that can change over the season, but they also offer substantial rewards. Here’s an example of current futures odds:
- Kyle Larson +380
- William Byron +450
- Denny Hamlin +450
The odds for future bets fluctuate throughout the season as drivers’ performances and standings change, making it a dynamic and engaging betting market.
Manufacturer Bets: Car Wars
For a fun twist, try manufacturer betting, where you wager on the type of car the winning driver will be using. Will it be a Chevrolet, Toyota, or Ford?
This bet requires knowledge of manufacturer performance trends and driver affinities. For instance, Chevrolet might have dominated recent races, making them a safer bet.
Parlays: The High-Risk, High-Reward Play
Parlays combine multiple bets into one, significantly increasing your potential payout but also your risk. All parts of the parlay must win for you to cash in. For example, you might combine a bet on Kyle Larson finishing in the top three with a bet on a Chevrolet winning the race. The potential payout is higher, but so is the difficulty.
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