Daytona 500: The best betting props for The Great American Race
February 13th, 2021
The Daytona 500 is almost here, and with it comes a slew of fascinating prop wagers. From Top 3s to Head-to-Head matchups, we scoured the market to deliver the three best NASCAR prop bets for “The Great American Race.”
Ryan Newman to finish Top 10
We all remember the extremely scary crash that Ryan Newman was involved in at the end of the 2020 Daytona 500. While picking him to win in his first start back at Daytona International Speedway might be a bridge too far, betting on Newman to hit the Top 10 in this year’s Great American Race appeals to the head as well as the heart.
Ryan Newman’s wreck is just so brutal. Ugh. pic.twitter.com/ENCHMquSvj
— Brandon Randolph (@BrandonR24) February 18, 2020
The No. 6 Ford driver hit the Top 10 in five of his last six races over this course prior to last year’s season opener. That accident also snapped a streak of 19 consecutive Daytona races without a DNF – no small feat.
Don’t be surprised if Newman is up with the leaders late.
NASCAR pick: Yes (+200)
Head-to-Head: Joey Logano vs. Kevin Harvick
If Joey Logano can avoid getting collected in yet another wreck, he should outfinish Kevin Harvick on Sunday afternoon.
It’s Go Time! Let the 2021 #NASCAR season begin. We have a jam packed week at @DAYTONA and don’t miss the #Daytona500 on Sunday afternoon at 2:30PM EST! pic.twitter.com/fBljP9abHU
— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) February 8, 2021
Logano has hit the Top 10 in eight straight stages over this course, leading 93 laps in process. Yet he’s finished Top 10 in only one of those races due to bad luck. Harvick, with the exception of last year’s Daytona 500 (fifth), has finished no better than 19th over a nine-race stretch at this oval.
The No. 22 Ford driver has a legitimate chance to win the Great American Race, which makes this wager a solid one.
NASCAR pick: Logano -122
Head-to-Head: Kyle Larson vs. Martin Truex Jr.
Neither Kyle Larson nor Martin Truex Jr. have won a Cup Series race at Daytona, though Larson has had only 13 opportunities compared to Truex’s 31. However, we’re going to side with the veteran Truex in this market.
Brad Keselowski, Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch. Three NASCAR champions still looking for a Daytona 500 win. pic.twitter.com/bYCMP2ERsV
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 7, 2020
Larson is making his first start for Hendrick Motorsports in the newly-revived No. 5 Chevrolet. It will almost certainly take time for driver and team to gel, so it would not be surprising to see Larson struggle in the early part of 2021. The California native has never finished better than sixth at Daytona.
Truex has been painstakingly close to victory here before, and has hit the Top 5 in three of his last 10 starts at Daytona.
NASCAR pick: Truex -118
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