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The wait is finally over, as NASCAR returns this weekend, and we have to say that the Daytona 500 is always a great way to start the season, We will also have Truck Series and Xfinity Series races going this weekend, all of which is covered in separate articles. For the purposes of this piece, we are focusing on the big race and who might come out on top. It’s always a tricky one to handicap, as the Daytona 500 has a habit of serving up some surprises, plus you never really know what you are going to get from any of the drivers coming into the new season. The current NASCAR odds show just how tight the bookies think this race could be, so let’s take a look at a few of the favorites.

NASCAR Cup Series Betting Preview for the 2023 Daytona 500 Race

Denny Hamlin (+1125)

The last few season have proven to be a case of close but no cigar for Hamlin, as he has made it into the final four in the playoffs in 3 of the last 4 seasons. 2022 was the exception, as he missed the final cut and had to settle for 5th overall. Still, you do have to say that he has been one of the most consistent drivers in the Cup Series over the past few years, although the championship has eluded him. These really are fantastic odds for a driver that has won this race 3 times since 2016. I would at least be taking him for a top 5 finish on Sunday.

Ryan Blaney (+1125)

You need only look at these odds to get an idea of how difficult this race is to handicap. We have no clear favorite, but the odds are great if you think you can peg down the winner. Blaney has finished in the top 10 overall in each of the last 6 season, but he will almost certainly be looking for more of a breakout season this time around. He finished 4th at Daytona last season, and he also has a couple of 2nd place finishes in this race, so he is one that is certainly worth taking a look at.

Kyle Larson (+1150)

It was a bit of a backward step for Larson last season after winning it all in some serious style in 2021. He fell in the Round of 8 in the playoffs and found it difficult to string together a run of good results in the way he did in his championship winning season. He had just 2 checkered flags last season, but he was in the hunt in many races. Where he has not been great over the years is in the Daytona 500, with 7th being his best finish. That might just put him in dark horse territory here, no matter what the bookies think.

Chase Elliott (+1150)

Elliott won it all in 2020 and has followed that up with back-to-back appearances in the final four, so this is a driver that knows something about consistency. He is always a good bet to be in the top 5 or so, but that may not be the case with the Daytona 500. He did have a 2nd place finish in this race in 2021, bur he has only been int the top 10 on one other occasion, which came last season when he finished 10th.