In a little over two weeks from now, the new NASCAR season will begin, and what better way to start than with the Daytona 500. This is arguably the most recognizable race on the NASCAR calendar and one that even casual fans look forward to each year. With it being the opening race of the season, the Daytona 500 is always a little tough to predict. We have no idea how well drivers are going to start the season. Will they come out flying or will it take some of the bigger names a little time to get settle into a groove in what is always a long, demanding season? The only thing we can really look at is the current odds and how drivers have performed at this track in the past. Taking that into account, let’s talk about a trio of drivers who look like a good top 3 bet, along with their NASCAR odds.

Top 3 Favorites to Win Daytona 500 – NASCAR Betting

Denny Hamlin +600

Hamlin is sure to be coming into this season with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder. He and Kevin Harvick were the drivers to beat for the majority of last season, but both came up short. Hamlin did make it into the final four, but he just didn’t have enough to get the job done. There is a reason, besides coming off a fabulous season, why Denny Hamlin is in as the current favorite at odds of +600, and it is all because of how well he has performed at Daytona over the years. Since 2016, he has 3 wins at that track. On top of those wins, he also has no less than 4 top 3 finishes stretching back to 2014. He has been top 3 in 4 of his last 6 runs at Daytona, so certainly worth taking a look at on Feb. 14.

Chase Elliott +900

The defending champion will be looking to get off to a quick start this season as he looks to defend his crown, but is this the best place for him to start his defense? Certainly, if you look at Elliott’s performance at Daytona since his arrival in NASCAR back in 2016, you would not be willing to stake a lot of money on him doing well there. It is last season that may have changed that perception, though. We are not just talking about him winning it all, we are also talking about him finishing second at Daytona last August, which was his best performance by a long way, with his previous best being 14^th. That may well be a sign that he is ready to break out at this track.

Ryan Blaney +1000

If you are looking for a top 3 driver at a price, you might consider taking a look at Ryan Blaney. He has had a pair of second place finishes at the Daytona 500 over the past few years, including last season’s race. In the other race at Daytona last season, Blaney came in 6^th, so this is a guy that seems to have taken to this track. He is currently sitting at odds of +1000, so definitely worth taking a chance on.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?