NASCAR: Way-too-early favorites revealed for 2025 Daytona 500

As a seasoned NASCAR enthusiast with over two decades of racing under my belt, I can confidently say that the anticipation for the 2025 Daytona 500 is palpable. The co-favorites listed at +1200, Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski, are both veterans in their own right, but neither has tasted the victory at the “Great American Race.” It’s a bit reminiscent of an old timer trying to catch his first bass on the final day of fishing season.

We’re approaching the midpoint of the time span between the end of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season and the start of the 2025 season. Although the ongoing antitrust lawsuit remains a major topic, interest is gradually shifting towards the Daytona 500, scheduled for mid-February at Daytona International Speedway, which marks the beginning of the new season.

The sportsbook operated by DraftKings has recently unveiled preliminary betting lines for the 67th running of the “Great American Race” at the Daytona Beach, Florida oval track. This four-turn, 2.5-mile (4.023-kilometer) high-banked speedway has two drivers who are currently considered joint favorites by the odds.

As a die-hard fan, I must admit, there’s no undisputed frontrunner in sight, with none of the contenders having odds shorter than +1200. This is quite typical for superspeedway races, given their drafting dynamics and the way they level the playing field. Add to that the unpredictability of when the “Big One” might strike, and it’s anyone’s game!

12 drivers listed between 12-1 and 18-1 for 2025 Daytona 500

As a gamer, I’m pumped about the Daytona 500! Two racers who haven’t yet clinched this prestigious title are sitting pretty as +1200 co-favorites: Kyle Busch from Richard Childress Racing and Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing. This will be Busch’s 20th try, while Keselowski is gunning for his first victory in his 16th attempt. Let the race begin!

The upcoming 10 drivers in the Daytona 500 are predicted to have odds ranging from +1300 to +1800, showing that this race could be incredibly competitive. Ryan Blaney, a consistent contender from Team Penske, is listed with odds of +1300, slightly ahead of a group of four drivers who all have odds of +1400.

As a diehard racing enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that a four-way tie involves the current race champion William Byron from Hendrick Motorsports, his teammate Chase Elliott who once came in second place, Joey Logano, the reigning series champ and 2015 winner from Team Penske, and Denny Hamlin, a three-time winner from Joe Gibbs Racing.

Four drivers are currently tied at odds of +1600 in the standings. These include Austin Cindric from Team Penske, Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports, Tyler Reddick who races for 23XI Racing, and Ross Chastain representing Trackhouse Racing. Chris Buescher from RFK Racing is listed slightly further back at +1800.

Martin Truex Jr. is not yet listed, as he still aiming to figure out his team for the race.

Full odds can be found here. Odds and availability are always subject to change.

On February 16, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, the 67th annual Daytona 500 will be broadcast live from Daytona International Speedway on Fox.

2024-12-22 16:02

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