Whether you’re a hardcore race fan or just tuning in for some of the sport’s major events, this page will feature a complete and comprehensive guide to NASCAR betting. If you’re new to betting and looking to learn how to bet on NASCAR, our guide will show you what you need to know. 

Finding the best U.S. sportsbook for NASCAR betting

Sportsbooks offer large catalogs with various ways to bet on NASCAR. Major sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics and bet365 also offer promo codes and welcome bonuses that can be used for NASCAR betting. 

Here are some of the best betting apps for NASCAR betting: 

Finding the best NASCAR odds on betting apps

Using multiple sports betting apps is very useful, considering that one may find either more opportunities to bet or more advantageous odds at one sportsbook compared to another. 

For example, DraftKings may set Ross Chastain’s odds of winning at +1800, but Fanatics may set it at +1900. Odds can vary across sportsbooks and betting markets.

Seeking out the most favorable odds is a basic but strong opportunity to capitalize on your knowledge of NASCAR. It is the fastest way to increase your potential payouts.

What NASCAR odds mean

Generally, each driver in each week’s NASCAR Cup Series race is given a set of odds by sportsbooks of achieving a certain finishing position. For example, Kyle Larson’s chances of winning may be set at +450, with his odds of a top-three finish set at +130, his odds of a top-five finish set at -175, and his odds of a top-10 finish set at -500.

Using this example, a $100 bet on Larson to win the race would pay $550 ($450 in profit, plus the initial $100 bet) should he score the victory. By contrast, you would have to bet $175 on Larson’s chances of finishing in the top five in order to make a $100 profit (plus a return of the original $175 wager).

Betting on a longshot offers the potential for far greater profits in the event that a certain scenario actually unfolds. For instance, J.J. Yeley’s odds of winning may be set at +100000, with his odds of a top-three finish at +25000, his odds of a top-five finish at +10000, and his odds of a top-10 finish at +2800. In this case, if you were to bet $100 on a Yeley win, you would receive a staggering $100,100.

Be advised, however, that equipment is a major variable in NASCAR betting, and drivers with the longest odds may not be in cars capable of winning or running beyond the middle or back of the pack from week to week. Discrepancies in equipment are usually not as pronounced at tracks where the equalizer of the draft comes into play, such as Daytona, Talladega and Atlanta, and these tracks are usually better opportunities to bet on longshots. For example, a bettor once won nearly $1 million on a $13 four-leg parlay in which they bet that Cody Ware, B.J. McLeod, Landon Cassill and David Ragan would all earn top-10 finishes in a race at Daytona in August 2022.

Types of NASCAR bets

As we just went over, the most common type of NASCAR odds are outright odds, namely when it comes to picks to win. But there’s more than just one way to bet on NASCAR.

NASCAR prop bets

Many sportsbooks offer driver prop bets, which can be split between head-to-head matchups and groups of drivers. For instance, you can bet that either Chase Elliott (-110) or Bubba Wallace (-125) will have a better finishing position, or you can bet that Tyler Reddick (+280) will have the best finishing position out of a group that also includes Kyle Larson (+190), Ryan Blaney (+300) and Denny Hamlin (+300).

Along with driver props, there are also race props to wager on. The most prominent race prop is betting on which manufacturer—Chevrolet, Ford or Toyota—will win the race. From there, you can also bet which Chevrolet driver, Ford driver or Toyota driver will be the highest finisher among those driving the same make of car. Race props now also include odds for which driver will set the fastest lap in a race, which is now worth a bonus point towards the NASCAR championship standings beginning in 2025.

NASCAR futures betting

In addition to race lines and odds from week to week, NASCAR betting also includes futures betting, namely on which driver will win the championship at the end of the season. Most sportsbooks will offer odds for the NASCAR Cup Series championship, as well as the championship in the Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series—the two other national touring series that serve as the support races to Cup events.

For example’s sake, a three-race win streak early in the season for Christopher Bell may help his futures odds considerably, as he was given +340 odds of winning the Cup Series championship after the first few races of the season. Be advised, though, that futures odds are subject to change throughout the year, particularly given the length of NASCAR’s schedule, which runs all the way from mid-February through the start of November.

The NASCAR Cup Series Championship is determined through a playoff system in which the 16 drivers who qualify compete over the final 10 races for the series title. The playoffs are split into four rounds, with each of the first three rounds containing three races leading up to the championship race and season finale.

Drivers can automatically advance to the next round of the playoffs by winning a race or by being above the cut line to advance to the next round on points. The four drivers at the bottom of the playoff standings at the end of each round are eliminated from playoff contention, a process that continues until the Championship 4 are determined prior to the season finale.

The driver with the best finishing position of the Championship 4 in the season finale earns the NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

NASCAR parlays

In some cases, sportsbooks may allow you to combine bets on NASCAR in order to create a parlay. While most bettors can not and should not expect to win nearly $1 million off a parlay involving multiple longshots (in Daytona 2022’s case, the parlay was greatly aided by a sudden rain shower that caused a massive pileup that eliminated most of the lead pack), there are certain instances where bets can be combined to create greater payouts in the event of a winning bet.

Sportsbooks offering parlays on NASCAR may offer specials based on each race. For instance, a special in which both Tyler Reddick and Brad Keselowski finish inside the top 10 may be offered at +160, while another special in which Ryan Blaney wins the race, Denny Hamlin finishes in the top five, and Bubba Wallace finishes in the top 10 may be offered at +2500.

Live betting on NASCAR

While some may choose to bet on NASCAR in the lead-up to a race, others may elect to make their bets live on a race weekend or during the race itself. This may be easier for some bettors, though there are certain factors to take into consideration.

For instance, the money lines for a certain driver may shift based on their performance in practice and qualifying. A driver who previously had longer odds may see their odds get a bump from either qualifying up front or from putting together good lap times in practice. As a race progresses, a driver’s odds may go up or down depending on their performance and where they’re running in the field, and things can change very quickly. As is the very nature of racing, a driver who is leading the race could only be a few hundred yards away from a crash, a cut tire, or a mechanical failure that could completely ruin their day.

NASCAR betting tips and tricks

NASCAR is one of the most diverse racing series in the entire world, as the Cup Series’ 36-race schedule sees its drivers compete on many different types of racetracks, all of which are important considerations when choosing drivers to bet on.

Drivers have types of tracks that they tend to finish higher at than others. Matching drivers with their track specialties is one angle to consider in NASCAR betting. Confirming that a driver’s potential ceiling outcomes for that track type in qualifying and practice is another tip, but note that some drivers’ odds will shorten after strong qualifying. 

Here are the track types: 

Superspeedways

Superspeedways are unique to NASCAR in that they are more than 2.5 miles in length and see the field race in packs of cars formed tightly in a draft. Differences in equipment are less pronounced here since a car that isn’t nearly as fast by itself can easily keep up with a faster car in the draft and move to the front of the field. This creates a level playing field and a wide variety of potential winners, but the nature of pack racing also lends itself to large accidents that can eliminate dozens of cars from contention.

In addition to NASCAR’s two main superspeedways at Daytona and Talladega, a recent reconfiguration to Atlanta Motor Speedway has also created pack racing and superspeedway characteristics at that track. However, Atlanta is its own animal, given that it is just 1.5 miles in length, thus, handling is more of a factor.

1.5-mile tracks

The most common type of track on NASCAR’s schedule is 1.5-mile ovals, which place a great emphasis on downforce and quality of equipment. While 1.5-mile tracks have traditionally been dubbed “cookie cutters” for having a common shape, the characteristics of each track may vary. Some tracks, for instance, may see heavier tire wear due to the track’s asphalt being older and more abrasive, which usually means more emphasis on tire conservation and a greater ability to use different grooves to make passes.

Some examples of 1.5-mile tracks include Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway.

Short tracks

Short track racing lies at the very heart of NASCAR, as many of the Cup Series stars of today grew up racing on tracks less than a mile in length with short straightaways and tight corners. Short track racing is its discipline, and certain drivers can master it with superior technique compared to their competitors, which, sometimes, can make up for differences in equipment.

The main short tracks on NASCAR’s schedule are Martinsville Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Richmond Raceway, as well as the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway that has hosted the sport’s All-Star Race since 2023.

Road courses

While NASCAR remains regarded as an oval racing series, road course racing has become a greater part of the sport over the past decade. While road course racing is a specialized discipline, the growing emphasis on road racing has meant that NASCAR’s series regulars have had to adapt and become much better at it, making it tougher for visiting drivers or “road course ringers” to hop in a Cup car and use their experience and road racing skill to dominate.

NASCAR races on purpose-built road courses like Sonoma Raceway, Watkins Glen International and Circuit of the Americas, a temporary street course in the city of Chicago, and the “Roval” at Charlotte Motor Speedway that combines the track’s oval configuration with its infield road course.

NASCAR betting tips and advice summary

Each NASCAR driver has their strengths and weaknesses, which makes the characteristics of each track, combined with each driver’s past performance there, a major consideration in betting. For example, Josh Berry may be a great bet for a track like Martinsville considering his background in late model short track racing, but he may not be worth betting on at a road course compared to Shane van Gisbergen, who excelled in the V8 Supercars series that races on road and street courses prior to coming to NASCAR.

While NASCAR tries to the best of its ability to make the field as even as possible, not all Cup Series teams are created equal. Some teams have much smaller budgets and less sponsor or manufacturer support, meaning they do not have the equipment or depth of crew necessary to run up front consistently. For example, Rick Ware Racing’s budget is much smaller than that of Hendrick Motorsports or Joe Gibbs Racing, meaning it’s less likely to finish inside the top 10 on an average race weekend than a Hendrick or Gibbs car.

Behind the scenes, work is already in full swing at all engine manufacturers for 2026, with Red Bull Powertrains and Ford no exception. Mark Rushbrook, boss of Ford Motorsport and Ford Performance, already stated that most internal goals are being met, although he emphasised that it’s impossible to hit all milestones straightaway. Rushbrook also acknowledged that the competition is difficult to gauge, although he shares Christian Horner’s view that Mercedes seems confident.

An equally significant variable for next year, as much as the competition, is the future of Max Verstappen. Although the Dutchman has a contract with Red Bull that runs until the end of 2028, his future remains a major talking point. The four-time world champion has been linked to Mercedes on many occasions – with Toto Wolff admitting in Zandvoort that talks were held until last year’s summer break – and Verstappen has also been linked to Aston Martin, where Adrian Newey is designing the 2026 car and Honda will join as engine supplier.

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Verstappen is an important figurehead for Red Bull, and therefore Ford, but Rushbrook makes it clear that Ford’s commitment to the project is not dependent on one individual.

“Everywhere we race we want to have the best team with the best drivers and the best people. But did we sign the deal for any one person in particular? No, because we know that it’s a long-term deal and that those people are going to change. We knew that about Christian Horner, about Adrian Newey, about the drivers and some of them have changed already before we even got on the racetrack,” Rushbrook refers to Newey and Sergio Perez.

“Do we want to see Max stay in the Red Bull-Ford for 2026 and beyond? Of course. He’s a champion. He’s a great person and he elevates the entire team with him, but are we going to run away if Max leaves the team? No. We are committed.”

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When asked if he fears Verstappen could leave the team, Rushbrooks smiles: “You like to use the word fear, don’t you? Again, I wouldn’t call it a fear, but we want to take the right actions to make sure that the team with Red Bull Powertrains-Ford continues to win races. As I said, all the people in the programme are an important part of that. So do you take actions to keep a driver like Max in there? You’re already taking those actions anyway because you want to win, but do you also keep a pulse on the people? Of course, so I guess the answer is yes [that we’d like to keep him].”

This is naturally because Rushbrook understands how important Verstappen is for the current competitiveness of the team, in both the drivers’ and the constructors’ championship. “He’s a champion for a reason. Obviously his talent, but also that he wants every part of the team and the programme to be the best it can be.”

Is the current Red Bull form reason for concern?

The bigger picture is that Rushbrook said last year that Ford wants to work with the best teams in all championships it takes part in. At the start of last season, Red Bull was still the dominant force in F1, but this is no longer the case. Is that a concerning prospect for the Blue Oval brand?

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The story behind the Red Bull and Ford deal in Formula 1

“We know that in all forms of motorsports, but especially in Formula 1, there are dynasties of teams that just win, win, and win. But then they go through spells where they don’t, so there’s always that ebb and flow. Do we want Red Bull to still be winning races at the end of last year and this year? Of course, but we know that the team still has great people who are capable of winning consistently.”

Having said that, the 2026 regulations will be the first major technical overhaul in Red Bull’s history that has to be taken on without Adrian Newey. It is another unknown, but Rushbrook makes clear that he has full confidence in the technical team that remains in place. “The feeling is still the same. A few weeks ago, we were in Milton Keynes and met with Pierre Wache and all the technical people. We still believe in the people, in the team that is there and in their ability to win races.”

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

With the Indianapolis 500 nearing, a new bipartisan bill from U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) “would help racing venues like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway make future track improvements and safety updates,” according to Brittany Carloni of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Young and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) yesterday introduced the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act, a proposal the senators originally introduced in 2023. The legislation “would make permanent a tax break for motorsports assets at tracks,” such as IMS or the Kokomo Speedway, that was set to expire at the end of this year. Under the legislation, the taxable value of upgrades at racing venues “would continue to depreciate at a faster rate,” meaning larger tax breaks for IMS. According to a news release from Young’s office, if the current rate expired, it would “take assets like ticket booths or upgraded race track surfaces longer to lose taxable value and put tracks, including those in Indiana, at a disadvantage.” It could also mean “fewer upgrades to improve the fan experience.” While IMS is “likely the first motorsports track that comes to mind for Hoosiers,” the Kokomo Speedway’s clay track is also a historic racing venue and has been in operation since 1947. Kokomo Speedway President Reece O’Connor said that the legislation from Young and Warner “will impact all levels of Indiana motorsports” (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 5/14).

What’s Happening

Chicagoland Speedway, the 1.5-mile venue that hosted Cup Series events from 2001 to 2019, was dropped from the schedule in the 2020 season amidst COVID-19 concerns. It has been mostly inactive since then, with zero NASCAR races at the track. However, recent developments have raised speculation that the racetrack may return to the NASCAR schedule soon.

• Website Updates: The official Chicagoland Speedway website was recently refreshed to match the modern aesthetic used by other active NASCAR venues. Notably, it features a message reading “Check back soon for new events,” suggesting future scheduling announcements may be imminent.
• New Track Map and Features: A new layout map on the site includes a “Turn 4 Club” area, which was not previously advertised, implying recent infrastructure planning or upgrades.
• Inclusion in a Fan Poll: Chicagoland Speedway is officially listed as an option in a “Which track would you like to see host the championship race?” run by NASCAR, a poll allowing fans to vote for tracks they’d like to see as the finale, which does not mean it necessarily will. Its inclusion indicates NASCAR is at least gauging public interest in a potential return.

While no official statement has been issued by NASCAR or track operators, the rumor is backed by the fact that the current Chicago Street Course contract is unlikely to be renewed. With Chicago being a huge market for NASCAR, it is probable that they are looking to keep a race date within the city. NASCAR has also revitalized some of its long-unused racetracks for recent events, such as North Wilkesboro and Rockingham Speedway.

Would you like to see Chicagoland return to the NASCAR schedule? You can check out their website HERE. Let us know your thoughts on our Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

The NHRA North Central Division and Oakley Motorsports are proud to announce updates to the 2025 Oakley Motorsports Super Quick Series, including a revised schedule and exciting new program features that promise to elevate the competition and reward racers like never before.

Schedule Update: Doubleheader at Beech Bend Raceway Park

The season opener, originally scheduled for World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) on April 5–6, was postponed due to severe weather and flooding. While a reschedule was not possible, the series will make up one of the missed events with a Doubleheader at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky., on May 24–25, 2025.

This weekend will now feature two full rounds of Oakley Motorsports Super Quick Series competition, offering racers a chance to earn double points and payouts.

Spotlight: James Shown Memorial Race: Bigger than ever

The James Shown Memorial Race, held during the Beech Bend doubleheader, will feature an enhanced purse and increased prestige:
•    $5,000 Winner
•    $1,000 Runner-Up
•    $500 Semi-Finals
•    $250 Quarter Finals
•    Entry Fee: $250
This special event honors the legacy of James Shown and is supported by Steve Conley Racing, which is offering an $1,800 bonus to the winner. Decals are required to be eligible for this bonus.

New for 2025: Holley MSD Power Grid Lockdown Perfect Run Program

Holley is bringing added excitement to the series with the MSD Power Grid Lockdown Perfect Run Program. Any racer who achieves a perfect run during eliminations will be awarded a complete MSD Grid system.

To qualify:
•    Racers must display the MSD Power Grid Lockdown Perfect Run sticker on both sides of their vehicle prior to the race.
This program rewards precision and performance, adding another layer of competition to each round.

Law Chevrolet Super Quick Series Shootout:  A race within a race

The 2025 season introduces the Law Chevrolet Super Quick Series Shootout, a prestigious race-within-a-race event. Qualifying points earned at the first nine events of the season will determine the elite eight-car field for this special showdown.

The Shootout will take place during the Fall Classic National Open at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on Oct. 18, 2025.

Shootout Payouts:
•    $2,000 Champion
•    $400 Runner-Up
•    $200 Semi-Finalists
•    $100 Quarterfinalists

Law Chevrolet, a trusted name in Booneville, Indiana, brings nearly two decades of automotive excellence and community support to this new chapter in the Super Quick Series.

A season of high stakes and high performance

With 9 races, four doubleheaders, and a championship prize package valued at nearly $10,000, the 2025 Oakley Motorsports Super Quick Series is set to be one of the most competitive seasons yet.

Championship Awards Include:
•    $2,000 Champion Cash Prize
•    NHRA Gold Card
•    Champion’s Trophy and Jacket
•    Runner-Up: $1,000 | Third Place: $500
•    Top Five: Oakley Motorsports Super Quick Series Coats

Supporting Sponsor Highlights:
•    Alliance Racewear: Driving suit for the Champion
•    Holley: Helmet and head/neck restraint
•    Hoosier Tires Midwest: Buy-one-get-one slicks offer
•    Fuel Factory: 5-gallon pail of race fuel for each event winner
•    Driven Racing Oil: Product awards at each race
•    Steve Conley Racing: $800 bonus to each event winner
________________________________________
Stay Connected
For full event details, rules, and updates, visit the NHRA North Central Division website and follow Oakley Motorsports on social media.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR issued an L-1 level penalty to RFK Racing and driver Chris Buescher following an inspection violation discovered at the R&D Center in Concord this week, the sanctioning body announced Thursday. 

NASCAR says Buescher’s team violated rules for the maximum reinforcement allowed for its front bumper. As a result, Buescher and the team were each penalized 60 championship points, in addition to five playoff points. Crew chief Scott Graves was suspended for the next two races, including this weekend’s All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. 

It’s unclear if the team will appeal the penalty. 

Buescher finished eighth in the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas. He will drop from 12th in the championship standings to 24th. Before the penalty, Buescher was 33 points ahead of the playoff cut line. He’s now 27 points below the final playoff spot. Coincidentally, his teammate Ryan Preece is now the final playoff driver heading into the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.