Daytona 500 Underdogs – Taking a Chance at the Great American Race

NASCAR betting isn’t exactly the easiest task in the world, but it can certainly be one of the most exciting, and the most profitable. Why? It’s simple math. In a field of 43 racers, the NASCAR odds have to be placed accordingly. Since any racer can conceivably take home the checkered flag, it means that even the best racers have decent value. However, the real value is always in the underdogs, and nowhere have they been more successful than at Daytona.

Remember Ward Burton? How about Geoff Bodine? If you do, it’s only because they won the Daytona 500 as massive underdogs on NASCAR odds and Daytona 500 lines. It’s not unlike early season NHL betting, where anything can happen and less talented teams often upset championship contenders. The Great American Race has a longstanding tradition of being very friendly to bettors willing to take the risk on some unheralded drivers.

For those who bet on the Daytona 500, let’s take a look at a handful of underdogs on Daytona 500 odds and why they could win:

Jeff Burton +2500

Jeff is a strong, consistent veteran driver who was actually in the hunt for the Sprint Cup championship last season. Burton is a great play at +2500 considering that he is a very confident restrictor plate racer as well, and clearly knows how to find his way to victory lane, with 21 career wins. Most importantly, he is one of the safest and most cautious drivers on the circuit, meaning he should be able to avoid the inevitable Daytona wreck and at least have a car in working condition by the time the white flag waves.

David Ragan +2000

Most NASCAR experts are calling for this second generation racer to have a breakout season. What better way to kick it off than by pulling out an upset at Daytona? Ragan has shown an ability to place well, but in a shortened rookie season, was unable to capture the checkered flag. One year later and with a full-time contract, Ragan will have the chance to live up to his hype and defy Daytona 500 odds.

Joey Logano +4000

You’re obviously a good racer if you’re taking over for Tony Stewart! The new #20 is the favorite on NASCAR lines to win the rookie of the year crown, but is certainly a massive underdog for those betting on the Daytona 500. Logano will benefit from good equipment and a veteran cast around him—something which showed during a strong practice run earlier in the week.

Michael Waltrip +5000

He’s probably better known for his television appearances on SPEED, and in various goofy commercials, but Waltrip was once a fantastic racer! In fact, he still is a very competent driver, and has more experience than anyone both with restrictor plates, and at Daytona. Any time you can get a former champion at this kind of value–+5000–there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take a shot with it.