Shocking NASCAR Phoenix Odds: Is Chase Elliott Underrated? Christopher Bell Takes the Lead!
NASCAR returns to oval tracks for six consecutive weeks, marking a shift from recent road course races. This stretch of the season highlights the essence of stock car racing, where drivers battle it out on half-mile, one-mile, and one-and-a-half-mile tracks. While road courses add variety, it is these traditional ovals that make up most of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, with 24 out of 36 races featuring this format.
Fans can now expect consistent action on familiar circuits, with speed and strategy becoming the primary focus. The transition from road courses to ovals also shifts betting odds, making favorites more predictable. But surprises can always happen, and that is what keeps sports betting thrilling.
Chase Elliott or Christopher Bell? Who Holds the Edge?
The betting board at Hard Rock Bets reveals a tight race between some of NASCAR’s top drivers. The favorites include:
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Christopher Bell (+450)
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Ryan Blaney (+500)
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Kyle Larson (+650)
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William Byron (+800)
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Joey Logano, Chase Elliott (+900)
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Denny Hamlin (+1000)
In his last six starts at Phoenix Raceway, Christopher Bell has secured a win and four top-10 finishes. That level of consistency makes him a favorite this weekend. However, Ryan Blaney and William Byron have displayed even stronger average finishes at this track, making them serious contenders as well.
Still, momentum matters, and Bell is riding high on back-to-back victories, giving him an edge over the competition. Will recency bias play a role in betting choices? That remains to be seen.
Chase Briscoe and Ross Chastain as Potential Bargains
For those looking for value picks, the odds present interesting opportunities:
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Chase Briscoe (+1100)
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Tyler Reddick (+1300)
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Ross Chastain (+1500)
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Kyle Busch, Chris Buescher (+2250)
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Ty Gibbs (+2500)
Ross Chastain has been dominant in the desert, securing a win and three top-five finishes over the last three seasons. However, a driver to watch is Chase Briscoe. Despite facing a major penalty earlier in the season, he recently had it overturned—an unusual turn of events in NASCAR. That kind of luck, combined with his past success at Phoenix (one win and four top-10 finishes in his last six races), makes him a compelling underdog pick.
Bubba Wallace and Brad Keselowski: Undervalued Contenders?
Further down the odds board, some recognizable names stand out:
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Brad Keselowski, Josh Berry (+3000)
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Bubba Wallace, Alex Bowman (+4000)
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Carson Hocevar, Austin Cindric (+6000)
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Daniel Suarez, Ryan Preece (+7500)
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Cole Custer, Noah Gragson (+10000)
Neither Brad Keselowski nor Bubba Wallace have set Phoenix Raceway on fire in the Next Gen car era, but their performances have been respectable. Bubba Wallace, in particular, posted his best-ever Phoenix finish—seventh place—just four months ago. Could this be the race where he breaks into the top five or even contends for a win?
Daytona 500 Winners Receive Little Respect in Phoenix Odds
The odds for past Daytona 500 winners suggest that success at Daytona does not always translate to Phoenix Raceway.
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Erik Jones (+15000)
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Riley Herbst, Michael McDowell, Shane van Gisbergen, Austin Dillon, and AJ Allmendinger (+2000)
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Zane Smith, Todd Gilliland, Justin Haley (+25000)
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Ricky Stenhouse Jr., John Hunter Nemechek (+50000)
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Katherine Legge, Ty Dillon, and Cody Ware (+100000)
This list includes Michael McDowell, Austin Dillon, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., all of whom have conquered Daytona’s superspeedway. However, their odds at Phoenix remain staggeringly high, showing how different track styles affect betting markets.
One notable mention is Katherine Legge, who is making her NASCAR Cup Series debut. Driving in less competitive equipment, her best outcome will likely be finishing the race without incident.
Final Thoughts: Who’s the Best Bet?
With six straight oval races ahead, the Phoenix Cup race presents a chance to cash in on well-researched bets. The top contenders are clear, but underdogs like Chase Briscoe and Ross Chastain offer enticing value. Will Christopher Bell continue his hot streak, or will Ryan Blaney and William Byron prove to be better picks?
For NASCAR fans and bettors, Phoenix is a must-watch event, with the potential for upsets and thrilling finishes. Choose wisely, and may the best driver take the checkered flag!
Gambling Disclaimer
Gambling involves risk. Only bet with funds you can afford to lose. While we strive to provide accurate information, we cannot guarantee success. Past performances do not ensure future results. Betting odds fluctuate, so always verify odds before placing a wager.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-GAMBLER. Betting is restricted to those 21 or older where legal. Please gamble responsibly.
The Impact of Track Conditions on NASCAR Betting Odds
When analyzing NASCAR betting odds, one crucial factor that often goes overlooked is the impact of track conditions. While many bettors focus on driver performance, recent finishes, and car setups, the track surface, temperature, and weather conditions play a significant role in determining race outcomes.
Phoenix Raceway, where the upcoming race is set to take place, the 1-mile oval track with a low-banked tri-oval configuration presents unique challenges. Unlike superspeedways like Daytona or Talladega, where drafting and pack racing are dominant, Phoenix favors drivers with strong short-track skills, braking precision, and tire management.
Track temperature is another key element. In hotter conditions, tires wear down faster, which benefits drivers who excel at conserving tire life over long runs. Conversely, in cooler weather, the track offers more grip, allowing aggressive drivers to push the limits without excessive tire degradation. This factor can shift betting odds significantly, as some drivers adapt better to changing conditions than others.
Another aspect to consider is recent repaving or modifications to the track. Even small changes to the track surface can disrupt previous performance trends. Bettors should keep an eye on practice sessions and qualifying rounds, as they often reveal which teams have dialed in their setups the best.
Ultimately, while past performance and driver skill remain vital, understanding track conditions and how they impact racing strategies can give bettors an extra edge when placing their wagers. As race day approaches, monitoring these details can help make more informed betting decisions and spot potential undervalued odds in the market.
