A clear difference is apparent between the Daytona 500 and any other race on the NASCAR schedule. “The Great American Race” has that moniker for a reason. It follows that it’s the biggest betting on NASCAR event of the season. Known as the “Super Bowl of NASCAR” the Daytona 500 has added element of unpredictability. More than any other race on the schedule the Great American Race offers all drivers one of their best opportunities to take the checkered flag. To be exact the restrictor plate race features tight packs of multiple cars drafting off each other.
2019 Daytona 500
Date and Time: Sunday, February 17, 2019, 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida
Odds to win at SBG: Click Here!
2019 Daytona 500 TV Coverage: FOX
The Handicapping Factor
To begin with the Daytona 500 has handicapping factors that makes it unique to any other betting on NASCAR race. Owing to restrictor plates that slow down the faster cars the lead changes are constant. And drivers that normally would not have a chance to win a regular race are often in the thick of the Daytona 500.
Last Year Stats
Consider last year’s winner Austin Dillon. He has but two wins for his career. Yet one of those two race wins was last year’s Daytona 500. Another shocker was in 2011 when Trevor Bayne brought the famed Wood Brothers Ford into victory lane. More emphatically the greatest upset of all time was in 1990 when Derrike Cope took the checkered flag. Cope was trailing when the late great Dale Earnhardt blew a flat tire on the final lap. Such is the type of racing luck at Daytona.
Matter of Skills
Nevertheless, restrictor plate racing has become a skill in and of itself. Both Dale Earnhardt and his son Dale Jr. became two of the best at it in history. Other notable plate experts include Kevin Harvick, Jimmy Johnson and Kurt Busch.
Jimmie Johnson
In fact, Jimmie Johnson could prove to be resurgent this year. Following the separation with long time crew chief Chad Knaus. As a seven-time champion with his last title in 2016 Johnson is still considered capable. He is also one of the most successful drivers at Daytona. To show Johnson has three online betting wins and 14 top ten finishes in 34 races at Daytona.
Kevin Harvick
In comparison Kevin Harvick will be another top contender. Harvick along with Kyle Busch were the two top winners in the regular season. More emphatically Harvick has a proven record of success at Daytona. In 35 career starts Harvick has two wins with 14 top ten finishes. He has the sixth best average finish of Daytona among all active drivers at 17.3.
Austin Dillon’s
In view of his record Austin Dillon’s record at Daytona was no fluke. Dillon has one win and seven top ten finishes in 11 career starts at Daytona. His average finish of 13.4 is the best among active drivers with at least 10 career starts.
Clint Bowyer
And then there is Clint Bowyer. He has a strong average finish of 16.0 at Daytona but no wins. Is this the year?
Matchup to Watch
Increasingly Jimmie Johnson is looking rejuvenated with a new crew chief. Secondly, he has the proven record of betting on NASCAR success at Daytona.
Betting Odds Picks
Jimmie Johnson is the pick to win the Daytona 500!
Betting Online Pick: Jimmie Johnson
Catch Jimmie Johnson’s comments from last week’s “Clash” at Daytona!