The “Great American Race” is back. On February 15, 2026, the green flag will drop on the 68th annual Daytona 500, marking the official start of the NASCAR Cup Series season. For bettors, Daytona is the ultimate “high-risk, high-reward” event. It is a 200-lap chess match at 200 mph where a single mistimed block can trigger “The Big One” and wipe out half the betting board.
With the 2026 season introducing a revamped points format that places even more emphasis on individual race trophies, the prestige of winning at the World Center of Racing has never been higher.
The Champions’ Circle: Former Winners Returning
Experience is the most valuable currency at Daytona. Navigating the draft requires a specific blend of patience and aggression that only a few have mastered. This year’s field is packed with drivers who have already tasted Daytona 500 glory:
William Byron (+1200): The Hendrick Motorsports star is the man with the target on his back. After winning the last two Daytona 500s (2024 and 2025), Byron is attempting the first “three-peat” in the history of the race. Byron is listed fourth overall in the odds for betting on the Daytona 500.
Denny Hamlin (+1600): A three-time winner (2016, 2019, 2020), Hamlin is widely considered the best active superspeedway racer. While his odds have drifted slightly, his ability to manipulate the air makes him a threat every time he enters the tri-oval.
Joey Logano (+1000): The 2015 winner and Team Penske leader often controls the front of the pack. Logano is aggressive, and while that leads to DNFs, it also leads to wins.
Jimmie Johnson: The seven-time champion and two-time 500 winner (2006, 2013) is also in the field, utilizing an open exemption to compete. While a long shot, his third-place finish in 2025 proved the legend still knows how to find the front.
Other past winners looking to recapture magic include Austin Cindric (+1200), Michael McDowell, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Predicting the Winner: A New Face for the Harley J. Earl?
While the favorites often dominate the headlines, the Daytona 500 has a habit of producing first-time winners—eight of the last 11 champions were first-timers.
For 2026, the spotlight is on Ryan Blaney (+1000). Blaney has come agonizingly close to winning this race multiple times, including a runner-up finish in 2020. He enters the season with immense momentum from Team Penske’s recent dominance and has proven to be the most consistent drafting-track racer over the last two seasons.
However, if you are looking for a “dark horse” with a high ceiling, keep an eye on Kyle Busch (+1800). “Rowdy” is arguably the greatest driver of his generation without a Daytona 500 trophy. With 21 starts under his belt and a hunger to fill the only major gap in his resume, Busch is due for a break. If he can survive the final 10 laps, expect the #8 Chevrolet to be in the hunt for the checkered flag.
The Pick: Ryan Blaney (+1000). His tactical brilliance in the draft and the raw speed of the Penske Fords make this his year to finally secure the Harley J. Earl Trophy. NASCAR sportsbooks will payout at 10-to-1 on a Blaney win.
Bovada Sportsbook | Daytona Beach News-Journal
