There are some races on the NASCAR schedule that are simply more popular than others, and while some fans are sure to be looking ahead to Daytona next weekend, you can bet that the drivers are fully focused on this race. The harsh reality is that the Firekeepers 400, which will be held in Michigan, is the penultimate race of the regular season. For those currently sitting below the playoff line, time is rapidly running out to get into the top 16 and into the playoffs. It’s a great time of year to be a NASCAR fan and this race might well go a long way towards deciding who gets in and who misses out on the chance to be a champion. With all of that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the favorites for Sunday’s race along with their NASCAR Betting odds.
NASCAR Cup Series Betting: FireKeepers Casino 400 Race Preview
Kyle Larson (+170)
Coming into the season, Larson had just served a suspension that lasted most of last season and was without any sponsors. It was hard to imagine that he would be able to seriously compete this season, but with just 2 races remaining before the playoffs, he is in fact atop the driver standings. Larson has 5 wins on the season and has had very few races where he was not in the thick of things in the final few laps. He heads to Michigan on the heels of a 3rd place finish knowing that he had 3 consecutive wins at that track back in 2016 and 2017. He also ran 3rd there last season, so it’s easy to see why he is a favorite this weekend.
Chase Elliott (+500)
The defending Cup Series champion is sitting just off the pace in 4th place right now and is sure to be a threat once the playoffs begin. This was the path that Elliott took last season, sitting up near the leaders before winning the final 2 playoff races to win it all. What’s scary here, at least for the other drivers, is that Elliott had the same number of wins (2) heading into the playoffs in 2020. Are we about to see a repeat in 2021? As far as Michigan goes, Elliott has never won there, but he has also only ever fallen outside of the top 10 once in 10 races.
Kyle Busch (+650)
When you are trying to come up with a winner on any given weekend, it’s always a good idea to look at the current form of a driver, as well as how they have done in previous races on that given track. In the case of Kyle Busch, he checks a couple of boxes that would certainly make you take a serious look at wagering on him to win this Sunday. He has finished in the top 5 in 5 of his last 7 races, plus he always seems to be around the leaders in Michigan, where he has been no worse than 6th in his last 6 runs.
Martin Truex Jr. (+700)
While it has now been a few months since Truex Jr. recorded his 3rd win of the season, there are some signs that he is beginning to round back into form. That includes a pair of 3rd place finishes over the last 4 races. The question now is whether he can get right again in time for the playoffs. A run at Michigan might be just what the doctor ordered, as he has finished no worse than 4th in his last 4 races in Michigan.
NASCAR Betting News
Odds and Lines: NASCAR Cup Series Betting | Championship | Truck Series Matchups | Xfinity Series Matchups
