The 2026 NASCAR season may have officially gotten underway already, but we all know the real excitement doesn’t begin until the Daytona 500. Thankfully, NASCAR fans, enthusiasts, and bettors can already get a taste of the action. The Great American Race goes down this Sunday at the Daytona International Speedway, and BetMGM just released its latest betting data.
What does the betting information reveal, and where is the money flowing ahead of the biggest race of the year?
Denny Hamlin & Kyle Busch Dictating Pace
You’re going to see some familiar names driving betting ahead of Sunday’s spectacular. Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch are currently leading the ticket count, coming in at 6.9% and 6.3%, respectively.
While Hamlin’s ticket count is validated by a surge in betting handle, the same can’t be said for Busch. As it stands, Denny Hamlin’s 9.0% handle is top amongst bettors, and is significantly ahead of his ticket count. Kyle Busch’s 7.4% handle is much closer to his ticket count, implying that while some large money is coming in on the Number 8 car, he’s become more of a public beacon in Daytona.
Predictably, both racers are priced near the front of the pack in terms of betting. Denny Hamlin is priced as one of the favorites to win this year’s Daytona 500, currently listed at +1400. Kyle Busch is just marginally behind that number, coming in at +1600.
Ryan Blaney – NASCAR’s Newest Darling
A few years ago, we started to see Ryan Blaney pull away from the pack. His sixth-place finish in the standings last year put him off his Championship pace, but bettors are expecting the Number 12 car to come out firing on all cylinders early in 2026.
Blaney finished third in the Cook Out Clash to open the NASCAR Cup Season, and bettors are betting he builds off that momentum in Daytona. So far, he’s collecting 7.9% of the betting handle, easily surpassing his 5.3% ticket count. That signals sharp involvement, as bettors back Blaney to claim the first Daytona 500 of his career.
BetMGM is obviously weary of the betting action, and looking to limit their exposure. With that, you can find Blaney at the top of the betting board, listed as the +1200 favorite.
Wide Open Field
As inferred from the betting action and relatively small handle and ticket counts, the betting action is spread across this year’s field. That means, it could be anyone’s race as we head towards the finish line in Daytona.
Fifteen of the race entrants are priced at +2500 or lower, reflecting the wide open nature of Sunday’s race. Moreover, every driver’s ticket count is below 6.9%, with 20 different racers coming in above 2.0%. That’s also captured in the handle percentage, with only Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch coming in above 7.0%, and 15 different bettors commanding at least 2.0% of the betting handle.
Take what you will from the betting data, but clearly, the market is dictating that this could be anybody’s race.
Alex Bowman – BetMGM’s Biggest Exposure
Not surprisingly, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch are two of BetMGM’s biggest liabilities this weekend. But somewhat surprisingly, the sportsbook is also exposed on Alex Bowman.
Bowman’s odds have dropped from +3000 to +2000 on the strength of 5.1% of the betting handle. Predictably, that also exceeds his 4.0% ticket count, implying that the sharpest bettors are getting a piece of the Number 48 car to stun the field.
Ladies & Gentlemen, Start Your Engines
The first of NASCAR’s marquee events always sets the tone for the racing year, and this season is no exception. We’re expecting an all out war, as the top drivers take to the ashphalt in Daytona, looking to capture one of the most prestigious titles of the year.
The betting data reflects this, but the 2026 Daytona 500 could be one of the most exciting events in recent memory. Virtually every driver has a chance at walking away victorious, and there’s no telling how Sunday’s race will play out.
Stay adaptable as the race plays out and be ready to take advantage of the live betting lines to insulate your betting positions.
New to sports betting? First, explore our Introduction to Sports Betting. Then check out our recommendations at Flip The Switch for online sportsbooks, along with offers to get started. And if you’re not an avid sports fan, you can still find some fun and unusual bets to enjoy!
