Race Preview: Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, Expert Forecasts, Wagering Lines, and Favorites (May 25)
This Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series heads to the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina for the thirteenth points event of the season, the Coca-Cola 600. The race, broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video, is set to begin just after 6:00 pm ET.
Amidst the 1.5-mile quad-oval track's execution-critical nature, the race's length can extend up to five hours due to its slow pace. The race structure consists of four 100-lap stages, and the unpredictable nature of the event means that a driver can significantly improve their position during the final stages. Watch out for the weather as the past two races have been heavily affected by it, including last year's rain-shortened event which saw Christopher Bell take the win.
Chase Briscoe claimed the pole position, with Kyle Larson right behind him, and William Byron in third. Despite this, Larson still maintains his status as the favorite to win. Byron, a Hendrick Motorsports teammate, could be a potential contender if Larson falters late in the race.
In terms of odds, Kyle Larson, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, and Tyler Reddick are the favorites, with odds ranging from +340 to +750 across major sportsbooks. Another notable driver to watch is Denny Hamlin, who has historically been competitive, despite not being listed as an official top contender.
In the context of the NASCAR Cup Series, Larson remains the favorite, following his recent success and strong qualifying performance[1][2][3]. Byron, a Hendrick Motorsports teammate, also presents a strong contender, shown by his practice results[1][2].
As with all major events, race conditions and betting actions may cause odds to fluctuate, so be sure to check your preferred sportsbook for the latest updates before placing bets.
[1] NASCAR Cup Series odds as of May 25, 2023 at DraftKings Sportsbook[2] Kyle Larson wins at Kansas (USA Today, March 20, 2023)[3] William Byron impresses in practice, stands third in qualifying (Motorsport, May 24, 2523)[4] 2022 Coca-Cola 600 shortened by rain, Christopher Bell takes the win (NBC Sports, May 29, 2022)
If you're considering a wager for the Coca-Cola 600 race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson is currently the favorite with odds of +340, followed closely by his Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron at +750. Keep an eye on Dennis Hamlin, who may not be in the top contenders list but has shown competitive performance in the past. As always, race conditions and betting actions may cause odds to change, so check your preferred sportsbook for the latest lines.