The 2026 NASCAR season began on February 4, with Ryan Preece winning the Cook Out Clash. Upcoming is the Daytona 500 on February 15, where William Byron aims for a third consecutive victory. Auto racing analysts Phil Bobbitt and Steve Greco outline their picks and bets for the season ahead.
Here’s their betting preview:

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Phil Bobbitt: Every NASCAR season opens with optimism and an unrealistic confidence in our predictions.

Steve Greco: This season is different, driven by a mixture of excitement and the expectations we set.

All jokes aside, this year brings a resurgence of analytical focus, with the new rules promising more engagement from teams and fans alike. The upcoming format changes reinforce the significance of wins and strategy, moving back towards traditional methods of crowning a champion, fostering a more competitive environment.

For bets, Kyle Larson is tipped as the leading driver for the season, while William Byron closely follows. Expect variable and favorable odds throughout the year as teams adapt to the changing dynamics of the races.