The eagerly anticipated season-opening Daytona 500 for NASCAR is set for Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Daytona International Speedway. While top favorites like Ryan Blaney (+850), Joey Logano (+1000) and William Byron (+1300) are expected to attract significant betting interest, the SportsLine model identifies several longshot candidates worth considering for your Daytona 500 picks.

One such longshot is veteran driver Kyle Busch. Despite never winning the Daytona 500, he has a notable record with one victory and five second-place finishes at this famed track. With odds set at 20-1, the model sees potential value in betting on Busch.

Also on the radar are Christopher Bell (22-1) and Chase Briscoe (22-1) as strong contenders. The data-driven SportsLine model is continuously updated to offer insights into the best picks:

Top 2026 Daytona 500 Longshot Picks:

• Kyle Busch (+2000)
• Christopher Bell (+2200)
• Chase Briscoe (+2200)

In-depth statistical analysis by expert Mike McClure, a seasoned DFS player with a remarkable track record, accompanies each prediction. He has successfully identified numerous winners in previous NASCAR events. For those eager to place bets, advisable that you access complete predictions and betting insights from the proven model available at SportsLine.