The NASCAR Cup Series returns to action this Sunday with The Real Heroes 400 at Darlington and, to be honest with you, nobody really knows what to expect. The drivers haven’t been on track in over two months, and the first time they’ll be in the seat of their race car this weekend is right before the green flag; no practice, no qualifying, just lining them up and running.
With this uncertainty, it’s very hard to know who’s going to have the car to beat on Sunday. With that being said, I think this format of the race weekend allows for some favorable betting lines as well. The bets listed below are ones that I have already placed via the DraftKings Sportsbook, with the odds posted.
My Top Bets for Darlington Sunday Afternoon
Kevin Harvick Stage One Winner (+800) – I’m very high on Kevin Harvick this weekend, mainly because he’s such a stud at Darlington Raceway. Add in the fact that the #4 Ford has arguably been the fastest car in 2020, and I gain even more confidence. As far as Darlington goes, Harvick hasn’t finished outside of the top 9 here since the 2012 season, and he had some downright dominant efforts here in 2014 and 2016, leading over 200 laps in each race. His average running position over the last six races at The Lady in Black is a ridiculous 4.9, and although Harvick will start a little further back than I’d prefer (6th), he’s got that first pit stall on pit road, which is a huge advantage at this track. Stage One concludes on lap 90 on Sunday so Harvick has a decent amount of time to get to the front for this bet to pay off.
Joey Logano Top 5 Finish (+133) – This #22 team already has two wins in the bank this season, and honestly it wouldn’t be surprising at all if they added a third here on Sunday. Logano and his new crew chief Paul Wolfe have really kicked things off with a bang, and I think that’s a good team to have here this weekend with the uncertainty surrounding the race. Logano has three top 5 finishes in the last five Darlington races and Wolfe guided Brad Keselowski to a win here in 2018 along with another top 5 finish last season. So, yes, the Logano/Wolfe pairing looks great heading into Sunday. I also threw a smaller bet on Team Penske to win the race (+400). These Fords have been stupid fast in 2020 plus Keselowski is on the pole and Logano is always a threat.
Isn’t this GREAT! I am curious how we will all do as far as our selections with overall less time between races. I hope everyone is healthy, and GOOD LUCK to Jordan and ALL OF YOU!