The 67th edition of the Daytona 500 is set for this Sunday, February 16, a flagship event on the NASCAR calendar that attracts the best drivers in the circuit. Covering 500 miles and 200 laps on the 2.5-mile oval at Daytona International Speedway, the race is not just a test of speed but also of strategy and endurance. This year, the Harley J. Earl Trophy awaits a new winner, and the stakes are high.
Among the favorites is Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner (2016, 2019, and 2020), who aims to become only the third driver in history to win this race four times. Hamlin has a strong track record, leading more laps than any other active driver in this event. However, the competition is fierce, with big names such as reigning series champion Joey Logano, defending race winner William Byron, and other champions like Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson all vying for glory.
FAVORITES FOR THE DAYTONA 500
The latest betting odds indicate that Denny Hamlin is the top favorite with a +900 line. Other strong contenders include Kyle Larson (+1000), who, despite his struggles on superspeedways, remains a top competitor; Chase Elliott (+1000), seeking his first Daytona 500 victory after a dominant win in the Cook Out Clash; Kyle Busch (+1100), eager to change his luck despite never winning the Daytona 500; and Ryan Blaney (+1100), who has shown strong recent performances.
As race day approaches, expectations are high, and anything can happen in “The Great American Race“. Fans will be watching not only the favorites but also potential surprises that could unfold during the competition.