As the NASCAR playoffs approach, another four drivers will soon be eliminated from the championship race, and this weekend’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race odds provide insight into who will continue to compete.
This Bristol event is set for Saturday night, and the NASCAR Cup Series odds suggest a potential return to the expected outcomes after last weekend’s surprising results at Watkins Glen, where longshots and road-course experts emerged on top.
Which drivers will secure their spots in the next round? Below, you’ll find the top betting picks for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on September 21.
Odds to win 2024 Bass Pro Shops Night Race
| Driver |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Denny Hamlin | +400 | +350 |
| Kyle Larson | +500 | +600 |
| Christopher Bell | +550 | +600 |
| Ty Gibbs | +850 | +700 |
| Brad Keselowski | +1,100 | +1,000 |
| Chris Buescher | +1,200 | +1,600 |
| William Byron | +1,500 | +1,800 |
| Ryan Blaney | +1,500 | +1,800 |
| Joey Logano | +1,500 | +1,800 |
| Martin Truex Jr. | +1,600 | +1,600 |
| Kyle Busch | +1,700 | +2,200 |
| Tyler Reddick | +1,800 | +1,800 |
| Chase Elliott | +1,800 | +1,800 |
| Josh Berry | +2,500 | +3,000 |
| Chase Briscoe | +3,500 | +3,000 |
| Ross Chastain | +4,000 | +3,000 |
| Alex Bowman | +4,500 | +4,000 |
| Bubba Wallace | +5,500 | +5,000 |
| Michael McDowell | +9,000 | +8,000 |
| John H Nemechek |
+9,000
+12,500
Odds as of 9-18.
Bass Pro Shops Night Race field
Denny Hamlin has claimed the checkered flag in both of his recent visits to Bristol, positioning him as the frontrunner in the overall odds across the board. Although he’s currently ranked 13th and on the outside of the playoff bubble, he is aware that finishing strong is essential in his pursuit of the coveted Cup Series championship.
Kyle Larson, known for his Cup Series victory in 2021 along with clinching this race, isn’t riding a winning streak at the moment—he’s managed just a single Top-10 finish in his last five outings. However, it’s typically just a matter of time before he regains his momentum.
Current points leader Christopher Bell also slots in among the top contenders. He secured a victory here last year (albeit on a dirt track) and finished third in the standard fall race. As one of NASCAR’s ascending talents, he’s consistently putting himself in the running with Top-4 finishes in three of the last four races overall.
A significant observation from the odds board is the cluster of drivers situated between the +1,000 and +2,000 brackets, which makes up a quarter of the field. Additionally, there is a sharp drop from around +5,000 to nearly double that figure—indicating a clear divide between the top contenders and the rest of the pack, suggesting a playoff driver could clinch this race.
Bass Pro Shops Night Race expert picks and predictions
Odds listed below courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook as of 9-18.
Bass Pro Shops Night Race pre-qualifying favorites
Denny Hamlin (+400)
Having bested your favorite driver last year, he led 142 laps from a front-row start. He triumphed again in the spring and boasts four consecutive Top-10 finishes on concrete here, tallying seven Top 10s in his last nine Bristol races, including three wins. Furthermore, he clinched victories in the spring races at Richmond and Dover this season, and secured a runner-up finish at the summer Richmond event.
Kyle Larson (+500)
In his last six Bristol races, Larson has led 248 laps and achieved four Top-5 finishes (first, fifth, second, fifth). Looking further back, he has amassed nine Top-10 finishes in his last ten Bristol attempts, with four of those being Top-2 finishes. On short tracks this season, Larson’s placements have been 14th, fifth, third, second, second, fourth, and seventh, respectively.
Christopher Bell (+550)
Bell has been exceptional with the Next Gen car. He secured a win at the Dirt Race last year and has displayed strong performances on concrete, qualifying eighth, first, and 12th while achieving finishes of fourth, third, and 10th. He has led a total of 143 laps, 187 laps, and 29 laps in those races respectively. He has also captured three of the six stages and finished second, eighth, and fifth in the others. A concrete win is what he seeks, and Saturday night might be the moment. He placed sixth in both Richmond races.
Bass Pro Shops Night Race sleepers
Brad Keselowski (+1,100)
Keselowski has recorded six Top-10 finishes in his last eight Bristol starts, showcasing a win in May 2020 and a third-place finish this spring. He led 109 laps during the fall race in 2022, but tire issues forced him to accept a 13th-place finish. Nonetheless, he has led a total of 515 laps in his last ten Bristol attempts.
Chris Buescher (+1,200)
Buescher was the victor of this race in 2022 and finished fourth last year. In the spring, he secured a seventh-place finish, marking his fifth Top-8 finish on Bristol concrete in his last six attempts.
Chase Elliott (+1,800)
It’s about time for Elliott. He won the All-Star race there in July 2020 and, when considering that, he has six Top-8 finishes in his last eight starts, which includes a runner-up finish in 2022. He also led 129 laps in 2021, despite finishing in 25th place.
Michael McDowell (+9,000)
He’s overdue for a strong performance. Elliott emerged victorious in the All-Star race at this venue in July 2020, and including that win, he boasts six Top-8 finishes in his last eight races here, culminating in a second-place finish in 2022. Notably, he led 129 laps in a 25th-place finish in 2021 as well.
Bass Pro Shops Night Race fades
Ryan Blaney (+1,500)
Although he finished fourth in the 2021 night race, he has struggled in the last two years, finishing 30th and 22nd, and placing 16th earlier this spring. This season, he also secured fifth at Phoenix, seventh at Dover, and finished 19th and 11th at Richmond, respectively.
William Byron (+1,500)
Byron has yet to secure a win at Bristol in 12 attempts, which makes me hesitant to consider him as a favorite for victory. His best result here was an eighth-place finish, as it was his only Top-10 finish in his first eight races on this concrete oval. Recently, however, he placed third twice, managed a ninth, and then finished 35th. On short tracks this season, his results include 18th, seventh, first, 33rd, second, 26th, and 13th.
Joey Logano (+1,500)
The track hasn’t been favorable for Logano lately. He has failed to finish in the Top 10 in seven of his last eight races here, with poor finishes of 27th, 34th, and 22nd using the Next Gen car, two of which ended prematurely. In total, he has only two Top-10 results in his last 12 outings.
Martin Truex Jr. (+1,600)
Truex led 54 laps and secured a runner-up finish this spring, but that marked just his third Top-10 result in 21 starts at Bristol. He has struggled significantly, finishing 19th or worse in 15 of his last 19 races here. Although he placed seventh at Phoenix, third at Dover, and had mixed results at Richmond, I would advise caution with his prospects.
Kyle Busch (+1,700)
Busch once dominated at Bristol, entering the 2021 season with seven Top-4 finishes over eight races, which included three victories and two runner-up finishes. However, since then, his performances have declined, resulting in finishes of 21st, 34th, 20th, and 25th, along with only five laps led.
Tyler Reddick (+1,800)
This track hasn’t been kind to Reddick. Earlier this spring, he finished 30th and has since placed fourth, 12th, 25th, and 15th in the Night Race.
Bass Pro Shops Night Race prop pick
Ty Gibbs Top-3 finish
The odds are steep for an outright win (+800) for a driver who has yet to claim a Cup race victory. Nonetheless, Gibbs finished ninth in the spring race and secured third at Phoenix in March and 10th at Dover in May. It’s a safer play to back him for a Top-3 finish.
Pick: Ty Gibbs Top-3 finish (+250 at DraftKings)
Popular motor sports futures odds
Bristol Motor Speedway track analysis
For the first time since 2020, Bristol Motor Speedway is set to host two races on its concrete surface. The spring race, held from 2021 to 2023, featured dirt instead. This past spring, the return to concrete resulted in a thrilling race, marked by 54 lead changes.
What of these past performances can be expected in this return race?
NASCAR conducted tests this summer to assess whether tire wear would replicate the conditions seen in the spring, where drivers navigated the high-banked .533-mile concrete oval carefully. From what we see, a similar race may very well be on the horizon.
Bristol is a banked concrete short track, closely resembling Dover but with half the size. As the race progresses, multiple grooves come into play. Navigating lapped traffic will be crucial in determining the track’s outcome.
Bass
Pro Shops Night Race Trends
- The starting position is crucial. In six of the last seven races held on the concrete oval, the winner emerged from a Top-5 starting position. While Chris Buescher began in 20th place in 2022, Denny Hamlin started second last year and claimed third this spring.
- Chevy has secured only three victories in the last 19 races at Bristol.
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Previous Winners of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race
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Affiliate Disclosure: Our expert team has conducted extensive research and carefully selected each product featured on our website. We may earn compensation if you register through our links.
Denny Hamlin aims for a third consecutive victory, having claimed both last year’s Night Race and the spring event at Bristol this season.
How to Make Picks for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race
Betting on NASCAR involves careful consideration of numerous factors and encompasses various types of wagers. Thankfully, our How to Bet NASCAR guide provides insight into the essentials, including understanding odds, exploring available markets, and what to factor in when placing your bets.
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2024 Bass Pro Shops Night Race Betting Preview: Favorites, Sleepers, and Trends Ahead of Bristol Showdown
Overview of the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Night Race
The 2024 Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway is set to be an electrifying event in the NASCAR Cup Series calendar. Known for its unique short-track racing and vibrant atmosphere, this race attracts some of the best drivers and a passionate fanbase. As we gear up for this thrilling encounter, a solid betting strategy can enhance your experience, whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned bettor. Let’s dive into the favorites, sleepers, and essential trends to watch for this year.
The Favorites: Who to Bet On
When placing your bets for the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Night Race, it’s crucial to consider the drivers who are consistently performing well. Here are some top contenders to watch:
1. Kyle Larson
With his track record for short track success and an impressive history at Bristol, Kyle Larson is a top pick. His aggressive driving style and ability to maneuver through traffic make him a formidable opponent.
2. Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin has shown remarkable consistency and skill at Bristol. Known for his strategic racing and experience, he often finds himself in the mix for the top position.
3. Joey Logano
Joey Logano is another favorite with a strong performance history at Bristol. His knack for adapting to changing track conditions gives him an edge when it matters most.
Sleepers to Consider
While the favorites often steal the spotlight, don’t overlook these potential sleeper picks who could surprise everyone:
1. Tyler Reddick
Tyler Reddick has been making waves in the NASCAR circuit. His youthful energy and unyielding determination on short tracks could lead to a breakout performance.
2. Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell’s recent improvements and strong showings at Bristol make him a sleeper to watch. His capability to execute on race day could yield valuable returns.
3. Alex Bowman
Bowman’s tenacity and racing skill on short tracks give him potential as a sleeper bet. His ability to capitalize on others’ misfortunes can lead him to the front of the pack.
Key Trends to Watch in the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Night Race
Understanding the trends in NASCAR can offer invaluable insights when betting on the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. Here are some noteworthy trends to consider:
- Track Position: Gaining and maintaining track position is crucial at Bristol. Drivers who start upfront typically have a higher chance of winning.
- Short Track Experience: Drivers with a proven track record on short tracks often perform better. Look for those who excel in aggressive racing environments.
- Recent Performance: Pay attention to how drivers have performed in the last few races leading up to Bristol. Momentum can influence a driver’s performance significantly.
Statistical Breakdown of Top Drivers
Here’s a brief statistical overview of some top drivers heading into the race:
| Driver | 2023 Avg. Finish | Bristol Wins | Last 5 Races Avg. Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Larson | 4.2 | 2 | 3.0 |
| Denny Hamlin | 6.5 | 1 | 5.0 |
| Joey Logano | 7.8 | 3 | 4.5 |
| Tyler Reddick | 9.0 | 0 | 6.0 |
| Christopher Bell | 8.5 | 1 | 7.5 |
Betting Strategies for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race
To maximize your betting potential on the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, consider the following strategies:
1. Analyze Qualifying Times
Qualifying times can be an indicator of a driver’s potential performance. Pay attention to the starting lineup as it can significantly affect the race outcome.
2. Monitor Weather Conditions
Weather can impact track conditions, influencing tire wear and grip levels. Be prepared to adjust your bets based on forecast changes.
3. Track Historical Data
Review past performances of drivers at Bristol to identify trends. Some drivers consistently finish well, while others struggle.
First-Hand Experiences: Bettor Insights
Many seasoned bettors share their experiences and tips for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race:
1. Emphasize Research
“I always do my homework before placing bets. Understanding driver statistics and track history has led to more successful bets over the years.”
2. Live Betting Opportunities
“Live betting adds excitement. I often place bets during the race, especially if I notice a driver gaining momentum.”
3. Diversify Your Bets
“Don’t just bet to win. Explore top-three finishes and head-to-head matchups to maximize your betting options.”
Conclusion
Getting ready for the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Night Race involves understanding the favorites, identifying potential sleepers, and keeping an eye on emerging trends. By employing strategic betting methods, you can enhance your enjoyment of this thrilling event.
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