Motorsport Fans Excited for Daytona 500’s Return
Sports fans are enjoying a fascinating start to 2024 with some mouth-watering fixtures on the schedule. The year began with a bang Down Under with the eagerly-anticipated return of the Australian Open tennis Grand Slam. It was a competition of upsets and surprise results in Melbourne, and returning champion Novak Djokovic lost his prize. Sports lovers then turned their attention to Paradise, Nevada, for Super Bowl LVIII. The San Francisco 49ers played the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in the first Super Bowl staged in Nevada.
Daytona 500
There’s plenty more going on in the coming weeks and months, including the return of Major League Soccer, the Cheltenham Festival in England, and this summer’s European Championships soccer tournament in Germany. But the event that has got motorsports fans talking is the welcome return of the always-popular Daytona 500. The most famous race from the NASCAR Cup Series returns on Sunday, February 18th, with a capacity crowd expected at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The 66th running of the NASCAR event is broadcast live worldwide by the leading television networks and the most trusted live-streaming apps. It’s also the first race from the 2024 Nascar Cup series, which adds an extra edge of excitement to the occasion. But which driver will win the Daytona 500 and get their campaign off to a flyer? You can have your say at the leading Daytona 500 betting apps. Will you back one of the favorites or support a plucky underdog to spring a surprise in Florida?
Runners and riders
Who are the main players in this year’s Daytona 500 race? Traders working at the leading sportsbooks from Las Vegas to London have released betting odds, offering their views on the top drivers to follow and which names should be in the running to win the race. Bookmakers aren’t always correct, of course, and the industry has made some high-profile blunders regarding their motorsport predictions in the past. But they are correct more than wrong, and it’s always worth checking the latest odds when making predictions.
Who are traders supporting this year in Florida? When checking the latest Daytona 500 betting odds, we note Brad Keselowski is the hot favorite with all major gambling apps. Bookies believe Brad is the most likely winner of the race, and it’s easy to see how they arrived at that decision. He has the experience, speed, and bravery to drive himself into a commanding position and the know-how to stay there and claim the prize. But if Brad doesn’t live up to expectations, which driver will take full advantage and win?
Second, on the outright list is Denny Hamlin, and NASCAR fans already know what he brings to the table. The contender will require his fair share of luck on race day, but he has the skills to push himself into contention, and it would be a brave call to say he definitely won’t win the Daytona 500. Other major names worth considering include Ryan Blaney and the globally popular Chase Elliott. Looking further ahead, we find Kyle Larson, William Byron, Elliott, and Hamlin are all prominent in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship winner betting list.
To remind us why the Daytona 500 is such a big hit with motorsport fans worldwide, we reflect on some of the most memorable winners. Keep reading as we walk you down memory lane, highlighting past champions who left their mark on Daytona International Speedway.
Richard Petty
No discussion of Daytona 500 winners can begin without paying homage to Richard Petty, often referred to as “The King” of NASCAR. Petty’s impact on the sport is immeasurable, and his victories at Daytona stand as enduring testaments to his skill and dominance. If you love motorsports and follow this race, you’ll already know the name Richard Petty. Petty claimed his first Daytona 500 victory in 1964, driving a Plymouth, and went on to add four more triumphs in 1966, 1971, 1973, and 1974. His seven Daytona 500 wins remain a record, solidifying his status as one of the greatest stock car drivers in history. Each victory contributed to Petty’s legendary career, leaving an indelible mark on the history of NASCAR and the Daytona 500. Petty is the man to beat in NASCAR circles.
Cale Yarborough
Cale Yarborough, a three-time winner of the Daytona 500, earned a reputation as a formidable and consistent force in NASCAR during his illustrious career. Yarborough’s victories in 1968, 1977, and 1983 showcased his adaptability and skill on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway. He was a force that was feared and respected in equal measure on the Nascar scene. In 1968, Yarborough battled through a field of competitors to secure his first Daytona 500 win. Nearly a decade later, he captured his second victory, and in 1983, at the age of 44, he became the oldest winner in Daytona 500 history. Yarborough’s resilience and ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of stock car racing make him one of the most memorable champions in Daytona 500 history.
Dale Earnhardt
Dale Earnhardt, widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest drivers, experienced the pinnacle of his career with a historic victory in the 1998 Daytona 500. Known as “The Intimidator” for his aggressive racing style, Earnhardt had endured heartbreak in previous Daytona 500s, often coming close but falling short of victory. But good things come to those who wait, especially in professional sports. The 1998 race marked a turning point for Earnhardt. Dramatically, he took the lead on the last lap after a thrilling duel with Bobby Labonte. As Earnhardt crossed the finish line, a wave of emotions swept through the racing community, culminating in an iconic celebration on Victory Lane. The triumph not only solidified Earnhardt’s legacy but also endeared him to fans who had longed to see him claim Daytona’s ultimate prize.
Which driver will add their name to the exclusive list of champions in this year’s renewal? Fans can’t wait to find out.