Denny Hamlin Daytona 500 chances have shifted following recent qualifying events at Daytona International Speedway, altering the lineup of favorites for NASCAR’s biggest race. After a dynamic week of time trials and Duel races, the odds have taken a new shape with fresh contenders rising just before the 68th annual Daytona 500.
Shifting Odds After Qualifying at Daytona International Speedway
The wagering landscape for the Daytona 500, as set by DraftKings Sportsbook, has experienced continual adjustment throughout the NASCAR Cup Series offseason. Following the conclusion of Wednesday’s single-car qualifying session and Thursday’s America 250 Florida Duel qualifying races at Daytona International Speedway, the list of frontrunners saw further reshuffling.
In the period leading up to Speedweeks, Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing surpassed Team Penske’s Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney atop the sportsbook’s odds. William Byron from Hendrick Motorsports climbed to occupy second place behind Hamlin, reflecting his strong performances and ambitions heading into Daytona.
Notable Performances and Driver Records Build the Storyline
Among current competitors, Hamlin stands out as the most decorated driver in the history of the Great American Race, marking three victories from 2016 to 2020. His established success has kept attention on his chances, especially as he looked poised for another strong run this season.
William Byron, meanwhile, approached the event with a chance to match a rare achievement—winning Daytona for the third consecutive year. A three-peat remains unprecedented, and only three drivers have managed back-to-back victories, underscoring the magnitude of Byron’s pursuit.
New Favorites Emerge After Crucial Qualifying Sessions
Hamlin’s short tenure at the top of the odds was soon interrupted. With Blaney returning as a joint favorite at +1100, Kyle Busch of Richard Childress Racing has also moved into a tie for the shortest odds. Busch secured his first career Daytona 500 pole position during Wednesday’s session and is aiming to translate that momentum into a long-sought victory in what will be his 21st Daytona 500 start.
Historically, Busch has led more laps at Daytona 500 than any other driver without a win, finishing as high as second in 2019 but never claiming the Harley J. Earl Trophy. However, there is a notable historical challenge: since Dale Jarrett’s win in 2000 as the polesitter, no driver starting from pole has managed to win or achieve better than fourth place in the main event.
Starting Positions and Further Changes in Favoritism
Currently, Hamlin sits closely behind the co-favorites, listed at +1200 alongside Joey Logano. The starting order will see Hamlin begin from 22nd on the grid, while Logano claims the third position after winning the first Duel race. Chase Elliott, representing Hendrick Motorsports and winner of the second Duel, will start fourth and holds odds of +1400, tied with fellow team member Kyle Larson.
William Byron’s fortunes took a blow after a crash in his Duel race, relegating him to 39th on the grid and pushing his odds back to +1600. Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing will line up at the front for the second year running after finishing fourth among polesitters last season—a best since 2000—and has odds set at +2000.
Fan Outlook and Next Steps as Race Day Approaches
The odds and favorites for the Daytona 500 remain subject to change as the field locks in their starting positions and final preparations are made. As always, this period is marked by anticipation and unpredictability, with several top drivers and teams vying for an early-season statement victory. The annual contest promises drama as Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, Chase Briscoe, and others prepare for Sunday’s spectacle at Daytona International Speedway.
Fox will provide live coverage of the Daytona 500 at 2:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 15, continuing the tradition at one of NASCAR’s most storied venues. As Denny Hamlin Daytona 500 chances are tested and new favorites take shape, fans await to see which driver will claim motorsport’s historic crown amid continued suspense in the NASCAR Cup Series.
