Eric Uribe
We head to the famous Martinsville Speedway in Virginia for NASCAR’s next race — the NOCO 400. This event takes place on Sunday, April 16 and we have the most complete look at it from a betting angle. You’ll want to keep reading to get our free bet on the 2023 Martinsville winner!
2023 Martinsville Race Preview
Martinsville hosts two NASCAR races each season, however, the spring edition has undergone some notable changes in the past year or so. Those changes are worth considering when previewing the 2023 Martinsville race.
First and most importantly, this race is no longer 500 miles (strictly speaking about the Spring event, not Fall which is unchanged from the 500-miler) like it had been since its inception in the ‘50s. The first 400-miler was introduced in 2022, and because of the shorter race, the competition became a night-time one. However, that is no longer the case in 2023. Well, 400 miles is, but not the night race aspect. This will be your usual Sunday mid-day competition once again.
Last season, William Byron gutted out the win in what was then called the Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 400 (thankfully, that mouthful of a name is no more). Byron needed overtime to fit out the victory — holding off a late rally from Joey Logano to claim the victory. This first-place finish is perhaps why Byron is the betting favorite going into Sunday’s affair. Take a look at the top contenders to win, per the best NASCAR betting sites:
| Riders |  |  |  |
| William Byron | +600 | +600 | +600 |
| Kyle Larson | +650 | +650 | +650 |
| Christopher Bell | +650 | +650 | +650 |
| Denny Hamlin | +700 | +700 | +700 |
| Martin Truex Jr. | +850 | +850 | +850 |
| Joey Logan | +850 | +850 | +850 |
| Ryan Blaney | +1100 | +1100 | +1100 |
What sticks out about the odds above is how low they are — well, at least compared to the usual NASCAR event. Getting drivers at +700 or so odds is not common in this unpredictable sport yet we have four different ones around that line in Martinsville this weekend. Six drivers in total are in the three-digit-odd territory. In the eyes of bookmakers, these select-few drivers have separated themselves from the field.
Best Bets To Win 2023 NASCAR NOCO 400
We could make the case to bet on many different drivers to win the 2023 NOCO 400. But that’s not our job. No, no, we have to weed out the good bets from the great ones. We feel we’ve done that with our two choices below. Among the crowded group, these pair of drivers present the highest chance of cashing out:
William Byron
We are indeed betting alongside the race’s reigning champion. However, you may be surprised to find out that’s actually not the main reason we’re confident Byron can go back-to-back.
Our confidence in Byron stems more from his 2023 campaign. It’s been on the extreme end of the spectrum. On one hand, Byron has a Cup Series-high two wins. Yet, he’s only 14th in the standings because of some bad outings. Just in the past two weeks, he’s placed 24th and 13th. So yes, he’s a boom-or-bust driver. However, Martinsville is the exact type of race that can bring out his boom potential. ANd he’ll be looking for that after consecutive bad outings too.
Christopher Bell
Bell is the complete opposite of Byron, and that’s exactly why we’re wagering on him. As the number one driver in the standings, Bell has been ever-reliable on the track. He’s placed top-6 in six of eight races this year so his downside is very low, certainly compared to Byron. Bets on each gives you the best chance of cashing out by the end of this race.
How To Watch 2023 NASCAR Martinsville Race
FS1 is the easiest way to watch the 2023 NOCO race. The FOX-affiliated network will air the race live on TV on Sunday at 3 pm EST.
There are also streaming options if you’ve cut the cord. There’s a number of “skinny” TV streaming bundles (e.g. fuboTV and Hulu + Live TV) that have FS1 in their packages. Most of these streamers also offer free trials in case you want to try them — and watch this weekend’s NASCAR race for free in the process. Trials usually last a few weeks or a month so you’ll be just in time to catch Sunday’s event.
How To Bet On 2023 NASCAR Martinsville Race
There’s no better spot to place your 2023 Martinsville bets than one of the trusted online sportsbooks featured in the table below. Why? Well, a number of different reasons. First, they offer lines on all NASCAR events, not just this next one. But two, these lines are priced at bettor-friendly odds so you’re not missing out on money to be made.
Give the table below a hard look if you need help selecting the best sportsbook. We have unbiased reviews and promotion details listed — both of which should weigh heavily when deciding where to bet at. Promotions — worth as much as $2500 in free play — could even bankroll your NASCAR bets for free. The table underneath has full details on how to redeem these killer deals!
