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Darlington Raceway is the sight of the next NASCAR Cup Series race, the Goodyear 400. This is one of the sport’s most-storied tracks and should command your betting attention this weekend. Keep reading and we’ll tell you which favorites are worth betting to win in Darlington!
- What: Goodyear 400
- When: Sunday, May 14
- Where: Darlington, South Carolina
Previewing 2023 NASCAR Darlington Spring Race
Any preview of NASCAR’s Darlington race has to start with the track itself. It’s as iconic as any other circuit in the sport — a “crown jewel” indeed. It was opened in 1950 (one year after NASCAR’s inception) and quickly become the premier speedway, long before Daytona or Talladega could lay the same claim. That inaugural race more than 70 years ago set a lot of firsts in NASCAR — the first 500-miler, the first on an oval track longer than one mile, and on a paved track. All those are norms now, but not then.
In honor of all this cherished history, you’ll see a major throwback theme to Darlington this year. Most visibly, the racetrack itself will be painted in a vintage way. Drivers up and down the field will honor NASCAR history with their car paint jobs (e.g. Kyle Larson will sport a throwback that Tony Stewart used back in 2009). NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers will also be honored on the 75th anniversary of the Cup Series.
The pageantry will be one to behold, but there’s still a race going down Sunday. Let’s take a quick look at the current race-winner betting odds. All the top betting sites for NASCAR are in agreement about who the favorites to win are. The top contenders are as follows:
| Driver |  |  |  |
| Kyle Larson | +500 | +500 | +500 |
| Denny Hamlin | +600 | +600 | +600 |
| Martin Truex Jr. | +650 | +650 | +650 |
| William Byron | +850 | +850 | +850 |
| Tyler Reddick | +850 | +850 | +850 |
| Kyle Busch | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
| Ross Chastain | +1100 | +1100 | +1100 |
| Christopher Bell | +1100 | +1100 | +1100 |
| Joey Logano | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 |
If you’re familiar with NASCAR, you’re surely aware that Darlington is considered one of the toughest courses in the Cup Series — if not THE hardest. There are a few different factors that play into that. First, the track is more egg-shaped than oval. Then there’s also the preferred racing line which runs a little close to the racetrack’s retaining wall. One mistake along here and crashes will follow. All this is why they call it “The Track Too Tough To Tame.” Epic nickname for an epic event.
This race comes on the heels of an eventful competition in Kansas a week ago. Denny Hamlin pulled out the win with a last-lap overtaking of Kyle Larson to grab the checkered flag. The victory snapped a 33-race winless streak for Hamlin dating to last year’s Coca-Cola 600. But perhaps the biggest fireworks were saved for after the race when Ross Chastain and Noah Grayson got into an altercation. Chastain clocked him with a right hook before they were separated. That drama only ups the stakes in Darlington as far as we’re concerned.
Who To Bet To Win 2023 Darlington Spring Race?
Given the difficulties of the Darlington track, you’d have to be semi-crazy to go “all in” on a single driver. We prefer to be rational and make multiple Darlington betting picks to win. Our priority list of drivers to back (listed in order of most confident to least) are led by these three:
Denny Hamlin
Hamlin is on fire as of late. Not only did he win a week ago, but he owns Top-5 finishes in three of the prior four races. His Toyota team has now won in consecutive weeks (before Hamlin, Truex Jr. won in Delaware) so momentum is high for the whole team. Hamlin also has quite the history at Darlington, having won four times over his career. If you believe in “riding the hot hand” — which we do — then Hamlin is must-bet material here.
Kyle Larson
We wouldn’t be stunned if Larson and Hamlin are neck-and-neck down the stretch for a second week in a row. Larson has done just about everything in this sport, sans win at this storied track. But it’s not like he hasn’t been oh so close. Since 2016, Larson has three runner-up finishes and a pair of third places in this track. He’s knocking on the door and this Sunday could be his breakthrough at last.
Joey Logano
Remember the list of 75 greatest drivers? Welp, Logano is on it. He’s on a short list of active drivers that will be honored for that. And honestly, we wouldn’t be surprised if Logano’s carries over greatness into the actual race. He’s the reigning champion of the spring race and also earned a fourth-place finish in the Fall event in 2022. He’s a worthy play here, especially at +1200 odds.
How To Watch NASCAR Darlington Race?
Regular-season races don’t get much better than this one thanks to the throwback theatrics. If you want to watch the NASCAR Darlington race, plus follow your bets live, then FS1 is the place to do it. The FOX-affiliated network will have exclusive live coverage inside the United States. The race is expected to commence at 3 pm EST.
How To Bet On NASCAR Darlington Race?
We’ve given you expert betting advice on NASCAR Darlington, but it means nothing unless you take action at a trusted online sportsbook. In case you need one to lock in these money wagers, hit one of the bookmakers listed below. The table, which lists reviews and current promotions, will help you hand-pick the most worthy sportsbook for your money.
