Following a 10-week COVID-19 break NASCAR returns to action Sunday. Darlington Raceway, AKA “The Lady in Black” makes for a perfect track to jumpstart the season. Indeed, the sport was born in the Deep South at tracks like Darlington. No fans will be in the stands but millions will be watching on TV. Most important of all millions more will partake in NASCAR betting. For fans and gamblers, their long nightmare is over. NASCAR is leading the way as the first team sport back to action. Now let’s take a look at Sunday’s race from Darlington.
NASCAR Cup Series Darlington 400
| Date and Time: | Sunday, May 17, 2020, 3:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Darlington Raceway, Darlington, South Carolina |
| Darlington 400 TV Coverage: | FOX |
Darlington 400 Odds to win at SBG
| Racers | Odds |
|---|---|
| Kevin Harvick | +470 |
| Kyle Busch | +470 |
| Joey Logano | +700 |
| Brad Keselowski | +800 |
| Chase Elliott | +850 |
| Denny Hamlin | +850 |
| Martin Truex Jr. | +950 |
| Erik Jones | +1300 |
| Kurt Busch | +1600 |
| Alex Bowman | +2000 |
| Ryan Blaney | +2000 |
| Matt Kenseth | +2200 |
| Jimmie Johnson | +2800 |
| Aric Almirola | +3200 |
| Clint Bowyer | +3200 |
| All Other Drivers | +3300 or greater |
Darlington 400 Betting Odds Overview
Namely, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, and Joey Logano are understandable favorites. Each has won either the regular season or playoff championship for the past two years. So too are Brad Keselowski, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, and Martin Truex Jr. solid online betting performers. With no practice or qualifying allowed for this race, bettors will stick to their comfort zones.
Darlington 400 Race History
The Lady in Black used to host two races per year (spring and fall). Following the 2004 season, Darlington was cut to one race per year. And this is the race that was discontinued. Incredibly enough Jimmie Johnson was the winner of the last race in this format 16 years ago. Of course, Johnson is in his final season before retirement. He will carry plenty of cache as the sentimental pick.
Darlington Raceway
Also known as the “Track Too Tough to Tame” Darlington Raceway is compared to baseball’s Fenway Park. This is the 70th anniversary season of The Lady in Black. The track itself is 1.366 miles in length with an asphalt surface. It has an odd egg shape due to having to squeeze in next to a fishing pond. Turns can get tight at Darlington with cars rubbing against each other and the wall. Thus, the term “Darlington Stripe” in recognition of marks made on the sheet metal during a race. Turn banks at Darlington are 25 degrees in one and two with 23 degrees in turns three and four.
Top Darlington Drivers
First among active drivers with three NASCAR Betting wins at Darlington is Jimmie Johnson. Johnson has 21 career starts at the Lady in Black with 12 top 10 finishes and an average finish of 12.1.
Second in career wins at Darlington is Denny Hamlin with two. Hamlin has 14 career starts at Darlington with 11 top ten runs and an average finish of 7.8. Brad Keselowski has shown remarkable consistency in 11 starts at Darlington with a win, six top tens, and an average finish of 10.7.
Also showing well in their careers at Darlington are Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr., and Kevin Harvick.
Darlington 400 Free Best Bet Picks
On this occasion, the experience will be of paramount importance. Kevin Harvick has the temperament and record to excel in such a unique setting. With no practice or qualifying Harvick’s vast experience and success at Darlington rate high.
NASCAR Betting Odds Online Pick: Kevin Harvick