NASCAR 2019 Daytona 500 Odds: Keselowski, Logano & Harvick All Listed as Co-Favorites

• Brad Keselowksi is working with a new spotter, which could impact his performance
• Joey Logano has placed sixth or better in four straight years at the Daytona 500
• Kevin Harvick has placed seventh or worse in seven of the last nine starts at the Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 is one of the most exciting sporting events of the calendar year. Not only is it the most important race to a NASCAR driver, it is also the kickoff to the season. As of right now, three drivers are posted as +900 favorites to win the event. Are any of them a good bet?

2019 Daytona 500 Odds

*Follow the link in the table to see all options

Three Favorites Tied at +900

Taking a look at the betting odds, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, and Kevin Harvick are the three drivers who are tied as the favorites to win.

It’s interesting to see Keselowski as one of the favorites as he’s actually never won the Daytona 500. He’s one of three active drivers to have won a championship but not win the Daytona 500. It’s puzzling to see that Keselowski hasn’t picked up the big win as he’s good at restrictor plate races – maybe even the best along with Joey Logano.

With a new rules package debuting this year, the @Team_Penske trio of @joeylogano, @keselowski and @Blaney all admit there are a lot of unknowns –> https://t.co/GOnmhheGb3 pic.twitter.com/0Gpof155i8

— SPEED SPORT (@SPEEDSPORT) January 28, 2019

Speaking of Logano, how can you not like him in this spot? Since winning in 2015, he’s placed sixth, sixth and fourth, so he’s been right there.

As for Harvick, he’s someone to consider as he did get a win at Daytona 500 in 2007. However, he placed 31st last year and 22nd the year before. Harvick has finished seventh or worse in seven of the last nine starts, so he’s not someone I’m overly keen on as a favorite.

Keselowski’s New Spotter

Keselowski would have to be at the top of almost everyone’s list. We’re talking about a guy who does well at Talladega, has a win at Daytona, and is simply among the best when it comes to restrictor plate races. He’s going to be in most people’s lineups for fantasy and a good option among bettors. However, there is one thing to keep in mind:

12 hours.

The revolution begins. #KAMrevolution pic.twitter.com/wdB1PrzaNG

— Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing (@KAMSolutions) January 24, 2019

Keselowski has a new spotter in Coleman Pressley, who spotted for AJ Allmendinger in 2018. Previously, he was with Joey Meier since 2006. Spotting is quite key at the Daytona 500, so that is one small concern. It’s probably going to be something that keeps me from betting on him. This is one of those things – working with a new spotter – that might take some time and the Daytona 500 is the first race of the year. There could be some growing pains.

Is it Worth Betting the Favorites?

This is such a tough race to handicap. Keselowski was favored last year at +800 but it was Austin Dillon (+4400) who came out of nowhere to win. In 2016, Kurt Busch cashed and while he’s a relatively known name, he was listed at +2500. We did have a run of more obvious winners from 2012-16 but Trevor Bayne (+8000) and Jamie McMurray (+2500) surprised in the years before that.

21 days vid Trevor bayne winning the Daytona 500 in 2011 in his first attempt pic.twitter.com/zdtHuBOJUk

— Joshua (@gottabedank) January 28, 2018

Of the favorites, I would bet on Logano (+900). Looking a bit further down the list, I would take a flier on Kyle Busch (+1400). He’s won just about everything one can win in NASCAR except for this race and he’s looked like he’s got that fire in his eyes. Adding Martin Truex Jr. should push this team a little harder and that might produce a win at the Daytona 500.