NASCAR Cup 2018 Betting Tips: 5 Drivers To Back at Kansas

Date IconLast Updated: 
Share On Your Network
NASCAR Cup 2018 Betting Tips: 5 Drivers To Back at Kansas

The NASCAR Playoff battle heads to the last race of the second round and Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. Four drivers will be eliminated from the championship picture after this weekend leaving just eight to vie for the title.

While last week’s race at Talladega created a less than exhilarating scene due in part to several drivers doing their best to protect their Playoff position and not risk dropping in the standings, there will be no time for such strategy in Kansas for many.

There are a number of drivers who were favorites going into the Playoffs either below the cut line or just ahead in the safety zone. Names such as Brad Keselowski, Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, Martin Truex Jr. and Clint Bowyer are among those that have much to gain or a lot to lose in Kansas.

The 1.5-mile track will host its second Cup race of the year; Kevin Harvick dominated in the Mother’s Day weekend visit. But history has shown since Kansas secured a second race in the Playoffs the two dates create much different racing and scenarios.

The championship implications play a part in that dissimilarity, as does track conditions. Simply put, the Kansas track surface under the lights in May is not the same as what drivers will encounter in Sunday’s anticipated cool conditions under the October sun.

Drivers – and NASCAR betting fans -- who can adapt will be those who succeed.

Here are five drivers worth betting on at Kansas:

  1. Kevin Harvick

    He didn’t just win at Kansas in May, he dominated. Harvick led 79 laps on his way to at the time was his fifth win of 2018, and he did it with a bold late-race move.

    He has won at Kansas twice in the last five races and has finishes of 2nd, 1st, 3rd, 8th and 1st during that span. Harvick has a series-best average finish of 4.8 at Kansas dating back to the 2013 season.

    Harvick also has some wiggle room in the Playoff picture and does not have to worry about taking too big a risk. If the race comes down to fuel mileage, expect Harvick’s team to gamble and when they do things usually work out to the good.

    Bet Harvick to win at +275 with 888Sport.

  2. Martin Truex Jr.

    The defending series champion has fallen on some hard times in recent weeks, including a miserable 23rd place Talladega finish a week ago in which Truex Jr. was never a factor in the outcome.

    But based on his past Kansas history that should change on Sunday.

    Truex has a pair of wins and a second-place finish in the last three Kansas outings, and if not for some bad luck and mechanical issues in the two prior races might have even better number.

    His team has excelled on intermediate tracks like the 1.5-mile Kansas layout and there might be even a little more incentive for the No. 78 team Sunday considering Truex Jr. is only 18 points to the good in the Playoff race.

    Back Truex to win at +450 with 888Sport.

  3. Kyle Busch

    There was a time when Kyle Busch would shudder at the thought of Kansas when it rolled around on the schedule. Although he’d won several preliminary division races at the track Busch could not breakthrough in the Cup Series. It changed in 2013.

    Since a third-place finish that year Busch has never finished outside the top 10 at Kansas a streak that includes a victory in 2016. He was 10th in May but said afterward his team learned something about the car to make it better at the October race.

    Take Busch to win at +650 with SugarHouse.

  4. Kyle Larson

    Overall Larson’s Kansas numbers are not by any means impressive. However this is one of those cases where the final results aren’t totally indicative of the performance.

    Mechanical issues, crashes and bad luck have taken Larson from contention more often than not in recent outings and derailed a chance to win or at least finish near the front of the field.

    He did bring home a fourth-place finish in May and was able to keep the challenges at a minimum. Throw in the Playoff standings and Larson’s need to get above the cutline and the driver of the No. 42 could be a solid bet on Sunday.

    Bet Larson to win at +350 with SugarHouse.

  5. Denny Hamlin

    Hamlin may be the best choice of the drivers no longer remaining in the Playoffs. He has had two straight Kansas top-five finishes, and since he was eliminated from championship contention a couple weeks ago, Hamlin’s No. 11 team has come to life.

    Maybe it’s the relief of no longer having Playoff pressure or just better prepared cars, but Hamlin has the feel of a driver with something to prove and that could be beneficial in Kansas.

    Bet Hamlin to win at +2000 with 888Sport.

Recommended Betting Sites

Bell Icon
Affiliate Disclosure: At Gambling.com, we want to ensure that players are matched with the right casino and sportsbook offers for them. For this reason, some of the recommended site links are affiliate links. More
  1. Boosted Bets from ESPN Personalities such as Scott Van Pelt, Mike Greenberg, and Elle Duncan.
    Earn Rewards Through PENN Play Loyalty Program.
    Variety of Promotions including Overtime & Buzzer Beater Protection.
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    GAMBLING
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    8
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    Yes
    ESPN BET, powered by Penn Interactive, looks to become one of the top sportsbooks in the United States. A clean interface, multiple payment methods, and a plethora of promotions is what sets ESPN BET from other brands.
  2. Fanatics Sportsbook Discover Simplifies Your Betting Experience
    FanCash Feature Delivers Increase Value With Unique Rewards
    Industry-Leading Search Functionality Available
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    9
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    Yes
    Fanatics Sportsbook, in partnership with Genius Sports, launched BetVision, a unique live betting and streaming product for football games within their app.
  3. Only US Sportsbook with NFL Streaming
    Caesars Rewards Redeemable at Ceasars Locations
    Improved Odds for NY Mets & Chicago White Sox
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    GAMBLING1000
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    14
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    Yes
    Backed by Caesars Entertainment, the sportsbook provides real-life loyalty rewards for bettors bringing the Las Vegas feel to you. Between Live Streaming, Generous Welcome Offer, & Daily Boosted Parlays, you'll find yourself very busy on the Caesars Sportsbook App.
  4. Brand Ambassadors such as Jamie Foxx
    MGM Rewards Redeemable at MGM Resorts
    Official Partner of NY Knicks, Rangers & Devils
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    GAMBLINGCOM
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    11
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    Yes
    BetMGM is one of the biggest sportsbooks in the US. Brand offers a broad variety of sports betting markets. It's M rewards program is uniquely rewarding.
  5. Hard Rock Rewards Redeemable in Cafes & Casinos
    Mobile App Uses Accertify for Security
    Supports Payments with Nuvei
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    10
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    Yes
    Hard Rock Sportsbook partners with American Express Accertify to protect its mobile users from fraud. The world renowned brand features a comprehensive selection of sports.
  6. Bet on Same Game Parlays to Receive Free Bets
    Backed by Rush Street Gaming, Founded in the 90s
    20% MLB Profit Every Tuesday
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    GAMBLING
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    9
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    Yes
    BetRivers provides a wide range of free bet promotions for major league sports. Also offers the iRush Rewards program.
  7. Official Live Streaming of MLB Games
    Free-To-Play Prize Pool Games
    Official Partner of the NBA, Including NBABet Stream
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    19
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    No
    DraftKings is one of the biggest US sportsbook brands. Also provides Daily Fantasy Sports, an online casino, and NFT marketplace.
  8. 'Operator of the Year' 2021
    MLB Same Game Parlay $20 Refunds
    Official Partner of the NFL, NBA, NHL, & MLB
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    18
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    Yes
    FanDuel is one of the biggest sportsbook operators in the US. Backed by Flutter Entertainment, one of the biggest gambling operators globally.