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Nascar race today centers on the 2026 Coke Zero Sugar 400, as the Cup Series closes its regular season Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway. The green flag is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with playoff implications, drafting strategy and a wide-open betting market creating plenty of intrigue.
Ryan Blaney enters the Daytona Night Race as the defending winner and is coming off another victory last week. Tyler Reddick opened the year with a Daytona triumph in the Great American Race, while Denny Hamlin sits atop the Cup Series standings heading into the Coke Zero Sugar 400.
Shocking NASCAR Race Today Longshot Emerges
Joey Logano is the early favorite in the 2026 NASCAR at Daytona odds at +900, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Blaney follows at +1000, while William Byron is listed at +1100. Austin Cindric, Tyler Reddick and Chris Buescher also sit near the top of the market.
The biggest surprise from the projected leaderboard is Alex Bowman, who is listed at +3500. A computer model developed by Mike McClure identifies Bowman as a potential contender despite his relatively long price.
Bowman has an average finish of 17.1 across 20 career Daytona races, which ranks third among active drivers. His recent record at the track is even more encouraging, with four top-six finishes in his last seven Daytona starts. He also finished runner-up in the 2024 Daytona 500.
Bowman’s case is strengthened by his performance at other drafting tracks. He placed third at Talladega earlier this season, and Hendrick Motorsports has historically enjoyed significant success in this event. The organization has seven wins in the Daytona race over the last 50 years, the most of any team during that span.
Critical Chase Elliott Fade Raises Eyebrows
While Bowman is receiving model support, Chase Elliott is being faded at +1800. Elliott has won at 14 different NASCAR tracks, but Daytona is not among them. He has made 21 starts at the speedway, yet has not led a single lap in either of the last two Daytona Night Races.
His current form is another concern. Elliott has recorded only one top-10 finish in his last 11 starts, making him a risky option at a price that places him among the shorter odds on the board.
Daytona remains one of NASCAR’s most unpredictable venues. The superspeedway format keeps cars tightly packed, meaning a late accident, changing lanes or a mistimed pit stop can dramatically alter the outcome. That volatility is why longshots can become serious threats during the final laps.
Explosive 2026 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Odds
- Joey Logano: +900
- Ryan Blaney: +1000
- William Byron: +1100
- Austin Cindric: +1300
- Tyler Reddick: +1600
- Chris Buescher: +1700
- Chase Elliott: +1800
- Chase Briscoe: +1800
- Carson Hocevar: +1900
- Kyle Larson: +2000
- Bubba Wallace: +2000
- Denny Hamlin: +2200
- Ross Chastain: +2500
- Alex Bowman: +3500
Other notable longshots include Ty Gibbs at +3000, Corey Heim at +3300, Erik Jones at +3500, Shane van Gisbergen at +3500 and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. at +4000. McClure’s model is also high on two additional drivers priced around +3000, although those selections were not revealed in the available report.
How to Follow the NASCAR Daytona Night Race
The 2026 Coke Zero Sugar 400 marks the final regular-season race, making every position especially important for drivers fighting to secure or improve their playoff standing. Blaney will attempt to repeat his recent Daytona success, while Logano, Byron and Reddick headline the strongest favorites.
For bettors, the key is balancing proven superspeedway performers with the unpredictable nature of pack racing. Bowman offers an appealing longshot profile because of his recent Daytona results and Hendrick Motorsports support. Elliott, meanwhile, carries a shorter price than his recent form may justify.
The odds are subject to change before the green flag. Anyone considering NASCAR betting should compare current lines, understand the risks of superspeedway racing and wager responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the NASCAR race today?
The 2026 Coke Zero Sugar 400 is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 29, at Daytona International Speedway.
Who is favored to win the Coke Zero Sugar 400?
Joey Logano is the listed favorite at +900, followed by Ryan Blaney at +1000 and William Byron at +1100.
Which longshot is receiving model support?
Alex Bowman is the standout longshot at +3500. His Daytona history includes four top-six finishes in his last seven trips and a runner-up result in the 2024 Daytona 500.
Why is Chase Elliott being faded?
The model is fading Elliott at +1800 because he has not led a lap in the last two Daytona Night Races and has posted only one top-10 finish in his last 11 starts.
