The pressure will mount on the drivers on the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend, as the playoffs finally get away. The first race of the round of 16 will take place at Darlington Raceway, as the final Crown Jewel race of the 2023 season takes place in the form of the Cook Out Southern 500.
Before Betting On Cook Out Southern 500
It has been another excellent season of NASCAR action, and we are just nine races away from determining the champion for 2023. All eyes this weekend will be on Darlington Raceway, as the final Crown Jewel race of the campaign takes place in the form of the Southern 500. This race has been staged annually since 1950, and is one of the oldest races on the NASCAR schedule.
A total of 501 miles will be covered by the drivers involved this weekend, with each of the opening two stages consisting of 115 laps. The final stage will see the remaining 137 completed by the drivers involved. Jeff Gordon holds the most dominant record in the race, as the driver landed victory on six occasions. Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet are the leading team and manufacturer, respectively.
Erik Jones has an excellent recent record in the race, as he has won two of the previous four editions. However, Denny Hamlin could be the top pick among many, as he chases a third win since 2017 this weekend. Hamlin currently sits top of the Drivers’ Championship standings, and he will be looking to bounce back after finishing 26th in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 last weekend.
William Byron continues to lead the way in the standings, and he followed up his win in the Go Bowling at the Glen by landing an eighth place finish last weekend. Martin Truex Jr will also be looking for a strong response after finishing outside of the top 20 last weekend.
Cook Out Southern 500 Offshore Odds & Pick
| Driver | Odds |
|---|---|
| Kyle Larson | 6.00 |
| Martin Truex Jr | 6.00 |
| Denny Hamlin | 8.00 |
| William Byron | 9.00 |
| Ross Chastain | 9.50 |
| Kyle Busch | 11.00 |
| Christopher Bell | 13.00 |
| Tyler Reddick | 13.00 |
This should be a thrilling race on the NASCAR schedule this weekend. However, a chance will be taken on Larson to land victory. He has looked very competitive in recent races, and he appears to be hitting form at the right time.
