As the NASCAR Cup Series regular season approaches its climax, four playoff spots remain unclaimed with only two races left on the schedule. One of the most pivotal events in this chase is the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400, set to take place this Sunday at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. The high-stakes race promises intense competition as drivers vie for their place in the postseason lineup.
Among those looking to secure their playoff positions is 2017 Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr., who needs just 35 points at Daytona to guarantee his spot. Chris Buescher finds himself 16 points above the cutoff line and aims to solidify his playoff berth by defending his title as last year’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 winner. Meanwhile, Tyler Reddick, already assured a postseason spot thanks to his earlier victory at Talladega, comes into Daytona with momentum after taking the checkered flag at Michigan last weekend. This win marked his third consecutive season with multiple victories, underscoring his consistency and competitiveness on the track.
In the latest odds for the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400, Buescher, Denny Hamlin, and Brad Keselowski are tied as 10-1 co-favorites. Close behind is Joey Logano at 12-1, with reigning Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney rounding out the top five contenders at 14-1. The race is scheduled to commence at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, promising an evening of high-octane action and strategic racing.
Expert Analysis and Predictions
Before placing any bets or making predictions for this weekend’s race, it’s essential to consider insights from seasoned NASCAR analysts like Steven Taranto. As the lead NASCAR writer for CBSSports.com, Taranto brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his predictions. Not only does he have 20 career wins in iRacing, but he also holds an annual NASCAR media credential and consistently delivers accurate forecasts in his popular weekly NASCAR predictions column. Notably, he correctly predicted breakthrough wins for Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez in 2022.
Taranto’s track record in 2024 has been particularly impressive, correctly picking 12 winners in his best bets. His successful predictions include calling 16-1 longshot William Byron’s victory at the Daytona 500 and 14-1 underdog Chase Elliott’s win at Texas, yielding substantial returns for those who followed his advice.
Top Contenders to Watch
One driver Taranto is high on for the upcoming race is Ross Chastain, currently listed at 25-1 odds. The 31-year-old Florida native is eager to capture his first victory of the season after securing two wins in each of the past two years. Despite a recent slump—finishing 15th or worse in five of his last six races—Chastain showed promise with a fifth-place finish at Richmond two weeks ago.
While Chastain’s Cup Series performances at Daytona have been modest, with only three top-10 finishes in 12 starts, his success at the track in other series is noteworthy. He boasts two top-10 finishes in the Truck Series and seven top-10s in 13 Xfinity Series races at Daytona, including a victory in 2019. Currently holding onto the 16th and final playoff spot by a narrow margin of one point over Bubba Wallace, Chastain will be highly motivated to deliver a strong performance on Sunday.
On the other hand, Taranto advises caution regarding Kyle Larson, listed at 18-1 odds. Despite leading all drivers with four wins this season and consistently performing well with nine top-five and 12 top-10 finishes, Larson has struggled historically at Daytona. In 20 starts at this track, he has managed only five top-10 finishes and has not placed better than 11th in his last six appearances. Larson’s best result at Daytona was a sixth-place finish back in 2016, suggesting that this particular superspeedway has not been his strong suit.
The Stakes at Daytona
Daytona International Speedway is renowned for its unpredictable nature and high-speed drama, often serving as a game-changer in the NASCAR season. The 2.5-mile tri-oval track is famous for its pack racing and drafting, where strategy and split-second decisions can make all the difference. With the playoff picture hanging in the balance, drivers will be taking calculated risks to either secure their postseason spots or play spoiler to those on the bubble.
The Coke Zero Sugar 400 has a rich history of delivering thrilling finishes and surprise winners. Last year’s race saw Chris Buescher take an unexpected victory, showcasing how Daytona can level the playing field and offer opportunities for underdogs to shine. This year’s edition promises to be no different, with several drivers outside the playoff cutline eyeing this race as their last chance to make a statement.
Fans can expect tight racing, aggressive maneuvers, and possibly some dramatic late-race incidents that could shuffle the field and impact the playoff standings significantly. Weather conditions, pit strategies, and teamwork will also play crucial roles in determining who crosses the finish line first.
Final Thoughts and Betting Advice
As the anticipation builds for Sunday’s showdown, Taranto has identified four additional drivers worth considering in his best bets for the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400. Among them is a significant longshot with odds exceeding 75-1, presenting an enticing opportunity for a substantial payout should they triumph.
For those looking to make informed wagers or simply enhance their viewing experience, Taranto’s detailed analysis and predictions are available exclusively at SportsLine. His expertise offers valuable insights into potential outcomes, helping fans and bettors alike navigate the complexities of superspeedway racing.
2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Odds and Field
For a comprehensive look at all the drivers, their odds, and Taranto’s complete set of predictions and best bets, visit SportsLine. Whether you’re a seasoned NASCAR enthusiast or a casual fan, this weekend’s race at Daytona is set to deliver excitement, high stakes, and perhaps a few surprises as the battle for playoff positions reaches its climax.
Chris Buescher 10-1
Denny Hamlin 10-1
Brad Keselowski 10-1
Joey Logano 12-1
Ryan Blaney 14-1
Kyle Busch 16-1
Chase Elliott 16-1
Tyler Reddick 16-1
Alex Bowman 18-1
William Byron 18-1
Kyle Larson 18-1
Christopher Bell 20-1
Bubba Wallace 20-1
Martin Truex Jr. 22-1
Ross Chastain 25-1
Michael McDowell 25-1
Chase Briscoe 30-1
Austin Cindric 30-1
Austin Dillon 30-1
Ty Gibbs 30-1
Noah Gragson 35-1
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 35-1
Erik Jones 40-1
Josh Berry 45-1
Justin Haley 45-1
Daniel Suarez 45-1
Todd Gilliland 50-1
Corey LaJoie 50-1
Ryan Preece 55-1
Carson Hocevar 75-1
Austin Hill 80-1
Zane Smith 80-1
Harrison Burton 90-1
John Hunter Nemechek 100-1
Shane Van Gisbergen 100-1
Daniel Hemric 125-1
Joey Gase 500-1
BJ McLeod 500-1
Parker Retzlaff 500-1
Cody Ware 500-1
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