The 2025 NASCAR season kicks off with the highly anticipated Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16, at 1:30 p.m. ET. As the season opener, the Daytona 500 is renowned for its unpredictability, making betting both exciting and challenging. Below are some top betting picks to consider for this year’s Great American Race.
For DraftKings Sportsbook NASCAR Picks from the lower series, follow Pearce Dietrich (@Race4thePrize) on Twitter.
Race Winner — Daytona 500
Helio Castroneves +10000
Helio Castroneves doesn’t just win races — he wins everything. Four Indianapolis 500 victories, 31 IndyCar wins, over 140 top-five finishes, and yes, even a Dancing with the Stars Mirror Ball Trophy. Now, after a top-five finish in Saturday’s chaotic ARCA race at Daytona, he’s ready to take on the Great American Race with nothing to lose. Superspeedway racing is all about survival and seizing the moment, and Castroneves has made a career out of delivering in the clutch. If he’s in the lead pack late, don’t be surprised if he adds a Daytona 500 trophy to his collection.
Check back later this week for additional NASCAR matchup bets and prop bets as they become available on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Race Winner — Daytona 500
Corey LaJoie +10000
If you’re ever going to take a long shot in NASCAR, this is the week to do it. The Daytona 500 is the most unpredictable race of the year, and hitting a big underdog can build your bankroll for the entire season. Corey LaJoie isn’t playing it safe — he’s going for the win or the wall. With no full-time ride in 2025, he’s got nothing to lose and everything to gain. He finished fourth in last year’s Daytona 500. Unlike other long shots who might settle for a solid finish, LaJoie is all-in. He’s not here to ride — he’s here to roll the dice, make bold moves and chase The Joy.
Jimmie Johnson +7000
This is a legacy race for Jimmie Johnson — literally. The seven-time NASCAR champion isn’t just racing; he’s now a majority owner of Legacy Motor Club. But he’s not out there to make laps. It’s Daytona. It’s win or nothing. Johnson has already won this race twice, and with his knack for strategy and pack racing, he could be in the mix if he survives the chaos. He qualified on speed, so he’s got a fast car. If the No. 84 Toyota is in position late, Johnson knows how to finish the job.
