Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin Favorites In Season-Opening Daytona 500

Written By JR Duren on February 19, 2022
2022 Daytona 500

Rev up those engines because the 2022 Daytona 500 is just around the corner.

As the 2022 NASCAR season gains momentum, race enthusiasts will eagerly flock to what is undeniably the most legendary race on the NASCAR calendar.

Kyle Larson will begin the race on Sunday, February 20, in the same fashion as he concluded the 2021 NASCAR season – occupying the top spot.

This week, Larson emerged victorious in securing the pole position, and he will be positioned alongside his teammate from Hendricks Motorsports, Alex Bowman.

“After being awarded the pole position on Wednesday, Larson expressed his admiration for the collective effort behind our Hendricks.com Chevy. He acknowledged the individuals who contributed through computer work, engineering, and hands-on involvement with these vehicles. Larson found it fascinating and truly remarkable to witness the speed and precision achieved. He optimistically looks forward to this being the start of an exceptional season.”

This pole is so significant to me because it fills me with immense pride for everyone who contributed to its success.

Larson, Hamlin are favorites to win race

Despite Larson being the reigning NASCAR champion and having earned the pole position, oddsmakers remain uncertain about whether Larson will maintain his impressive winning streak.

Larson and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin are considered joint favorites by both FanDuel (+950) and DraftKings (+900), indicating that Caesars also does not view Larson as the clear frontrunner.

Hamlin is currently the top choice on Caesars with odds of +900, closely followed by Larson at +1000. Additionally, Chase Elliott is also listed at +1000.

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Hamlin’s three victories in the past six years, along with Larson’s recent impressive performances, are likely contributing factors to their respective success at Daytona.

During his interview with NASCAR this week, Hamlin acknowledged having a good understanding of the track. However, he did express some reservations about the use of the Next Gen car (also known as the Gen-7 car) by him and fellow drivers this year.

According to the Virginia native,

In this place, there’s an indescribable factor, whether it’s the banking, track width, wall height, or something else, that makes me familiar with the precise locations where I can find those advantageous pockets of air. However, with our new car, things will likely be different, and we’ll probably have to learn along with everyone else this weekend. I’m not certain that the advantage we had in the past will be as significant this time.

Not only does Hamlin possess a talent for claiming victory at Daytona, but there is an additional obstacle preventing Larson from winning. It has been 22 years since the pole-sitter emerged as the champion of the Daytona 500.

No one has managed to achieve it since Dale Jarrett in 2000.

Given Larson’s questionable history, bettors may consider exploring other options when it comes to choosing a winner.

What to expect from 2022 NASCAR season

Despite not being the definite frontrunner for victory at Daytona, Larson is undeniably the top contender for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship. According to FanDuel, his odds of clinching the title stand at +270.

Following him are Elliot with a +410, Hamlin with a +600, William Byron with a +800, Martin Truex Jr. with a +850, and Kyle Busch with a +850.

If Larson lives up to expectations, he could become the first NASCAR Cup champion to win back-to-back titles since Jimmie Johnson’s remarkable five-year winning streak from 2006 to 2010.

Given Larson’s domination in 2021, it wouldn’t come as a shock if he were to secure another cup victory. He became the first driver since Johnson in 2007 to achieve 10 wins in a single season.

Photo by AP / Chris O’Meara
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