The NASCAR Cup Series is set to make its long‑awaited return to North Wilkesboro on July 19, marking the first points‑event race at the historic half‑mile track in three decades. The prospect of a historic comeback has already sparked a wave of anticipation among fans and drivers alike.
Betting odds and early favorites
Betting markets have already opened, with DraftKings Sportsbook listing Denny Hamlin as the clear favorite at -175 odds, while Kyle Larson sits in second at -140. The odds reflect Hamlin’s dominant start to the season and Larson’s lingering quest for a breakthrough.
Hamlin’s résumé this year reads like a masterclass in consistency: four victories, four poles and a clean sweep of the top spot in the standings. His recent performance has turned the spotlight on him as the driver to beat when the green flag drops.
Larson, despite not yet breaking into the winner’s circle, remains a potent threat. He sits sixth in the overall championship standings, boasting eleven top‑10 finishes and eight top‑five results. A 34th‑place finish in Atlanta last week added fuel to the narrative that a comeback could be imminent.
The race will also serve as a litmus test for the rest of the field, with drivers such as Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell and Joey Logano all eyeing a piece of the action. As the weekend approaches, the combination of historic venue, high stakes and tight betting lines promises a spectacle that could reshape the playoff picture.