Early 2026 NASCAR Cup Championship Odds Reveal Intriguing Favorites and Underdogs

LAS VEGAS – As the echoes of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season finale still resonate, the sports betting world is already looking ahead, with BetMGM releasing its initial odds for the 2026 championship. Despite the significant unknowns surrounding the series’ format for that season – including potential alterations to the playoff structure or a return to a season-long points system – certain drivers have emerged as early frontrunners in the eyes of oddsmakers.

Leading the charge at +500 are two of NASCAR’s most consistent contenders: Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin. Larson, fresh off securing his second Cup Series championship, has solidified his position as a perennial threat. His remarkable 2024 campaign, marked by a blend of speed, adaptability, and clutch performances, has undoubtedly factored into his top billing. Larson’s career accolades, including a Cup Series title in 2021 and multiple wins across various NASCAR national series, underscore his talent and championship pedigree.

Denny Hamlin, who finished as the 2025 championship runner-up, also commands significant attention from bettors. Hamlin’s enduring competitiveness, even in the twilight of his illustrious career, is a testament to his skill and strategic prowess. With 50 Cup Series wins to his name, Hamlin continues to be a force to be reckoned with, and his strong showings in recent playoff runs have kept him firmly in the championship conversation. His consistency and ability to contend for titles year after year make him a logical early favorite.

Following closely behind the co-favorites are the other two drivers who comprised the 2024 Championship 4. William Byron, a consistent performer and a previous contender for the title, is listed at +600. Byron has demonstrated significant growth in his Cup Series career, showcasing a potent combination of raw speed and race-craft. His tenure with Hendrick Motorsports has been marked by a steady ascent, and his inclusion in the Championship 4 indicates his capability to compete at the highest level.

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Chase Briscoe, another Championship 4 participant, is positioned at +1000. Briscoe has shown flashes of brilliance and a knack for performing well in crucial moments. His inclusion in the final playoff round suggests his potential to challenge for the ultimate prize. While his odds are slightly longer than Byron’s, Briscoe has the talent and determination to be a factor in the 2026 title race.

A notable and somewhat surprising inclusion among the top contenders is 19-year-old phenom Connor Zilisch, who is slated to make his full-time Cup Series debut in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing. His odds of +1000 place him on par with Briscoe and ahead of established veterans. This early favoritism for Zilisch, despite his limited top-level experience, reflects the immense hype surrounding his burgeoning career. His success in lower-tier series, including strong performances in Late Model and Super Late Model racing, has generated considerable buzz, and sportsbooks are clearly factoring in his potential for rapid development. Trackhouse Racing’s investment in Zilisch signals their belief in his future success.

Veteran Joey Logano, a two-time Cup Series champion (2018, 2022), sits at +1600. Logano, currently the active full-time driver with the most championships, has a history of performing exceptionally well in even-numbered years. This trend, combined with his championship-winning experience and the resources of Team Penske, makes him a driver to watch. His ability to navigate the pressures of the playoffs and consistently contend for wins remains a significant asset.

Carson Hocevar, a rising star with Spire Motorsports, is listed at +3000. This places him ahead of several more experienced drivers, including Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Ty Gibbs, and RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher. Hocevar has impressed in his limited Cup Series starts, showcasing a competitive spirit and an ability to adapt quickly. His inclusion in this tier of odds suggests that oddsmakers see significant potential for him to make a leap in the coming seasons.

Two former champions, Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski, are both priced at +5000. For both highly accomplished drivers, odds of this magnitude indicate that a championship run in 2026 would represent a substantial improvement over their recent performances. Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, has been searching for consistent championship contention since his move to Richard Childress Racing. Brad Keselowski, a 2012 champion and a co-owner at RFK Racing, has been focused on rebuilding the team’s competitive standing. Their experience and championship pedigree, however, mean they cannot be entirely discounted.

At the far end of the spectrum, 2025 Rookie of the Year contender Shane van Gisbergen is listed at +25000, sharing the lowest odds with 13 other drivers. Van Gisbergen, a celebrated international racing legend, has made a significant impact in his limited NASCAR starts. While his astronomical odds reflect the steep climb to a championship in his first full-time Cup season, his unconventional background and proven talent suggest he could be a dark horse capable of exceeding expectations.

The release of these early odds highlights the inherent uncertainties and speculative nature of predicting a NASCAR Cup Series championship so far in advance. The sport’s dynamic landscape, coupled with the evolving nature of team performance and driver development, means that these figures are subject to considerable fluctuation as the 2025 season unfolds and more information becomes available regarding the 2026 regulations and competitive order. Bettors and fans alike will be closely monitoring these developments as the path to the 2026 Bill France Cup begins to take shape.