Betting Markets Open on 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Title, Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin Emerge as Early Favorites

Sportsbooks are already looking ahead to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, with early betting odds revealing Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin as the initial frontrunners for the championship. BetMGM has established both drivers at +500, signaling strong confidence in their potential to contend for the Bill France Cup.

The current landscape of NASCAR’s championship format remains a subject of speculation. It is uncertain whether the 2026 season will feature the established elimination-style playoffs with an extended final round, a modified ten-race playoff system, or a return to a season-long points championship. Regardless of the eventual structure, the consistent performance and proven track records of Larson and Hamlin position them as prime candidates in the eyes of oddsmakers.

Kyle Larson, the newly crowned two-time Cup Series champion, has demonstrated remarkable consistency and adaptability across various racing disciplines. His recent championship victory further solidifies his status as one of NASCAR’s premier drivers. Denny Hamlin, a perennial contender who finished as the 2025 championship runner-up, also possesses a wealth of experience and a proven ability to perform under pressure in playoff scenarios.

Following closely behind the top two, William Byron, a finalist in the 2025 Championship 4, is listed at +600. Byron has shown significant growth in recent seasons, securing multiple wins and establishing himself as a consistent threat. Chase Briscoe, the fourth driver in the 2025 Championship 4, is priced at +1000. Briscoe has steadily improved his performance and demonstrated flashes of championship potential, making him a driver to watch.

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A notable inclusion among the early favorites is 19-year-old sensation Connor Zilisch. Set to embark on his first full-time Cup Series season in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, Zilisch has garnered considerable attention. His +1000 odds, placing him equal with Briscoe and ahead of seasoned teammate Ross Chastain (+2500), suggest a significant level of anticipation surrounding his potential impact. Zilisch has impressed in lower series, showcasing raw talent and a competitive drive that has caught the attention of both fans and the betting public. Trackhouse Racing, known for its innovative approach and development of young talent, will be looking to leverage Zilisch’s potential to challenge for championships.

Veteran Joey Logano, the active full-time driver with the most Cup Series championships at three, is currently listed at +1600. Logano has a well-documented history of success in even-numbered years, having secured titles in 2018, 2022, and most recently, 2024. This statistical trend, combined with his championship pedigree, makes him a compelling bet for those who believe in historical patterns. Logano’s experience and strategic acumen have consistently placed him in contention, and his Team Penske outfit remains a formidable force.

Carson Hocevar, another driver generating significant interest, is positioned at +3000. Hocevar, a prominent driver for Spire Motorsports, is notably ahead of several established names on the odds board, including Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Ty Gibbs, and RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher. Hocevar’s emergence in the Cup Series has been marked by aggressive driving and a willingness to compete, suggesting a rapid ascent through the ranks. His inclusion at these odds indicates a belief in his ability to consistently contend for wins and potentially challenge for a championship.

Former champions Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski are both listed at +5000. For these highly experienced drivers, achieving a championship contender status in 2026 would represent a significant resurgence. Both have achieved considerable success throughout their careers, but recent seasons have presented different challenges. Busch, now with Richard Childress Racing, and Keselowski, who is also a co-owner at RFK Racing, will be looking to leverage their vast experience and renewed team focuses to climb the competitive ladder. A return to championship contention for either driver would be a testament to their enduring skill and dedication.

Making a significant leap in the odds, 2025 Rookie of the Year contender Shane van Gisbergen is priced at +25000. This places him among a group of 13 other drivers who have been assigned the lowest odds to secure the 2026 championship. Van Gisbergen, a multiple Supercars champion from New Zealand, has shown immense adaptability in his limited NASCAR starts, securing a remarkable victory at Chicago in his debut. His odds, however, reflect the steep learning curve of a full-time Cup Series season and the highly competitive nature of the series. His success in different racing environments suggests a high ceiling, but the odds indicate a long-shot bet for a championship in his second full season.

The early release of these odds by BetMGM highlights the continuous engagement of the sports betting market with NASCAR. While it is undeniably early to definitively predict the outcome of the 2026 season, these figures offer a snapshot of the current perception of driver and team potential. Factors such as driver development, team personnel changes, manufacturer support, and the evolution of the car platform will all play a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape leading up to and throughout the 2026 season.

The betting market’s early assessment provides a fascinating insight into how the racing community views the current pecking order and potential future contenders. As the 2025 season progresses and the 2026 calendar year approaches, these odds are expected to fluctuate significantly based on ongoing race results, driver performance, and any significant team or regulatory developments. For dedicated fans and bettors alike, these early projections serve as a preliminary guide to the anticipated championship battle.

The full list of early betting odds for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship, as provided by BetMGM, is as follows:

Kyle Larson: +500
Denny Hamlin: +500
William Byron: +600
Chase Briscoe: +1000
Connor Zilisch: +1000
Joey Logano: +1600
Ross Chastain: +2500
Carson Hocevar: +3000
Alex Bowman: (Odds not individually specified, grouped with others)
Ty Gibbs: (Odds not individually specified, grouped with others)
Chris Buescher: (Odds not individually specified, grouped with others)
Kyle Busch: +5000
Brad Keselowski: +5000
Shane van Gisbergen: +25000
Other Drivers: +25000 (13 drivers collectively)

This early outlook underscores the ongoing narrative in NASCAR, where established stars continue to be recognized for their consistent excellence, while emerging talents like Zilisch and Hocevar are beginning to carve out their own significant market presence. The next two seasons will undoubtedly be crucial in shaping the field and influencing these future championship odds.