As the roar of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season fades, the speculative eyes of sports bettors are already turning towards 2026, with oddsmakers at BetMGM releasing their inaugural futures for the championship. Despite the considerable uncertainty surrounding the sport’s format for that season – with potential changes ranging from an expanded playoff structure to a return to a season-long points system – key contenders are already being identified.

Leading the charge at the forefront of these early predictions are two seasoned veterans: Kyle Larson, fresh off his second Cup Series title, and Denny Hamlin, the 2025 championship runner-up. Both drivers have been tabbed as co-favorites by BetMGM, each carrying odds of +500. This early endorsement reflects their consistent performance and championship pedigree in recent seasons. Larson, a driver renowned for his adaptability across various racing disciplines and his aggressive, yet precise, driving style, has proven his championship mettle multiple times. Hamlin, a perennial contender and a master strategist, continues to be a formidable force, often finding himself in contention for the title year after year.

Following closely behind are drivers who concluded the current Championship 4. William Byron, the 2023 Cup Series champion, is listed at +600. Byron has demonstrated remarkable growth and consistency under the Hendrick Motorsports banner, becoming a regular fixture in playoff races. Chase Briscoe, rounding out the Championship 4 alongside Byron, is positioned at +1000. Briscoe, driving for Stewart-Haas Racing, has shown flashes of brilliance and a strong ability to compete at the highest level, making him a compelling long-shot bet for some.

A significant point of interest in these early odds is the inclusion of 19-year-old phenom Connor Zilisch. Set to embark on his inaugural full-time Cup Series season in 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, Zilisch has been placed at +1000, an aggressive valuation that places him on par with Briscoe and ahead of his more experienced teammate, Ross Chastain (+2500). Zilisch has garnered considerable attention through his success in lower series and his impressive performances in select Cup Series outings, fueling optimism about his potential. However, his odds suggest a level of expectation that is ambitious for a driver making his full-time debut. Chastain, a fan favorite known for his daring overtakes and emotional racing, has been a consistent playoff contender but is given longer odds for the 2026 title at this juncture.

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Joey Logano, a driver with a notable track record of success, including three Cup Series championships, is listed at +1600. Logano, a key figure at Team Penske, has a curious history of excelling in even-numbered years, having clinched titles in 2018, 2022, and 2024. This trend, if it continues, could make his odds an attractive proposition for those who believe in statistical patterns. His inclusion highlights the enduring threat he poses to any championship aspirations.

Carson Hocevar, a rising star within the Spire Motorsports organization, is also drawing attention with odds of +3000. This places him ahead of several more established 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, demonstrating maturity and speed beyond his years. His odds suggest that oddsmakers are recognizing his potential to disrupt the established order. Bowman, a consistent playoff performer for Hendrick Motorsports, and Gibbs, a promising young talent from a championship-winning team, are both expected to be competitive, while Buescher, a race winner and playoff participant, has also proven his capability.

Veteran champions Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski are both positioned at +5000. For both drivers, reaching championship contention in 2026 would represent a significant resurgence and a testament to their enduring talent. Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, has navigated team changes and continues to seek the success that defined much of his career. Keselowski, the 2012 champion and a co-owner at Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, remains a competitive force, though securing another championship would be a monumental achievement.

At the far end of the spectrum, 2025 Rookie of the Year contender Shane van Gisbergen is listed at +25000. Van Gisbergen, a celebrated Supercars champion from New Zealand, has shown immense promise in his limited NASCAR appearances, demonstrating an uncanny ability to adapt and excel. His long odds reflect the steep learning curve of full-time Cup Series competition, but his raw talent and unique approach make him a wildcard pick for those looking for extreme long shots. He shares these lowest odds with thirteen other drivers, indicating a broad field of competitors with less perceived immediate championship potential.

These early odds are, by their very nature, speculative. The NASCAR Cup Series season is a marathon, not a sprint, and a multitude of factors – including driver performance, team development, rule changes, and unforeseen circumstances – can dramatically shift the landscape between now and the 2026 season finale. However, for dedicated fans and astute bettors, these initial lines offer a fascinating glimpse into the perceived hierarchy of talent and potential heading into the next chapter of NASCAR’s premier series. The data presented by BetMGM serves as an early indicator of which drivers and teams are expected to be in the championship conversation, setting the stage for anticipation and debate among the sport’s passionate fanbase.

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