2026 Daytona 500 predictions, odds, date, time: NASCAR model that nailed 11 winners reveals leaderboard picks
CBS Sports
by
Daniel Kohn
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Daytona 500 is set to kick off the NASCAR season on Sunday, Feb. 15, at Daytona International Speedway, with William Byron defending his title as the two-time champion. Joey Logano and Kyle Busch are the co-favorites for the race, both listed at +1000 odds, while Ryan Blaney follows closely at +1100. Other top contenders include Chase Elliott (+1200), Denny Hamlin (+1300), and William Byron (+1300). The 200-lap race is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Mike McClure, a renowned DFS player with over $2 million in career winnings, has developed a predictive model that simulates every lap of a NASCAR race 10,000 times. This model has successfully predicted 29 winners since 2021, including 11 in the previous season alone. McClure’s insights are highly valued by sports betting enthusiasts, as his predictions often lead to significant returns.
Contrary to expectations, McClure’s model predicts that Joey Logano, despite being a co-favorite, will not finish higher than fifth in this race. The model highlights Kyle Larson as a strong value pick at +1700 odds, suggesting he could perform well despite historical underperformance at Daytona. Another surprise is a longshot driver listed at +2000 odds, which could potentially yield massive payouts for bettors.
Sports fans interested in NASCAR betting should consider the insights from McClure’s model and explore promotional offers like the FanDuel promo code for $100 in bonus bets. With the race promising high stakes and unpredictable outcomes, McClure’s predictions provide valuable guidance for those looking to make informed decisions. The 2026 Daytona 500 is shaping up to be an exciting event with unexpected twists, making it a must-watch for NASCAR enthusiasts.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/15/2026