2026 Daytona 500 predictions, odds, date, time: NASCAR model that nailed 11 winners reveals leaderboard picks
CBS Sports
by
Daniel Kohn
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Mike McClure, a renowned professional DFS player with over $2 million in career winnings, has turned his attention to predicting the outcomes of the 2026 NASCAR Daytona 500. Known for his powerful prediction model that simulates every lap of NASCAR races 10,000 times, McClure has consistently delivered accurate results, including nailing 11 winners in 2025 alone. His projections are highly anticipated as the race kicks off on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2:30 p.m. ET.
The article highlights some surprising picks from McClure’s model. Despite Joey Logano being the +1000 favorite, the model predicts he won’t even crack the top 5 in this year’s race. Logano has struggled to finish higher than fifth at Daytona since 2023 and ranks poorly among active drivers in average finish position at this track. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson is a driver McClure’s model is high on, despite being a +2000 longshot. Larson, who will start in the eighth position, has historically underperformed at Daytona but enters this race with momentum from his NASCAR title and three wins last year.
The article also notes that McClure is confident about two other longshots with odds of +2000 or higher, which could potentially offer huge payouts for anyone placing a bet on them. The predictions are particularly valuable for fans looking to make informed decisions about their NASCAR betting picks ahead of the season-opening event.
For readers interested in sports betting and NASCAR racing, McClure’s insights provide a unique perspective and potential opportunities for significant returns. His model’s track record and detailed analysis make it a reliable source for anyone seeking expert predictions on this high-stakes race
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/14/2026