2023 NASCAR Charlotte odds, picks and predictions for Cup Series playoff race
The 12-driver playoff field will be cut to eight after Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Charlotte, with two spots already taken.
The remaining six slots for the Round of 8 will be determined on the 2.32-mile, 17-turn Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course in the Bank of America ROVAL 400.
William Byron and Ryan Blaney have already secured their spots in the next round with wins at Texas and Talladega, respectively, while everyone else will be shooting for a victory or a strong enough points finish to get them into the Elite Eight.
Christopher Bell, who currently sits in fourth place, won last year’s race in the Queen City.
FrontPageBets takes a look at drivers to watch in the Bank of America ROVAL 400 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course on Sunday afternoon (2 p.m.; NBC).
Pick to win: Chase Elliott (+600)
The driver of the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet is the favorite for a reason: He leads all active Cup drivers for most road-course wins with seven in his career, including two at the Charlotte ROVAL.
And while he didn’t qualify for the playoffs – missing seven races during the season and going winless – a visit to victory lane would make his 2023 somewhat memorable.
Elliott’s average finish on the Charlotte road course is 8.0. His worst finish was 20th last year. In the other four starts there, Elliott finished 6th, 1st, 1st and 12th.
Top-5 pick: Christopher Bell (+260)
Last year’s winner, Bell enters Sunday’s race looking to repeat.
The driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota has one victory already this season (Bristol dirt track), but has racked up eight top-5 finishes.
In three career starts on the Charlotte road course, Bell has one win and one more top 10, finishing eighth in 2021.
Even without a win Sunday, Bell can still clinch a spot in the next round with 33 points.
Top-10 pick: Martin Truex Jr. (-135)
The regular-season points champion enters the final race of the Round of 12 just inside the cutline of drivers who can advance to the next stage of the Cup Series playoffs.
Currently, Martin Truex Jr. sits in sixth place – 17 points ahead of ninth-place Tyler Reddick. Truex needs a win or at least 38 points to qualify for the Round of 8.
Truex does have success on road courses throughout his career with five victories in 50 career starts, including this year where he won at Sonoma. He currently sits second among active drivers with the most road-course wins, trailing Elliott by two victories.
In five starts on Charlotte’s road course, the driver of the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota has two top-10 finishes.
Odds-on favorites to win the Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Gambling problem? There is help. Call 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling for help.
You must be over 21 to play. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. 1-800 GAMBLER.
