NASCAR

Sportsbook Tabs Ryan Blaney With Top NASCAR Cup Series Championship Odds; Team Penske Eyes Trifecta; Trio Fined

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By
Jeff Hawkins
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Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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Published2 hours ago on November 05, 2024

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cup ryan blaney celebrates near clock (1)

Following the Homestead-Miami Round of 8 event Oct. 27, BetOnline Sportsbook tagged driver Ryan Blaney (+2500) with seventh-ranked odds to win the NASCAR Cup Series championship. 

Entering Sunday’s Championship 4 race at Phoenix Raceway, Blaney (+225) drew the best odds in his effort to win back-to-back titles. A Cup pilot has not claimed consecutive championships since Jimmie Johnson captured five straight (2006-10). Before Johnson, Jeff Gordon won Winston Cup titles in 1997 and ‘98. 

The odds remain tight among the other three final four drivers: William Byron (+250), Joey Logano (+285) and Tyler Reddick (+300). Logano earned circuit championships in 2018 and ‘22. 

Following the Homestead-Miami race, event winner Reddick emerged as the betting favorite, but his odds fell after a P34 at Martinsville. 

Team Penske appears to be the team to beat.  

With Blaney and Logano in the final four field, the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization, which became the 16th garage to win consecutive cups, has a chance to compete in a dramatic second-half comeback. 

Team Penske’s three drivers, including Austin Cindric, failed to visit Victory Lane until Cindric won at St. Louis on June 2. Over the past 21 races, however, the organization earned seven wins, including two of the past three playoff outings.  

NASCAR Officials Issue Penalties To Trio Of Drivers 

After reviewing the controversial finish of last Sunday’s Xfinity Series at Martinsville Speedway, NASCAR officials issued team penalties to Ross Chastain, Austin Dillon and Bubba Wallace.  

For their actions, the crew chief, spotter and a team executive from each garage will be suspended for the final race. Plus, the teams lost 50 driver points and each driver and car owner were fined $100,000. 

None of the drivers are involved in the Championship 4 race. 

NASCAR Cup Series Championship Odds    

Here is an early look at the drivers’ odds for capturing the NASCAR Cup Series championship odds, according to BetOnline Sportsbook:

Driver NASCAR Cup Series Championship Odds
Ryan Blaney +225
William Byron +250
Joey Logano  +285
Tyler Reddick +300

*-Odds current at time of publication