The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season will launch on Sunday, February 15, featuring the prestigious 68th running of the Daytona 500. The season will culminate with the crowning of the champion on Sunday, November 8, at Homestead-Miami Speedway, with the title decided by the points accumulated during the Chase rather than a single race outcome. The Chase format has returned, replacing the previous elimination-style, win-and-in championship system, with the top 16 drivers after 26 regular season races qualifying for the 10-race Chase to determine the ultimate winner.
As the season opener approaches, BetMGM has released the latest NASCAR Cup Series odds, spotlighting several familiar contenders expected to compete fiercely for the title.
Denny Hamlin Leads the Odds Board with a Veteran’s Edge
Denny Hamlin sits atop the odds at +375, marking him as the favorite to secure his first championship in 2026. At 45 years old, Hamlin’s window for adding this missing achievement in his racing résumé narrows, but he remains a formidable competitor. His 2025 campaign was a testament to his skill, capturing six wins—the most in the series last year. A crucial late caution in the 2025 Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway denied him the title, fueling his drive to seal the championship in 2026 and join NASCAR’s all-time greats.
Kyle Larson Eyes Back-to-Back Titles amid Chase Format Return
Kyle Larson, the reigning champion and a two-time titleholder, comes into the 2026 season at +425 odds. Known for his consistency and ability to contend for Victory Lane weekly, Larson is in the prime of his career and appears to be improving. His back-to-back championship pursuit will draw close attention, particularly under the revived Chase points system.
William Byron’s Rising Stature with Championship Momentum
William Byron, now firmly established rather than an emerging talent, brings a compelling case into 2026 at +575 odds. His recent achievements include winning consecutive Daytona 500s and three straight appearances in the Championship 4. Having clinched the regular season championship in 2025, Byron stands to gain a strategic advantage if he repeats that success, positioning him strongly for the Chase battle.
Christopher Bell’s Consistent Performances Could Pay Dividends
At +625 odds, Christopher Bell is among the most consistent drivers on the circuit, securing top-five finishes in the points standings for four consecutive seasons. Bell displayed streaky form last year, highlighted by a winning run of three straight races early in the season paired with a prolonged winless stretch. His knack for avoiding DNFs proves crucial under the Chase format focusing heavily on consistency.
Ryan Blaney’s Championship Ambitions Fueled by New Fatherhood
Ryan Blaney, listed with +625 odds, enters the season fresh off a personal milestone as a new father to Charley Bennett Blaney. With one championship already under his belt from 2023, Blaney seeks to return to the Championship 4 after missing the mark in 2025. His determination to claim a second title is palpable going into the new season.
Chase Elliott’s Reliability Makes Him a Strong Contender
Chase Elliott (+1000) may benefit most from the resurgence of the Chase format. The 2020 champion is known for his steady finishes, launching the previous season with 23 consecutive top-20 placements. Maintaining this steady presence will keep Elliott in contention throughout the Chase, making him a popular pick outside the top tier.
Chase Briscoe Aims to Prove His Championship Credentials
Chase Briscoe impressed in 2025 after replacing Martin Truex Jr. at Joe Gibbs Racing, winning three races and earning a Championship 4 berth while leading 884 laps, the fourth highest among all drivers. At +1000 odds, Briscoe and his team look to solidify their status and dispel any notion that his past success was a one-year fluke.
Joey Logano Draws on Past Championships to Challenge Again
Joey Logano, holding +1800 odds, is a seasoned competitor with experience under the original Chase system that rewarded his efforts with three championships, two of those in the last four seasons. While he stays neutral about changes to the championship format, his focus remains unwavering—he intends to win regardless of the system in place.
Tyler Reddick Prepares for a Bounce-Back Contract Year
Listed at +1800 odds, Tyler Reddick is poised for a significant year. After breaking out in 2023 and nearly capturing the title in 2024, his 2025 season fell short of expectations, with no wins and noticeable struggles. Entering a contract year, Reddick aims for a resurgence to elevate both his performance and position.
Connor Zilisch’s Rookie Season Sparks Excitement
At just 19 years old and ranked with +2000 odds, Connor Zilisch is an unexpected but compelling figure in the top 10 championship odds. As a rookie full-time competitor in the Cup Series, Zilisch dominated the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series last season with 10 wins. Racing for Trackhouse Racing, his expected prowess on road courses, combined with improvements on oval tracks, could make him a notable contender this season.
Complete List of 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Odds
- Ross Chastain (+2500)
- Bubba Wallace (+3500)
- Carson Hocevar (+4000)
- Ty Gibbs (+4000)
- Chris Buescher (+4000)
- Alex Bowman (+4000)
- Josh Berry (+5000)
- Brad Keselowski (+6000)
- Kyle Busch (+6000)
- Austin Cindric (+8000)
- Ryan Preece (+8000)
- Shane van Gisbergen (+12500)
- Austin Dillon (+20000)
- Erik Jones (+20000)
- Daniel Suárez (+25000)
- John Hunter Nemechek (+25000)
- Noah Gragson (+50000)
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (+50000)
- AJ Allmendinger (+50000)
- Cole Custer (+50000)
- Michael McDowell (+50000)
- Todd Gilliland (+50000)
- Ty Dillon (+50000)
- Zane Smith (+50000)
- Riley Herbst (+50000)
- Cody Ware (+50000)
This season marks a pivotal return to the Chase format, shifting the championship battle toward consistent, sustained performance across 10 critical races. As familiar veterans like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and William Byron seek to seal their legacies, emerging stars such as Connor Zilisch and Tyler Reddick strive to claim their spot among NASCAR’s elite.
With the focus on points accumulation rather than singular victories, drivers and teams will have to balance aggression with caution and adaptability. Fans should anticipate fierce competition as the Chase resumes its role in deciding the 2026 NASCAR champion, potentially reshaping the sport’s competitive landscape.
