2023 Cook Out Southern 500 Kicks Off NASCAR Playoffs at Darlington Raceway
Darlington Raceway is set to host the 2023 Cook Out Southern 500 this Sunday, marking the fourth consecutive season that the historic race will serve as the beginning of the NASCAR playoffs. Known as one of the crown jewels on the NASCAR schedule, alongside the Daytona 500, the Coca-Cola 600, and the GEICO 500, the Southern 500 has a rich history dating back to its inaugural race in 1950.
Erik Jones, the defending champion of this iconic event, may have missed out on the postseason this year, but he will be looking to play the role of spoiler once again in 2023. Jones is listed at 30-1 in the 2023 Cook Out Southern 500 odds, while Martin Truex Jr. holds the title of favorite with odds of 5-1 at Darlington.
Before making any predictions for the 2023 NASCAR at Darlington, it’s essential to consider the insights from SportsLine’s NASCAR model, developed by daily Fantasy pro and SportsLine predictive data engineer Mike McClure. This proprietary prediction model takes into account various factors such as track history and recent results to simulate each race 10,000 times.
With an impressive track record, McClure’s model has already accurately predicted the winners of 13 races since 2021, earning significant returns for those who followed its lead on NASCAR picks. The model has been red-hot this season, accurately predicting Martin Truex Jr.’s wins in the Clash and New Hampshire, Joey Logano’s Duel win, Kyle Busch’s victory in Fontana, and other notable triumphs.
As the anticipation builds for the 2023 Cook Out Southern 500, the model has simulated the race 10,000 times. For this race, one of the model’s top predictions is Christopher Bell, despite being considered a longshot with odds of 12-1 according to the latest NASCAR at Darlington odds. Bell, a former dirt track champion, has displayed his talent throughout his career and has built a reputation as one of the most exciting young racers in the NASCAR Cup Series. His previous success includes winning the 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship and capturing three wins last season.
William Byron, on the other hand, who is considered a favorite with odds of 15-2, is projected to stumble and fail to make the top five. The 25-year-old driver, currently in his sixth full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series, has clinched a playoff spot after an impressive five-win regular season. However, his recent performances have been lackluster, with only one top-10 finish in his last seven starts and a subpar record at Darlington.
In addition to Bell and Byron, the model identifies two other drivers with odds of 12-1 or greater who have the potential to make a serious run for victory. These predictions can provide bettors with lucrative opportunities.
To see the complete projected NASCAR at Darlington leaderboard and get more insights and predictions from SportsLine’s NASCAR model, visit their website. The latest 2023 NASCAR at Darlington odds and drivers’ lineup can also be found on the site.
As the countdown to the 2023 Cook Out Southern 500 continues, fans and bettors alike will be eagerly watching to see if Erik Jones can defend his title or if Martin Truex Jr. will emerge victorious as the favorite. With the guidance of SportsLine’s NASCAR model, racing enthusiasts can make informed decisions and potentially see significant returns on their bets.