With NASCAR, as well as every other major sport on hiatus, so let’s take a look back at what transpired through the first four weeks of the circuit and what to expect if/when the drivers get back on the track.
Kevin Harvick, despite not winning one of the first four races, is the early point leader at 164, one point better than two-time winner Joey Logano, who took the checkered flag at both Las Vegas and Phoenix.
In somewhat of a surprise for all three drivers, Chase Elliott (141), Auto Club 400-winner Alex Bowman (138) and in his final season of racing Jimmie Johnson (131) round out the top five.
Harvick’s early lead has made him the second-favorite to win the Cup Series Championship at odds of 13-2. The California native, nicknamed “The Closer’’ last won the Championship in 2014. He has made it to the Final Four five times, including a year ago when he finished third overall.
Last year’s champion Kyle Busch, who currently sits in 12th place with 111 points, is still the odds on favorite at 6-1. Last season was Busch’s second title. He also won the Cup Series Championship in 2015.
Logano, off to a great start with those two wins, is the third choice of the oddsmakers at 15-2. The Connecticut native, who will turn 30 in May, won his lone title in 2018.
Despite an awful start to the season with no top 10 finishes in the first four races, Martin Truex Jr. is the fourth choice at odds of 8-1. The New Jersey-born Truex won the title in 2017.
Looking at the odds a good future bet might be on Daytona 500- winner Denny Hamlin, at 12-1. Hamlin, who made the Final Four a year ago, is looking for his first title.
Here’s the list of the top 12 driver’s odds for the Cup Series Championship.
Kyle Busch 6-1
Kevin Harvick 13-2
Joey Logano 15-2
Martin Truex Jr. 8-1
Chase Elliott 10-1
Denny Hamlin 12-1
Brad Keselowski 12-1
Jimmie Johnson 14-1
Kyle Larson 15-1
Alex Bowman 16-1
Ryan Blaney 22-1
William Byron 25-1