Three weeks into the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, three different drivers, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Kyle Busch and William Byron, have earned checkered flags?
Considering the series is traveling to “Harvick’s House,” will Kevin Harvick, who has nine wins at Phoenix Raceway, make it four race winners in four events and continue his dominance at the one-mile oval?
Below, we’ll preview the top storylines heading into Sunday’s United Rentals Work United 500, go over the odds, and give our best bets for the most prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar.
Get a jump on your #UnitedRentals500 race weekend planning by checking out the fan guide!
— Phoenix Raceway (@phoenixraceway) March 4, 2023
2023 United Rentals Work United 500 Storylines
- With Chase Elliott injured and sidelined for at least six weeks, will Josh Berry adapt quickly to the Next Gen car and thrive during another opportunity to race for Hendrick Motorsports’ Cup Series team?
- Joey Logano started on the pole at Las Vegas Motor Speedway but ended up placing last after he crashed out on Lap 182. With an average finish of 13.3 in three races this season, the 2022 Cup point champion has yet to earn a playoff point.
- What will Martin Truex Jr. gamble this week to end his prolonged winless skid?
NASCAR takeaways: William Byron, Hendrick dominate in Las Vegas; Joey Logano crashes out @NASCARONFOX https://t.co/91xWVDe1ef
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 6, 2023
United Rentals Work United 500 Driver Odds
Here is an early look at the field’s odds from one of the top online sportsbooks:
| NASCAR Drivers | Pennzoil 400 Odds | Play |
|---|---|---|
| Joey Logano | +800 |  |
| Ryan Blaney | +800 | |
| Kyle Larson | +900 | |
| Denny Hamlin | +1000 | |
| Ross Chastain | +1000 | |
| Martin Truex Jr. | +1000 | |
| Kyle Busch | +1000 | |
| Christopher Bell | +1000 | |
| Kevin Harvick | +1000 | |
| William Byron | +1200 | |
| Chase Briscoe | +2000 | |
| Alex Bowman | +2000 | |
| Tyler Reddick | +2500 | |
| Daniel Suarez | +3000 | |
| Bubba Wallace | +3500 | |
| Brad Keselowski | +4000 | |
| Ryan Preece | +4000 | |
| Austin Cindric | +5000 | |
| Aric Almirola | +5000 | |
| Ty Gibbs | +5000 | |
| Josh Berry | +5000 | |
| Eric Jones | +5000 | |
| Austin Dillon | +6000 | |
| Chris Buescher | +8000 | |
| Noah Gragson | +10000 | |
| AJ Allmendinger | +10000 | |
| Justin Haley | +10000 | |
| Corey Lajoie | +10000 | |
| Harrison Burton | +20000 | |
| Michael McDowell | +20000 | |
| Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | +25000 | |
William Byron said that it was important for the team to have a strong showing at Las Vegas after Chase Elliott being sidelined with a broken leg in a snowboarding accident. Just how important? Byron texted Rick Hendrick after qualifying. He explains: pic.twitter.com/7COghtADgH
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 6, 2023
United Rentals Work United 500 Predictions and Picks
Here are our best NASCAR bets for the United Rentals Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway:
Martin Truex Jr. (+1000)
After going winless last season and crapping out on his overtime gamble at Las Vegas last Sunday, Truex has not won a points race since the 2021 fall race at Richmond Raceway. He’s overdue.
William Byron (+1200)
After two sub-par finishes in the opening two races this season, Byron broke through at Las Vegas, leading 176 laps. Will he go back-to-back?
Bubba Wallace (+3500)
Go for a long shot. Wallace ran in the top 10 for much of last Sunday’s race at Las Vegas, finishing first among Toyota drivers. In his sixth Cup season, Wallace seeks consistency.
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