Each week, the Props crew takes a look at the upcoming NASCAR slate from a props perspective. Further below, you’ll also find some key NASCAR DFS and betting advice that may help you become a sharper NASCAR player.
Which drivers should we be targeting with our NASCAR picks each week, and why? Find out below.
Best NASCAR Props – Top NASCAR Weekly Picks
Hunting for top Go Bowling at The Glen prop bets? Our Props team has locked in their favorite NASCAR prop picks for Sunday’s race.
Let’s break down the best value plays on the board ahead of race day at Watkins Glen International.
What It Takes to Win at Watkins Glen International
Winning the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International requires a blend of precision road-course technique, strategic patience, and adept racecraft on a fast, flowing circuit.
The 2.45-mile asphalt layout features seven turns and approximately 141 feet of elevation change, which requires drivers to master uphill braking zones, ambitious pass attempts at Turn 1 and the Inner Loop bus stop chicane, and seamless navigation through the high-speed Esses.
With a limited number of true overtaking zones, track position and pit strategy are paramount, especially, as cautions drastically shake up the field. Tire wear is manageable, but maintaining momentum through long runs and executing restarts cleanly can make the difference between winning and playing catch-up.
From a strategic standpoint, success at Watkins Glen often hinges on clean restarts, timely pit cycles, and situational awareness in the closing laps. The aerodynamic advantages of clean air matter more here than at intermediate ovals, but setup must balance speed with mechanical grip in slow-speed corners and off-camber transitions.
Drivers who can stay calm amid traffic, avoid mistakes while pushing the limit around concrete barriers, and capitalize on late-race restarts, especially in overtime, are best positioned to compete for the win. For these reasons, teams and drivers who combine calculated aggression with technical discipline tend to thrive at this storied road course.
Who Won the Go Bowling at The Glen Last Year?
Chris Buescher (RFK Racing) won the 2024 Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on September 15. Despite not being a playoff driver, Buescher managed to pass road-course ace Shane van Gisbergen in an overtime finish, sealing the win by 0.979 seconds.
Then-rookie Carson Hocevar took a breakthrough third-place result. Ross Chastain crossed the line fourth, and Zane Smith rounded out the top five.
Who Won Last Week’s Race?
William Byron won the 2025 Iowa Corn 350 on Sunday, delivering a strategic masterclass in fuel conservation. After stretching his final tank over 141 laps, Byron crossed the finish line just ahead of Chase Briscoe to secure his fourth win of the season.
Brad Keselowski came home third after a strong showing in the early stages, while Ryan Blaney and Ryan Preece completed the top five in a race that came down to mileage, patience, and pit execution.
Byron’s ability to manage pace, maintain track position, and hold off the field despite running on fumes highlighted the maturity and precision that has made him a consistent contender all season long.
Byron leads the Driver’s Standings with 770 points, Chase Elliott has 752 points and Kyle Larson has 725.
Shane Van Gisbergen is a +140 favorite to win the Go Bowling at The Glen this year. Connor Zilisch is at +450 and Byron, Larson and Christopher Bell are at +1100.
PICK: William Byron Top 3 Finish
Byron’s growth as a road course driver has made him one of the most well-rounded competitors in the Cup Series, and he enters the Go Bowling at The Glen with all the tools to deliver another Top 3 finish.
Known for his smooth throttle application, clean braking technique, and precision through technical corners, Byron has developed into a strong performer at high-speed road circuits like Watkins Glen.
The track’s flowing layout rewards drivers who can carry momentum through the Esses, brake late into the Inner Loop, and manage exit speed out of the Carousel, all areas where Byron has shown noticeable improvement year over year. His work in simulators and his feedback-driven approach have helped him close the gap on traditional road course specialists, while Hendrick Motorsports continues to provide some of the fastest road course packages in the field.
Beyond his technical strengths, Byron has become increasingly savvy with pit strategy, restart execution, and late-race positioning, factors that often decide the outcome at Watkins Glen. He knows how to protect track position while minimizing mistakes under pressure, and his recent road course performances have reflected his maturity and race awareness.
After capturing the win at the 2025 Iowa Corn 350 last week, Byron comes into this race with momentum, confidence, and a team capable of delivering a fast, balanced car. If he stays clean and executes in the critical zones, he’s more than capable of landing inside the top three once again at one of the sport’s most iconic road courses.
Pick: William Byron Top 3 Finish | FanDuel
NASCAR Props Tips and Strategy
Betting on NASCAR has expanded far beyond picking a race winner. Prop bets — wagers on specific outcomes within a race — have become a favorite for serious bettors who want to dig deeper into the data and find more consistent edges.
Whether you’re betting on finishing positions, head-to-head matchups, stage winners, or manufacturer props, understanding the right stats and strategy can turn casual wagers into calculated plays.
Here’s a complete guide to improving as a NASCAR props bettor.
What Are NASCAR Prop Bets?
Prop bets in NASCAR focus on performance-based outcomes for drivers or manufacturers, rather than the overall winner. Common NASCAR prop markets include:
- Top 3 / Top 5 / Top 10 Finishes
- Head-to-Head Matchups
- Group Matchups (Speed Lanes)
- Stage Winners
- Winning Manufacturer
- Over/Under Finishing Position
- Race Specials (e.g. Most Laps Led, Number of Cautions)
Books offer different variations depending on the event’s size. Marquee races like the Daytona 500 typically offer a wider range of props.
Track-Specific Performance Is Key
Not all NASCAR tracks are created equal — and neither are drivers. Some racers consistently thrive on superspeedways, while others dominate road courses or short tracks.
Track types to know:
- Superspeedways: Daytona, Talladega (drafting, chaos-prone)
- Intermediate Ovals: Charlotte, Kansas (aerodynamic efficiency)
- Short Tracks: Bristol, Martinsville (braking, aggression)
- Road Courses: Circuit of The Americas, Sonoma (technical driving, pit precision)
When betting props, identify how each driver has historically performed on the track type in question. A driver who underperforms on short tracks isn’t a good Top 5 bet at Bristol, even if they’re elite elsewhere.
Practice and Qualifying Data Matter
Practice speeds and qualifying positions can be extremely predictive for props. If a driver is consistently fast in practice and earns a favorable qualifying spot, it’s a strong signal for props like:
- Top 10 finish
- Head-to-head matchups
- Stage winner (especially for Stage 1 or 2)
However, remember that some drivers prioritize race-day setup over qualifying speed. Know your team tendencies.
Manufacturer Props: Don’t Overlook the Car
In Cup Series races, three manufacturers compete: Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. Certain tracks favor specific makes based on aero packages and horsepower setups.
When betting winning manufacturer props:
- Look at which teams are driving each brand.
- Note recent manufacturer trends on similar tracks.
- Check qualifying balance — if 7 of the top 10 starters drive Chevrolets, there’s likely value.
Head-to-Head and Group Matchups: Margin of Error
These props are often where sharp bettors thrive.
Tips for success:
- Use average finish over the last 5-10 races on similar track types.
- Monitor qualifying — a poor start for one driver in the matchup often shifts value significantly.
- Watch for team dynamics: teammates may work together or avoid racing each other too hard, which can impact aggressive passes.
Group matchups (speed lanes) work similarly, but with three or more drivers. You’re picking the best finisher among the group.
Momentum and Form
Current form matters. Drivers on a run of Top 5s or clean races are more reliable bets to continue performing. A hot pit crew and consistent setup choices often carry from week to week.
For example, a driver who has rattled off three straight Top 10s on intermediate tracks is likely in rhythm — ideal for Top 10 props or group matchup wins.
Pit Crews, Team Strategy, and Reliability
Every second counts in NASCAR. Pit crew efficiency, clean stops, and smart crew chief decisions can decide head-to-head props and stage bets.
Consider:
- Average pit stop time (many teams post these stats weekly)
- Recent pit road mistakes (penalties, uncontrolled tires)
- Mechanical reliability — some teams suffer frequent DNFs
Drivers with poor pit crews are risky prop bets, especially when backing them in tight matchups or exact finish range props.
Caution Counts, Race Chaos, and Risk Tolerance
Some tracks are prone to mayhem. Superspeedways like Talladega or Daytona create chaos through pack racing and frequent crashes. This can ruin even the safest prop bets and boost longshots.
In chaotic races:
- Favor underdog group matchup winners
- Avoid aggressive Top 3 bets on inconsistent drivers
- Target head-to-head matchups where one driver has strong survival skills
In cleaner races (like Phoenix or Michigan), statistical averages hold up better, making Top 10 or Top 5 props more stable.
Weather, Track Conditions, and In-Race Adjustments
Rain delays, hot track temps, and rubber build-up can dramatically alter car behavior. Some drivers excel on slick tracks; others fade.
Keep an eye on:
- Temperature and humidity
- Rain in the forecast (shortened races impact prop payouts)
- In-race adjustments — watch how cars respond mid-race before live betting props
Pick Your Spots, Not Every Prop
The prop market rewards precision, not volume. You don’t need to bet every matchup or every Top 10 line.
Your best approach:
- Specialize in one or two markets (e.g., head-to-heads or manufacturer props)
- Track your bets and ROI per prop type
- Lean on a blend of tape, stats, and real-time information (practice speed, pit crew stats, team changes)
Over time, consistent attention to details like track type, form, and qualifying speed will separate you from the casual prop bettor. NASCAR props reward the disciplined and informed — so build your process and trust the data.
