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.
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Best NASCAR Props – Top NASCAR Weekly Picks
Hunting for top Xfinity 500 prop bets? Our Props team has locked in their favorite NASCAR prop picks for Saturday’s race.
Let’s break down the best value plays on the board ahead of race day at Martinsville Speedway.
What It Takes to Win at Martinsville Speedway
Winning the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway demands a blend of unrelenting aggression, raw short-track skill, and strategic savvy under pressure.
Martinsville, known as the “paperclip” track, is just 0.526 miles long, with very tight corners banked at only 12° and flat straightaways, and even a mix of asphalt and concrete surfaces in the turns and straights.
Drivers must master heavy braking, throttle modulation to avoid wheelspin, and close-quarters contact, all while fighting for every inch of position. Passing is challenging, so track position and pit execution become critical determinants.
Over the course of 500 laps, managing tire wear, avoiding mistakes, and timing restarts perfectly often separate the winner from the rest. In a playoff scenario, composure under pressure and clean execution during late-race restarts are paramount to claim the grandfather clock and a shot at the championship.
Who Won the Xfinity 500 Last Year?
Ryan Blaney won the 2024 Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on November 3, pulling away late to secure his spot in the Championship 4. He finished ahead of Chase Elliott in second and Kyle Larson in third, while Austin Cindric took fourth and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top five.
Who Won Last Week’s Race?
Chase Briscoe won the YellaWood 500 on Sunday. He crossed the line ahead of Todd Gilliland in second, and Ty Gibbs in third. Bubba Wallace finished fourth and Cole Custer rounded out the top five.
Blaney is a +400 favorite to win the Xfinity 500 this year. Larson and Hamlin are at +500 and Christopher Bell is at +650.
Ryan Blaney Top 3 Finish
Blaney’s strengths as a driver make him a perfect fit for Martinsville’s demanding short-track environment, giving him a strong chance at a Top 3 finish in the Xfinity 500.
Blaney excels on technical ovals that reward rhythm, precision braking, and patience, all critical at the 0.526-mile “paperclip.”
His smooth corner entry and throttle control help him rotate the car cleanly off Martinsville’s tight turns without overusing the brakes, an area where many competitors struggle.
He’s also developed an instinct for conserving his equipment across long green-flag runs, allowing him to stay fast and consistent deep into a 500-lap grind.
As one of the most composed drivers in heavy traffic, Blaney knows how to make calculated contact and capitalize on opportunities in the closing laps, which is often where Martinsville races are decided.
Beyond pure technique, Blaney’s ability to manage pressure and execute under playoff conditions makes him even more dangerous at this track.
His victory at Martinsville last year proved his capacity to dominate while staying disciplined, leading laps, controlling restarts, and avoiding costly mistakes.
Team Penske’s setup strength on short tracks gives him another advantage, providing the balance and drive-off traction needed to challenge for the win.
With his recent form, calm decision-making, and proven mastery of Martinsville’s rhythm, Blaney has every quality necessary to deliver a Top 3 performance in the Xfinity 500.
Pick: Ryan Blaney Top 3 Finish
