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 Cracker Barrel 400 Props – Top NASCAR Weekly Picks
Hunting for top Cracker Barrel 400 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 Charlotte Motor Speedway
Hunting for top Cracker Barrel 400 prop bets? Our Props team has locked in their favorite NASCAR prop picks for Sunday’s race.
Let’s break down the best value play on the board ahead of race day at Nashville Superspeedway.
Tyler Reddick Top 5 Finish
Winning the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway requires a blend of technical precision, tire management, and strategic adaptability. The 1.33-mile D-shaped oval features a concrete surface with 14 degrees of banking in the turns, making it the longest concrete-only track on the NASCAR schedule.
This unique surface presents challenges in grip and tire wear, demanding drivers to manage their tires effectively throughout the race. The track’s configuration and surface characteristics necessitate a well-balanced car setup and the ability to adapt to changing track conditions.
Success at Nashville often hinges on maintaining position within the top 5, as historical data indicates that winners typically start from these positions. Moreover, the race’s 300-lap, 400-mile distance tests both driver endurance and team strategy, emphasizing the importance of pit stop efficiency and in-race adjustments.
Joey Logano emerged victorious in the 2024 Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, a race that saw chaos and drama with a record-setting five overtime attempts. Held on June 30, the event stretched to 331 laps, testing the endurance of both drivers and teams.
At the time, Logano’s win marked the 33rd of his Cup Series career. Zane Smith impressed with a runner-up finish—the best of his career—while Tyler Reddick took third. Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher rounded out the top 5 in a race defined by restarts and late-race survival. Logano held off Smith by a mere 0.068 seconds.
Ross Chastain pulled off a remarkable comeback to win the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday. Piloting the No. 1 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, Chastain started dead last in 40th and led just eight laps, but made the most important one count—passing William Byron with six laps to go to seal the win. In doing so, he became the first driver in history to win the Coca-Cola 600 after starting from the rear of the field.
Byron, who dominated much of the race by leading a staggering 283 laps and sweeping the first three stages, ultimately had to settle for second. Chase Briscoe claimed third, with A.J. Allmendinger and Brad Keselowski rounding out the top 5.
The race also featured Kyle Larson’s ambitious attempt at completing “The Double,” racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. However, his effort ended in disappointment as he crashed out of both events, finishing 37th in Charlotte following a multi-car wreck on lap 246.
Chastain’s breakthrough in NASCAR’s longest and most grueling event not only made history but also locked him into the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Larson is a +450 favorite to win this year’s Cracker Barrel 400. Hamlin is at +550, Bell is at +600, and Byron is at +650.
Reddick’s aggressive driving style, exceptional car control, and adaptability on varying surfaces make him a strong contender for a top 5 finish on Sunday. The 1.33-mile concrete oval demands precision and tire management—two areas where Reddick excels, thanks in part to his dirt racing roots and comfort on abrasive tracks.
His ability to find speed in multiple grooves, stay patient through long green-flag runs, and execute well-timed passes makes him especially dangerous late in races. Reddick’s increasing consistency on intermediate tracks and his knack for capitalizing on chaotic restarts give him the tools needed to thrive at Nashville and challenge the front of the field.
Pick: Tyler Reddick Top 5 Finish | DraftKings
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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.
