Read on foxsports.comKyle Larson Favored for NASCAR Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas: Full Odds and Analysis
Kyle Larson has opened as the betting favorite for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with odds set at +350. He is closely followed by Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell in a competitive field. This analysis breaks down the top contenders, examines the odds for all drivers, and provides context from recent performances and the previous fall race at the track. The race marks a pivotal early-season event as the series shifts to the 1.5-mile oval.
The NASCAR Cup Series rolls into Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend for the Pennzoil 400, and the betting odds have established a clear favorite. According to the latest lines from DraftKings Sportsbook, Kyle Larson leads the pack as drivers prepare to tackle the 1.5-mile oval. This early-season race offers a critical test on an intermediate track, setting the tone for the championship battle ahead.
The Top Favorites and Their Chances
Kyle Larson sits atop the oddsboard with +350 odds, meaning a $100 bet would return a $450 total payout. Larson's favoritism is built on strong recent history at the track; he led 129 laps in the October 2025 fall race at Las Vegas before finishing second to Denny Hamlin. Through the first four races of the 2026 season, Larson has recorded one top-five and two top-ten finishes, leading 55 laps but still seeking his first win of the year.
Hot on his heels are two formidable competitors. Denny Hamlin, the defending fall race winner at this track, is listed at +550. Hamlin not only won that race but also started from the pole position, demonstrating superior speed. Christopher Bell, who finished third in that same event, is positioned at +500. Both drivers, like Larson, have shown consistency in 2026 with top-five and top-ten results but have yet to visit victory lane this season.
Complete Field Odds for the Pennzoil 400
The odds reflect a deep and competitive field. Following the top trio, William Byron is next at +850, with the season's only two winners so far—Tyler Reddick and Ryan Blaney—further down the list. Reddick, who broke out with a three-race win streak earlier in the season, is at +1100. Ryan Blaney, who snapped that streak with a victory last week at Phoenix, is at +1200 alongside Bubba Wallace.
The odds extend through the field, with notable drivers like Chase Elliott (+2200), former champions Kyle Busch and Joey Logano (both +1400), and Ross Chastain (+2800) all presenting potential value for bettors. Longshots include drivers like Todd Gilliland and Cody Ware, each listed at +50000.
Context and Season Narrative
This race arrives at an interesting juncture. Ryan Blaney's Phoenix victory brought Ford its first win of 2026, interrupting the early dominance shown by Toyota's Tyler Reddick. The shift to Las Vegas, a different track type, resets the competition. The performance of Reddick (+1100) and Blaney (+1200) will be closely watched to see if their winning momentum can translate on the intermediate oval.
Historical performance at Las Vegas is a key handicapping factor. Beyond the top three, William Byron has shown strength on similar tracks, and Bubba Wallace has had competitive runs. The odds suggest a race that could be won from within the top tier of favorites, but NASCAR's unpredictability means any driver in the top 15-20 on the odds list has a realistic shot at contending for the win under the right circumstances.
The Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is scheduled to go green on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET, with broadcast coverage on FS1. The betting lines offer a quantitative snapshot of expectations, with Kyle Larson's proven speed at the track making him the man to beat. However, with contenders like Hamlin and Bell lurking and past winners Reddick and Blaney in the mix, the battle for the checkered flag promises to be a thrilling start to the Vegas NASCAR weekend.
