“Between Bets” is an article series revealing our staff’s best wagers across the NFL, NASCAR and PGA Tour. This week’s bet features our favorite 2023 NASCAR season win totals future, targeting veteran Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr.
(Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)
2023 NASCAR Season Win Total: Martin Truex Jr.
Over 1.5 (-180) or Under 1.5 (+150)
I was surprised to see this NASCAR season win total bet at plus-money for the under. Martin Truex Jr. is coming off his first winless season since 2014, when he was with the now-closed Furniture Row Racing program.
Some argue being shut out of victory lane was the veteran feeling out the NextGen car, mixed with bad luck. However, Truex Jr.’s best finishes was fourth twice (Richmond and New Hampshire). Additionally, he only had five of 36 races (13.9 percent) ending in a Did Not Finish (DNF), compared to then-teammate Kyle Busch (19.4 percent) and current teammates Denny Hamlin (16.6 percent) and Christopher Bell (16.6 percent).
Schedule changes also don’t benefit Truex Jr. this season. NASCAR has added a street race in Chicago, something that may give a veteran like the No. 19 trouble. Additionally, Indianapolis Road Course is back, a track that Truex’s Jr.’s average finish is 18th across two starts.
NASCAR is becoming a younger man’s game. Ty Gibbs – 20-year-old grandson of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) owner Joe Gibbs – now racing in the Cup Series is evidence of that. With Ty Gibbs’ family connection and Hamlin and Bell coming off top-five season finishes, it leaves Truex Jr. as the low man on the totem pole, further hurting his chances to find victory lane twice.
Bet: Martin Truex Jr. Under 1.5 Season Wins (+150)
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