“PropKings” is an article series revealing our staff’s best prop bets across the NFL, NASCAR and PGA Tour. This write-up features our favorite placement for the 2024 Grant Park 165.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
2024 Grant Park 165 Prop Bet of the Week
Michael McDowell: Top-5 Finish (+250)
Heading into Chicago this week, I am extremely hesitant to bet but remain cautiously optimistic about how the race may play out. Last year’s Chicago race would have been heavily delayed due to wet conditions if not for NASCAR breaking out the rain tires. The drivers starting on wet tires and switching to slicks later on throw off some of the lap time data, as we may experience entirely different conditions for this year’s race.
In addition to the track condition element, there will be a new strategy element this year. Last year, there were stages but no stage breaks. This year, NASCAR has stage breaks on all of the road courses. I am hesitant about teams possibly flipping stages because of the longer lap times that road courses come equipped with. There is a lot of uncertainty this week, and treading lightly may be the way to go.
The one prop bet I have placed is Michael McDowell to finish in the top 5. If there’s anyone who circles road course weekends on the schedule, it’s the No. 24 team. They know how to bring speed and implement strategy at these tracks. In last year’s race, McDowell ran in the top 10 for a large part of the race. Given his road course prowess and the price, this is the one bet that I am comfortable making before practice and qualifying.
Check out all of our content for the 2024 Grant Park 165:
- PropKings: 2024 Grant Park 165
- Between Bets: 2024 Grant Park 165 Outrights
- NASCAR DFS Picks, Tiers & Rankings: 2024 Grant Park 165
Thanks for reading my best prop bet for the 2024 Grant Park 165! Find me on Twitter @OzzyKendrath for more sports betting content.
*Photo Credit: Michael C. Johnson – USA TODAY Sports*