William Byron heads into the 2026 Coke Zero Sugar 400 as a co-favorite to take the checkered flag in this regular-season finale. Early odds from DraftKings Sportsbook as of August 25 have him pegged at +850, which means a $10 bet nets you $95 total. Saturday, August 29, at 7:30 p.m. ET, the race kicks off and sets the stage for the return of The Chase format. The postseason starts the very next week, making this final regular-season race a critical gatekeeper for American fans.
Ryan Blaney sits right there with him at the top spot, tied at +850. Joey Logano trails slightly at +1100, while Tyler Reddick and Christopher Bell both hold odds of +1200. These numbers reflect the tight competition as drivers seek momentum before the playoff cut. High stakes face every team as the Cup Series regular-season finale races this weekend at Daytona, according to Per Fox Sports All Headlines.
The Stakes at the Finish Line
This weekend marks the last chance for drivers to secure their spot before the postseason starts. A new structure rewarding wins and consistency starts the postseason the week after Daytona. Since Cup returned to The Chase format, this year’s postseason appears different, altering team approaches to the final race.
Drivers cannot afford a bad finish or a crash in the final laps.
William Byron is favored for the regular-season finale at Daytona according to the latest market data. The odds suggest that the betting public sees him and Ryan Blaney as the most likely winners. However, the long odds on drivers like Kyle Larson at +1600 and Denny Hamlin at +2200 show that anyone can win on a short track. A single mistake can knock a favorite out of the playoff picture entirely.
Understanding the New Playoff Rules
The return of The Chase format brings back the excitement of a reset and a new challenge for the top drivers. Under this system, the regular season ends with a bang at Daytona before the field is reset for the playoffs. This structure favors drivers who perform well in the final race and those who have built a steady record all year. It keeps the season interesting right up to the final weekend of the regular season.
Per Fox Sports All Headlines, the Coke Zero 400 starts on Saturday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET. This timing allows families to gather around the television or head to the track for one last big event. The race serves as the final test before the postseason begins. Teams will adjust their cars and strategies to handle the unique demands of a high-speed track like Daytona.
Who Has the Best Shot?
Beyond the top favorites, the betting lines offer a clear look at who the experts think has a shot at victory. Chase Elliott and Austin Cindric both sit at +1200, showing they are strong contenders. Kyle Larson and Austin Cindric share the +1600 line, indicating they are a tier below the top two but still dangerous. The field is deep, with drivers like Chase Briscoe and Carson Hocevar at +2000 looking to pull off an upset.
The odds continue down the line with Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin at +2000 and +2200 respectively. Even long shots like Michael McDowell at +5500 and Zane Smith at +6000 can dream of a big win. The nature of restrictor plate racing at Daytona means that a driver with lower odds can still win with the right pack and a bit of luck. This unpredictability is what makes NASCAR so special for American families.
Early odds for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at DraftKings Sportsbook as of August 25 list William Byron at +850. This is a strong signal that he has the speed and the team support to handle the pressure. The driver will need a heck of a day at Daytona to secure the win and the momentum he needs. Securing a spot in the chase for the championship is the real prize here, not just the trophy.
The return to The Chase format is a win for fans who want to see their favorite drivers fight for every inch. It ensures that the regular season finale has real meaning beyond just the points standings. Drivers know that a win at Daytona can change their entire season trajectory. The pressure is on, and the cars will be pushed to the limit.