William Byron is at the top of the NASCAR Cup Championship odds board.

NASCAR Cup Championship Odds: Byron At The Top Of The Field

We're deep into the 2023 NASCAR Cup Championship playoffs. Defending champion Joey Logano, missed the cut for the Round of 12 by four points. So we're getting a new champion this year. 

Willaim Byron is at the top of the odds board to win the 2023 championship. The no.24 car's odds are +330 to win.

2023 NASCAR Cup Championship Odds

Odds To Win The NASCAR Cup Championship
DriverCurrent Odds
William Byron+330
Denny Hamlin+350
Kyle Larson+450
Martin Truex Jr.+650
Chris Buescher+850
Christopher Bell+1100
Brad Keselowski+1200
Tyler Reddick+1400
Ross Chastain+1600
Kyle Busch+1600
Ryan Blaney+3000
Bubba Wallace+4000

Odds as of September 29

Why is William Byron The Favorite For The NASCAR Cup Championship?

Over his last six races, Byron has won twice with an average finish of 6.3. He's already locked into the Round of 8 after a win at Texas last weekend. Byron is taking his strong regular season into the postseason. 

And, honestly, that's all you can ask for in this sport. Remember, that NASCAR is a cruel sport. A driver can be taken out of any race for any number of factors. Debry on the track, their car randomly malfunctions, they get into an accident, or someone else gets into an accident. All of those can take a driver out even if he's leading the pack.

So when the books (or you) try to sort out who the favorite should be, assessing their recent performance is the best course of action (pun absolutely intended).

NASCAR Cup Championship Best Value

Who's got better value than the favorite and Byron for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Championship? Here are a few picks for you to consider.

Denny Hamlin (+350)

Denny hasn't been as dominant on the year with only three wins to Byron's six. But he's been a consistent presence at the top of the standings all year.

Compared to Byron, Hamiln has a better average finish on the year at 11.8 compared to Byron's 12.1. He's also got less fluctuation in his finishing position - however marginal - when compared to Byron. Hamlin's standard deviation is 10.3 compared to Byron's 10.6.

I know that last part is a bit mathy, but as we near the end of the year, consistency is key and Hamlin is the most consistent guy out there.

Chris Buescher (+850)

My long-shot pick here is Chris Buescher. Not that I agree he should be a long shot on the oddsboard.  

The no.20 car is third for points and well above the cut line as they head to the Round of 8. Like Hamlin, Buescher has three wins on the year. All three wins have come in his last nine races. 

Since winning at Richmond, Buescher has won three times and finished in the top five five times. His average finish in that period was 7.7. That's some incredible form. Buescher is getting hot at the absolute best time. I'm not going to go all in on Buescher, but I'll sprinkle a unit or two so I don't miss out.

Last 10 NASCAR Cup Champions

Last 10 NASCAR Cup Champions
YearDriverTeam
2022Joey LoganoTeam Penske
2021Kyle LarsonHendrick Motorsports
2020Chase ElliottHendrick Motorsports
2019Kyle BuschJoe Gibbs Racing
2018Joey LoganoTeam Penske
2017Martin Truex Jr.Furniture Row Racing
2016Jimmie JohnsonHendrick Motorsports
2015Kyle BuschJoe Gibbs Racing
2014Kevin HarvickStewart-Haas Racing
2013Jimmie JohnsonHendrick Motorsports

 

I know we make championship wins more about the individual (and for good reason – they’re driving the cars), but we can’t forget about the team backing them.

Hendrick Motorsports has won the NASCAR Cup championship four times in the last 10 years, more than any other side. Team Penske is second with two wins, both coming courtesy of Joey Logano.

NASCAR Cup Championship FAQ

Who is the favorite for the 2023 NASCAR championship?

Kyle Larson currently leads the NASCAR Cup championship oddsboard with odds at +400. William Byron is second at +450. 

Who won the last NASCAR Cup championship?

In 2022, Joey Logano (Team Penske) won the NASCAR Cup championship. It was his second career championship.

Who has won the last five NASCAR Cup championships?

Here is the list of the last five NASCAR Cup champions as well as the car's owner:

  • 2018  - Joey Logano (Team Penske)
  • 2019 - Kyle Busch (Joe Gibbs Racing)
  • 2020 - Chase Elliott (Hendrick Motorsports)
  • 2021 - Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports)
  • 2022 - Joey Logano (Team Penske)