As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), fans are buzzing about the latest betting odds. The surprising odds of Shane van Gisbergen (SVG) being the clear favorite and Connor Zilisch, who is making his Cup Series debut, being second on the list has sparked heated debates.
Some fans are even turning away from the top picks and backing experienced drivers like Chase Elliott and Michael McDowell instead. Let’s take a look at the odds for this weekend’s race.
Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch: The Unexpected Contenders
SVG sits at the top of the odds list at +500 odds, and that should not come as a lot of surprise. The former Supercars champion stunned everyone with his debut Cup Series win in Chicago last year and has continued to impress on road courses.
His ability to handle tight turns, braking zones, and elevation changes makes him a natural fit for a track like COTA. Given his past success in the Australian Supercars Series, many fans believe SVG is the safest bet to see the chequered flag first.
The biggest surprise in the odds is Zilisch, who fans think has the second-best chance of winning at +550 odds despite making his Cup Series debut. The 17-year-old has built a reputation in sports car racing and lower NASCAR series, proving he can handle technical tracks.
His inclusion so high in the odds has raised eyebrows, but his talent is undeniable. Fans are divided—some see him as an exciting underdog, while others question whether he can handle the pressure at the Cup level.
Why Some Fans Are Betting on Michael McDowell
While many eyes are on SVG and Zilisch, a fan is looking at McDowell as the smarter pick. A Reddit user summed it up best, saying they’d rather place their money on McDowell instead of an unproven Zilisch. McDowell has years of experience and has consistently performed well on road courses. With a steady hand and a history of strong finishes, he could be a dark horse contender at COTA.
It also comes as a surprise that Elliott is eighth on the list, considering he won the first edition of the NASCAR race at COTA. With drivers like Ross Chastain and Chase Briscoe also in the mix, the odds at COTA are as unpredictable as ever.
Fans are split between betting on proven veterans or taking a chance on young talent. No matter who comes out on top, one thing is certain—the race at COTA is shaping up to be one of the most exciting of the season.
