NASCAR is set to make its much-anticipated return to Nashville with the 2025 Cracker Barrel 500 taking place this Sunday. The race, held at the 1.33-mile tri-oval, marks another chapter since the inaugural NASCAR Cup event in 2021, which was won by Kyle Larson. Despite facing challenges in recent races, including a crash during the Indianapolis 500/Coca-Cola 600 double, Larson remains a strong contender, currently favored at +450 in the upcoming race odds.
Notable competitors also include Denny Hamlin at +550, Christopher Bell at +600, William Byron at +650, and Ryan Blaney at +850, all of whom are positioned to make an impact on the track. The race will consist of 300 laps, with the green flag set to drop at 7 p.m. ET.
Before placing any bets or entering daily Fantasy Sports lineups, insights from SportsLine’s predictive data model, developed by Mike McClure, can provide valuable predictions. This model has successfully called numerous race winners across prior competitions and has been particularly accurate throughout the 2025 season. For instance, it predicted Chase Elliott’s win during the Clash at Bowman Gray and highlighted other successful outcomes for drivers like Larson and Bell.
This weekend, the simulation has identified Alex Bowman as a notable longshot at +3000. He has demonstrated remarkable consistency with seven top-10 finishes in the current season and is expected to leverage his strong performance at similar tracks to gain an advantage.
Additionally, Chase Elliott shines as a solid bet for a top-five finish at +200 on FanDuel. Elliott’s past successes in Nashville, including a victory in the 2022 Ally 400 and a fourth-place finish in 2023, bolster his case as a strong performer in this race.
For those interested in making their NASCAR picks, SportsLine’s model analyzes various drivers with longer odds, suggesting potential underdogs that could yield significant returns. Fans and bettors can find valuable projections and insights by checking out the latest betting odds and future predictions.
As the excitement grows for the Cracker Barrel 500, fans can look forward to an action-packed race day, with the promise of thrilling competition and the possibility for underdogs to shine. This race continues to establish Nashville as a beloved venue in the NASCAR calendar, reinforcing the sport’s connection with passionate fans.