The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoff Race at Kansas Speedway is a critical event in the 2024 season, where top drivers battle for a spot in the next playoff round. This race is known for high-stakes action, making it a favorite for both fans and bettors. It will take place on the 27th and 28th of September.
In this article, we'll explore different ways to bet on the race and talk about the drivers that should be on everyone's mind, as well as the potential head-to-head comparisons and wagers that could be profitable, alongside choosing the top five and top ten competitors.
What do you need to know about the Race?
Kansas Speedway, a 1.5-mile tri-oval, presents unique challenges due to its moderate banking and wide racing surface, which allows for multiple racing lines. The high speeds, combined with playoff pressure, often lead to aggressive moves and intense competition.
The defending champion for this race is Corey Heim, who clinched victory in 2023. Heim is also the top contender for the top spot in 2024.
There are many ways to bet on the race, and even though the most popular is the money line bet, where the bettors simply choose who will win, there are also parlay bets in which you could choose the top three or five racers and head to head bets in which the outcome for two racers are compared. The odds and predictions we'll make on these bets are based on the ones made by the platforms providing odds for crypto sports betting in Canada and on past performance.
The Table
Starting with the top five table, there's a wide agreement among the bookmakers. However, it's important to watch for the racers that are behind in the race. When it comes to bets, these racers who spend most of the race at the back are usually the most valuable ones to bet on, as they can surprise and come out on top. This is especially true if you're wagering on the top five and not only on the outright winner.
The top five racers and their odds of winning are:
Corey Heim - +300
Zane Smith - +450
Ben Rhodes - +600
Carson Hocevar - +700
Grant Enfinger - +750
The racers from the bottom of the chart to pay attention to are:
Christian Eckes - +1000
Stewart Friesen - +1200
Tanner Gray - +1500
Betting on the Top 3 Racers
There are two main betting options when it comes to choosing the top three.
Bet Option 1: Corey Heim, Zane Smith, Carson Hocevar (+500)
It's a solid option because Heim is the defender, and Smith is a rising star from which many expect to be the next big thing, and this race could be the one that puts him in that spot. Hocevar is somewhat of a wildcard on the list. Hocevar started the 2023 season with a 12th-place finish at Daytona. Combined, the odds are a mixture of safe bets and reasonable risks.
Bet Option 2: Ben Rhodes, Grant Enfinger, Christian Eckes (+700)
The second bet is also a mixture of experience provided by Rhodes Enfinger and Eckes, who bring youthful energy and, therefore, better odds and more risk. Rhodes won the NASCAR Truck Series Championship in 2021, and Enfinger won the 2019 regular-season championship. Eckes is the one providing a big payoff. The odds for him winning the race are (+1000), but he is a sleeper finish for the top three.
Betting on the Top 5 Racers
The choice for the top 5 races in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoff Race at Kansas Speedway is obviously limited by who you think the top three racers will be. It's also a riskier bet in general and, therefore, one with more rewards. Given that the first three places are reserved for Heim, Smith, and Rhodes, who are the favorites for most crypto sports betting sites, there are two options:
Bet Option 1: Corey Heim, Zane Smith, Ben Rhodes, Carson Hocevar, Grant Enfinger (+350) Bet Option 2: Corey Heim, Zane Smith, Ben Rhodes, Ty Majeski, Matt Crafton (+450)
Head-to-head bets
Head-to-head bets focus on two drivers, with the wager being on which one will finish ahead of the other.
Corey Heim vs. Zane Smith (-110) This matchup pits the defending Kansas champion, Corey Heim, against one of the season's top competitors, Zane Smith. The odds are even. In 2023, Heim proved he could win this race and that he could manage its unique conditions. It includes navigating the multiple race lines and the tire wear, which is why some give him a slight advantage.
Smith has had a solid performance for a while now, always finishing among the top five. He's shown to be capable of adapting to different conditions, but since he never won Kansas himself, he's a somewhat riskier option.
Ben Rhodes vs. Carson Hocevar (+120)
Rhodes is well-versed in high-pressure playoff races. Even though he has never won Kansas before, he's a more experienced driver, and that's somewhat of a less risky option compared to Hocevar, even though most betting sites will place them at the same odds.
Hocevar is known for an aggressive racing style and is a wildcard in most picks for this race, including this one. He's shown flashes of brilliance this season, but his inexperience could work against him in a strategic race like Kansas. A risker bet also means more rewards.
Grant Enfinger vs. Christian Eckes (+130)
This head-to-head offers a battle between two drivers at different stages of their careers. Enfinger is a consistent performer with a wealth of experience in playoff situations. He's known to conserve his tires and navigate the closing stage of a race, both of which will be useful in Kansas.
Eckes, on the other hand, is a younger driver with a more aggressive style. He's shown he improved throughout the season, and the chances for him beating Hocevar in the head-to-head are just a little lower than for the result to be the other way around.
Top 3 Most Profitable Bets
In the end, we'll present the top three most profitable bets, which are a great balance of risk and reward. These could be played as single bets or as a part of a parlay wager.
Corey Heim to Win (+300): With Heim's history at Kansas and playoff consistency, he's a solid favorite, making this a strong bet for a decent return.
Zane Smith to Finish Top 3 (+450): Smith's performance on intermediate tracks makes him a reliable top-3 finisher, and the odds offer an attractive return.
Ben Rhodes to Finish Top 5 (+600): Rhodes' consistency in playoff races makes him a safe bet for a top-5 finish, with odds that offer great value.
To Sum Up
In conclusion, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoff Race at Kansas Speedway promises exciting opportunities for bettors. With top contenders like Corey Heim and Zane Smith leading the pack, there are several smart betting options to consider. Whether you're focusing on outright winners, top-three finishers, or head-to-head matchups, this race offers a mix of safe bets and high-reward risks.
As always, it's important to weigh past performance, track conditions, and playoff pressure to make informed choices. With the right strategy, this Kansas race could be both thrilling and profitable for bettors.