Well, we’re getting there. Can’t get much closer, actually.
In any race field with three dozen or more entries, imagine having a favorite so favored, he’s damn near even-money to win.
We’re oh so close to that this week with Shane van Gisbergen. And if that doesn’t tell you NASCAR is racing on a road course, nothing will. Coming off five straight road wins in 2025, there was no doubt who’d be atop the first road-course odds board this year when the Cup Series visits Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
But it’s tough to imagine inching so close to even-money odds of +100. SVG is at +120, and if he wins again, don’t be surprised if the next road course brings a +100.
But guess what. The odds makers at Florida’s Hard Rock Bets have a pretty solid favorite to fill out the quinella. SVG’s rookie teammate at Trackhouse Racing, Connor Zilisch sits at +375 — way, way ahead of the next driver, Christopher Bell at +1000.
The gamblers and those calculating the odds are looking at a two-man battle, which has already happened between SVG and Connor Z a couple times in the old Xfinity Series.
But if something happens to those two favorites — and things do happen in auto racing — there are some good road racers at better odds who are worth a look-see.
Trackhouse’s road warriors in a class of their own at COTA
+120: Shane van Gisbergen
+375: Connor Zilisch
Both drivers cut their teeth on road courses. SVG actually won road-racing championships in Australia’s Supercars Series. Connor Z, just 19, has adapted to ovals faster than expected but hasn’t forgotten how to turn right and use those brakes to his advantage.