Upcoming Match-ups

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 Odds and Picks

David Golokhov

by David Golokhov in Racing

Updated Feb 18, 2021 · 6:25 AM PST

Chase Elliott leans on his car on pit road while waiting for the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
  • The O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 is set for Sunday, February 21st with the race starting at 3:00 PM EST
  • Chase Elliott emerged victorious last year, as this is just the second year of this event
  • Which drivers are a good bet for this Sunday? Check out the odds, analysis, and best bets below

Following an epic Daytona 500 last Sunday, the drivers are sticking around in Florida for the 2021 O’Reilly Auto Parts 253.

The race will take place at Daytona International Speedway Road Course in Daytona Beach, Florida with the start time of 3:00 PM EST on Sunday, February 21st, 2021. Chase Elliott won the inaugural race last year and is favored again.

Is he the best bet here? Let’s take a look at the 2021 O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 odds.

2021 O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 Odds

Driver Odds
Chase Elliott +200
Martin Truex Jr. +450
Ryan Blaney +1100
Denny Hamlin +1100
Kyle Busch +1300
AJ Allmendinger +1400
Kevin Harvick +1600
Joey Logano +1800
Brad Keselowski +2000
William Byron +2200
Kyle Larson +2500
Alex Bowman +3000
Kurt Busch +3300
Chase Briscoe +4000
Matt DiBenedetto +5000
Aric Almirola +6000
Christopher Bell +6000
Cole Custer +6600
Erik Jones +6600
Michael McDowell +6600
Tyler Reddick +8000
Ross Chastain +10000
Austin Dillon +10000
Bubba Wallace +10000

Odds taken Feb. 18 at DraftKings

Chase Elliott’s Time to Shine

For those who thought that Chase Elliott’s championship run last year was a fluke or just a surprise season, think again. The 25-year-old has started 2021 like a driver who is ready to defend his crown and is actually the current favorite in the NASCAR Cup Series odds.

He placed second at The Clash and seventh at The Duel #2 before finishing second at the Daytona 500. Not to mention, Elliott is the favorite to win the NASCAR Cup Series odds for the second straight year.

YouTube video

This week’s race is a road course, and this is where he really shines. He won last year’s road race at Daytona and has now won four straight road races overall. Since the start of his career, he’s won just over one in every three road course races. He’s heavily favored here this week for a reason, and he’s a good option.

Pick: Elliott To Win Outright (+200)

Martin Truex Jr. Should Contend

If you’re not going with Elliott for the win, Truex Jr. is going to be a top choice. A quick glance at the odds can tell you just that: Elliott is at +200 and Truex Jr. is at +400; everyone else is at +900 or longer. That big gap is telling.

YouTube video

Truex Jr. finished third at the Daytona road course last season and has picked up four road course wins in his career. Overall, he’s placed in the top seven spots in eight of his last nine road races. If you prefer Elliott as your pick for the win, Truex Jr. is a good bet for a Top 10 prop.

Pick: Truex Jr. Top 10 (-420)

Past O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 Winner

Year Driver
2020 Chase Elliott

Kyle Busch Is Tempting at +1300

Two years ago, Kyle Busch was money in the bank each week. Last year, he completely fell off. We’re still just three races into the season (two of them being exhibitions), but it looks like he’s regained (or regaining) his swagger. He won The Clash at Daytona, which was on this very road course, then finished fourth at The Duel 2 and 14th at the Daytona 500.

YouTube video

On the surface, a 14th-place result might not be that exciting but only once in his last eight starts at Daytona has he done better. Considering he already picked up a win here, it feels safe to have a little faith in him to duplicate that success. He’s the longshot pick of the week at 13/1.

Longshot Pick: Busch To Win Outright (+1300)

Author Image