In the 2022 NASCAR M&M's Fan Appreciation 400 at Pocono Raceway, Denny Hamlin took the checkered flag, followed by Kyle Busch with Chase Elliott rounding out the top-three finishers … or so we thought.
Both Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas of Hamlin and Busch were disqualified following post-race inspection, relegating each driver to 35th- and 36th-place finishes, respectively.
This also made Elliott the official race winner despite not leading a single lap.
From a competition standpoint, this is pretty cut and dry.
Hamlin and Busch are now awarded the points of of 35th- and 36th-place finishers while Elliott will be afforded the spoils of another victory.
However, from a NASCAR betting standpoint, it's no so black and white.
Some sportsbooks grade NASCAR wagers based on the unofficial race results, or simply how cars cross the finish line to end the event, meaning Hamlin would still be paid out as the winner.
Other shops wait until post-race inspection is complete, then grade NASCAR bets based on the official results. These books treat Elliott as their race winner.
Here's a quick rundown of how some of the most popular sportsbooks in the United States grade NASCAR bets.
NASCAR Betting Rules: Post-Race Inspection
Grade Based on Unofficial Results
These books will pay out the winner before inspections.
Grade Based on Post-Race Inspection Results
These books will wait until inspections to declare a winner and pay out bets.
Grade Based on Both
Interestingly, DraftKings pays out both scenarios, so anyone holding a Hamlin or Elliott ticket was paid out as a winner.
Because NASCAR betting rules regarding post-race inspection differ from sportsbook to sportsbook, it's always important to check in at the specific sportsbooks at which you bet so you're aware of their grading policy.
While line shopping is always important, if a driver you want to bet has the same odds at DraftKings and another sportsbook, it makes sense to make that bet at DraftKings knowing that if it ends up being an unofficial or official winner, you'll be paid either way.
