With the NASCAR Cup Series returning to the track on May 17 at Darlington Raceway, the iRacing Pro Invitational Series finale will take place on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET (FOX, FS1 and FOX Sports app).
Because the race at Darlington is just eight days away, many drivers are opting to sit out today in order to focus on getting prepared to return to the track.
This includes William Byron, who has flat-out dominated the NASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series this season.
And with so many experienced Pro Invitational Series drivers passing on Saturday's race, we'll see smaller field, including series newcomers Martin Truex Jr. and Jon Wood, as well as just the second race for Jeff Gordon.
Odds as of Saturday at 7 a.m. ET and via DraftKings. Get up to a $1,000 sign-up bonus at DraftKings today or see more offers and reviews for the best online sportsbooks.
Considering Byron, who would be the overwhelming favorite, won't race, and Timmy Hill, the current favorite, has to start at the back of the field, there's a prime opportunity for longshots to work their way into contention and potentially steal the final event of the season.
Let's take a look at one NASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series longshot that I'm betting to win and finish in the top three at North Wilkesboro.
NASCAR iRacing at North Wilkesboro Odds, Betting Pick
Bobby Labonte currently ranks 13th in average finish, which isn't bad at all, but doesn't necessarily jump off the page either.
But remember, a handful of series regulars won't be racing. In fact, two drivers ahead of Labonte in average finish — Byron and Alex Bowman — aren't racing at North Wilkesboro, putting Labonte 11th in average finish among the drivers competing.
However, 15 drivers have better odds to win at DraftKings Sportsbook despite Bobby projecting to be around a top-10 car.
Do I think Labonte will be out front dominating? No. But do I think he's fast and experienced enough to stay among the frontrunners and have a shot late? I do.
I'm betting Labonte 50-1 to win the race and adding him to finish among the top three at 12-1 as well.
The Bets: Bobby Labonte to win (+5000) and to finish top three (+1200) [Bet now at DraftKings. NJ, PA, IN and WV only.]
