Fri Feb 28 08:30:00 UTC 2025: **NASCAR Heads to Redesigned COTA Track; Experts Offer Betting Picks**
AUSTIN, TX – The NASCAR Cup Series heads to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) this weekend, but not to the track fans are used to. COTA has undergone a redesign, featuring a new, shorter layout and a challenging Turn 6A expected to increase on-track action. This change, coupled with the inherent unpredictability of road course racing, has led NASCAR betting analysts Chris and Kaleb to forgo their usual “fade/wildcard” picks this week.
However, they still offer some strong predictions. Kaleb, who correctly picked Christopher Bell as last week’s winner, highlights several drivers with strong COTA records and favorable odds:
* **Chris Buescher:** With a consistent road course record, including a win at Watkins Glen last year and a strong average finish at COTA, Buescher is considered a solid, albeit somewhat risky (+2500 odds), bet.
* **Alex Bowman:** Bowman boasts the best average finishing position at COTA. While a win is considered less likely, a top-three (+400 odds) or top-five (+180 odds) finish is seen as a very strong possibility.
* **Ryan Blaney:** Despite a lack of road course wins, Blaney’s recent performance at COTA (averaging a 10th-place finish) and his strong recent car performance makes him a potentially lucrative, albeit riskier, bet, before the odds adjust.
* **Christopher Bell:** While the odds are not as lucrative as some others, Bell is seen as a safe bet, given his recent Atlanta win and consistent performance at COTA.
The analysts acknowledge the inherent unpredictability of road course racing and the impact of the track’s redesign. They encourage fans to follow them on social media (@KalebMcChesney and Chris’s Twitter handle, which is missing from the original text) for further insights and discussion. The article concludes by promoting BellyUpSports.com for more NASCAR coverage.
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