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As the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Championship race gears up for an exhilarating showdown at Phoenix Raceway, racing enthusiasts are abuzz with excitement. Following a contentious race at Martinsville where strategic team maneuvers became a point of contention, the final field for Sunday’s high-stakes event is now set. The green flag is scheduled to drop at 3 p.m. ET, as Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, William Byron, and Tyler Reddick vie for the coveted championship.

Defending champion Ryan Blaney is currently the favorite with odds of +200. Following him are William Byron and Joey Logano, both with +500 odds, and Christopher Bell at +850. Martin Truex Jr. has clinched the pole position for Sunday’s race, adding another layer of excitement to the event.

Much attention is being given to the predictive model by SportsLine, created by daily fantasy expert and data engineer Mike McClure. This model has an impressive track record, having accurately predicted various winners since 2021. This season alone, it nailed Kyle Larson’s win in Las Vegas and correctly forecasted victories for Denny Hamlin in Bristol and Richmond. Given the model’s history of successful predictions, it promises to be a valuable tool for anyone looking to place bets on the race.

The model has run simulations 10,000 times to project the likely outcomes for Sunday’s race. Among its top predictions, the model is particularly high on Ross Chastain, who is listed at +2000. Despite not making the playoffs this season and being penalized recently, Chastain has proven his mettle by winning from outside title contention during this postseason. He is expected to run hard on Saturday, being a prime candidate for those seeking a substantial payout.

In a surprising turn, Christopher Bell is projected to stumble at Phoenix, failing to make the top five despite his favorable odds of +850. Historically, Bell has struggled at Phoenix in November; he finished 36th in last year’s championship race and has never placed better than ninth in a finale throughout his Cup career. His recent 22nd-place finish last week might have dampened his momentum going into Sunday’s race.

For those eager to make informed betting decisions, the model’s insights and projections could be invaluable. To get a complete view of the projected leaderboard and see which longshots are worth backing, fans and bettors can head over to SportsLine. With the race just around the corner, the anticipation is at fever pitch as the NASCAR community waits to see who will emerge as the 2024 champion.