In a surprising turn of events, Bubba Wallace has emerged as the favorite to finish ahead of Kyle Busch in the upcoming Shriners Children's 500 at Phoenix Raceway. The odds, provided by BetRivers, show Wallace as a +106 underdog, despite outperforming Busch in practice and securing a higher qualifying position.

During Friday's practice sessions, Wallace showcased remarkable skills, ranking fourth in the five-lap average, first in the 10-lap average, and an impressive third in the 15-lap average. In contrast, Busch struggled, placing 29th in the five-lap average, 26th in the 10-lap average, and a modest 14th in the 15-lap average.

The disparity between the two drivers' performances in practice has left experts perplexed as to why Wallace is considered the underdog. Not only did Wallace qualify nine spots ahead of Busch, but his consistent strong showings in the practice sessions have raised eyebrows and generated significant anticipation for the race.

With this in mind, many bettors are disregarding outright NASCAR odds and focusing solely on this intriguing matchup. Wallace's recent form and impressive practice runs certainly make him an attractive choice, with odds currently sitting at +106, according to BetRivers.

The Shriners Children's 500 is scheduled to start at 3:47 p.m. ET, and Wallace's prospects of finishing ahead of Busch have generated considerable buzz in the racing community. However, the outcome of any race is always uncertain, and Busch's experience and skillset cannot be overlooked.

As the race approaches, fans and bettors alike eagerly await the showdown between Wallace and Busch. This unexpected matchup, based on practice performance and qualifying results, has added an extra layer of excitement to the already highly anticipated event at Phoenix Raceway.

While Wallace may have the edge going into the race, the outcome remains uncertain until the checkered flag waves. Racing enthusiasts will be closely watching as the two drivers battle it out on the track, with Wallace hoping to translate his practice success into victory over the seasoned competitor, Busch.

Only time will tell if Wallace can maintain his momentum and deliver a strong performance to secure a win over Busch. The odds may favor Wallace, but in the unpredictable world of NASCAR racing, anything can happen.