It’s a great time of anticipation for auto racing fans, especially those who wager at Michigan sports betting sites. The NASCAR Cup Series starts this month and the Daytona 500 is just 10 days from now.
BetMichigan.com took a break from covering sports betting and Michigan online casinos to do a little research. We wanted to discern which NASCAR drivers were the most popular in each state.
To do so, we utilized Google Trends by searching “NASCAR” over the past 12 months (Feb. 7, 2023 to Feb. 7, 2024) to find the most-searched NASCAR driver in search volume in that state (any full-time or part-time NASCAR Cup Series driver was included). Here is who the Wolverine State is cheering on:
Checkered Flag in Michigan Goes to Preece
Stewart Haas Racing’s Ryan Preece is Michigan’s favorite.
Preece, from Berlin, Conn., had no victories last season, one top five and two top 10 finishes. He won his first Cup Series pole at Martinsville Speedway, where he finished 15th. His best finish was fourth at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Preece was the No. 1 pick in these states:
- Maine
- Michigan
- Washington
It’s a Dead Heat Overall
Preece, along with recently retired Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex, Jr., each have three states for the most searched.
Leading the pack, however, are Kyle Larson and fellow Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott at eight apiece. Kyle Busch is third with seven, Bubba Wallace is fourth with five and Jimmie Johnson rounds out the top five with four.
ESPN BET Futures
Over at ESPN Bet Michigan Thursday afternoon, Preece is a long shot, tied with Daniel Suarez and Jimmie Johnson at +4500 to win this year's Daytona 500 on Feb. 18 (FOX, 2:30 p.m.).
To win this year’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship, Preece is also a heavy long shot at +25000, tied with Michael McDowell and Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.
If you are considering a wager, on NASCAR, or other pro sports, make sure to look for the best Michigan sportsbook promos.
