There is just something special about going under the lights at one of the most famous super speedways in the world while celebrating our nation’s Independence Day. The dream scenario is exactly what will play out this Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway. The best drivers in the world will take to the 2.5 mile high banked track at speeds of over 200 miles per hour while racing merely inches a part. Over the past few weeks, NASCAR has been highlighted with a lot of big news with Tony Stewart grabbing his first points win as a driver/owner and rookie Joey Logano becoming the youngest driver in the history of the sport to win with last week’s victory at Loudon, New Hampshire. The big stories are sure to continue this Saturday night as drivers go door to door in restrictor plate style racing that allows cars to run all bunched together at amazingly high speeds. Restrictor plate racing has always been popular among the fans, but the night race at Daytona every July 4th weekend has become one of the most popular sporting events year round in NASCAR. As fans anticipate the upcoming race, major sports books like Betus.com have already released early betting opportunities for one of the bigger races of the year. We break down some of the best betting scenarios to take advantage of before this Saturday night.

Prop Bet #1 – Tony Stewart (-115) vs. Jeff Gordon (-115)

This match-up is fairly interesting considering how both drivers have exceeded expectations thus far in the year. Gordon maintained the points lead after grabbing early victory at Texas this season and has been a consistent front runner the entire season. Stewart has had a huge impact this season taking over what is now Stewart-Haas Racing. Who could have imagined in Stewarts first season taking over the team, he would have an All-Star victory and leading the points. Despite how they have run this season, they are both great drivers on the super speedways. Stewart has two top 10s in his last two trips to Daytona and went through an impressive stretch from 2003-2006 only finishing outside the top 10 once at Daytona International. Gordon has 6 victories to his resume at Daytona including 15 other top 10 finishes. However, Gordon has not done much of anything at Daytona in his fast few attempts, but still remains excellent in restrictor plate racing. When breaking down this Saturday night’s race, there is simply no reason to bet against Tony Stewart for the race much less against Jeff Gordon. Stewart has been on fire lately, winning at Pocono and was the car to beat last week at Loudon before rain shortened the event. Stewart may not get the recognition he deserves for being superb at the super speedways, but he could likely be the best driver at restrictor plate racing outside of Dale Earnhardt Jr. If you would like some extra assurance, Jeff Gordon’s back problems remain a big issue as well. Gordon has been getting weekly treatments to avoid back surgery. Daytona is a very fast track that presents a lot of g-force in the driver’s seat and that could take a toll by race end. Expect Stewart to be the man to beat in the field.

Pick – Tony Stewart -115

Prop Bet #2 – Dale Earnhardt Jr (-115) vs. Carl Edwards (-115)

Dale Earnhardt Jr is NASCAR’s most popular driver, but he has been a part of a lot of criticism throughout the season for under performing. While the Hendrick cars have been impressive all season, the #88 machine has failed to compete. Long time crew chief Tony Eury Jr was replaced and in just few short races Earnhardt has looked a lot better throughout the race. The driver of the #88 ran great at Sonoma before getting wrecked late in the race and also ran very strong at Loudon before the rain hurt his finish. Earnhardt will make his much anticipated return to Daytona this weekend after causing a big wreck in the Daytona 500 that also stirred up a bit of controversy. While Earnhardt has been criticized for not living up to his popularity, his accomplishments on the super speedway are unchallenged. He is a former Daytona 500 winner and has 7 victories combined at Talladega and Daytona which are very similar. Carl Edwards on the other hand is not known at all for his restrictor plate racing. Edwards did make an impressive showing few weeks back at Talladega when he was caught up in that big wreck going for the win in the final quarter mile of the last lap. Edwards’ career poses a surprisingly low 23rd place average finish and the driver of the #99 machine have never won a restrictor plate race. We will side with the numbers here and Earnhardt’s family inherited talent of being perhaps the best driver ever in the draft.

Pick – Earnhardt Jr -115

Prop Bet # 3 – Who will be faster in qualifying?

Jeff Burton (-110) vs. Kevin Harvick (-120)

This particular betting match-up simply considers composes of some repeating factors. Jeff Burton has made a reputation for being a poor qualifier. Whether it is he is not exactly that fast, for one lap or the way the #31 guys setup the car is not known. However, Burton has been nearly bottom of the board with average start position holding at the 22nd position. Kevin Harvick has not been very impressive qualifying this season either holding down a 21st average starting position. The different here is Harvick has been fairly consistent qualifying in the top 15 at Daytona over the past few races. While the teammates continue to face hard times at Richard Childress Racing, we expect Harvick to win this battle hands down.

Pick – Harvick (-120)

Bonus Bet – To Win the Coke Zero 400

Pick – Tony Stewart +700