NASCAR Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250: It’s Round 2 for the Heavyweights

• Why Ty? Is Gibbs really the favorite over experienced road course aces?

• AJ Allmendinger has been be a major force in NASCAR’s junior series.

• Shane van Gisbergen goes for second straight road course triumph.

Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 Betting Odds

Odds taken from Caesars Sportsbook. Click the bets below to place your bets here, where you can get $1,000 First Bet on Caesars.

Our Picks for the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250

• Shane van Gisbergen to win the race at (+290) at Caesars

• Sammy Smith to finish in the top three at (+1400) at Caesars

• Justin Allgaier to beat Cole Custer head-to-head at (-115) at DraftKings

Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 Predictions

Why Is Ty Gibbs Favored with Road Course Giants in the Field?

Frankly, we’re mystified by the oddsmakers’ choice in this race.

Sure, Ty Gibbs started seventh and finished fourth last year in the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ first visit to Sonoma Raceway.

And, yes, four of Gibbs’ 12 Xfinity Series wins have come on road courses, the last at the Indianapolis Grand Prix course in 2023.

Given the quality of the competition in Saturday’s race, however, we can’t see the 21-year-old Joe Gibbs Racing driver as the favorite.

So we’re advising you to steer clear of the young driver this week, especially at the miserly +250 price offered by Caesars Sportsbook.

AJ Allmendinger’s Cup Results Are a Warning Sign in Xfinity Race

Any time AJ Allmendinger tightens his belts for a NASCAR Xfinity Series race on a road course, he has to be considered a threat.

Eleven of Allmendinger’s 17 wins in NASCAR’s junior series have come on road courses, which also have accounted for all three of his victories in the NASCAR Cup Series.

In last year’s Xfinity race at Sonoma, Allmendinger started fifth and finished second to Aric Almirola, 1.868 seconds behind the race winner.

But Allmendinger’s Cup record at Sonoma—a much larger body of work—gives us pause. In 12 starts, the Dinger has yet to score a top-five finish.

Consequently, we’re avoiding the driver of the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet at +300 via Caesars Sportbook.

New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen Goes for Second Straight Victory

The floodgates may be open after Shane van Gisbergen’s maiden NASCAR Xfinity Series victory last Saturday at Portland International Raceway.

The three-time Australian Supercars champion had difficulty with restarts early in that race, but he mastered the final one and pulled away to win.

Now assured of a Playoff spot, van Gisbergen can race with even more freedom than he’s exhibited thus far, and the technical track at Sonoma will suit his right-foot braking technique.

Last week, we recommended the New Zealander over Allmendinger at identical odds, and we’re doing the same this week - van Gisbergen to win at +300 at Caesars Sportbook, with a recommendation to get your bet down before qualifying.

How to Watch the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250

• Race: Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 Xfinity Series race

• Location: Sonoma Raceway

• Time: Saturday, June 8, 8:30 p.m. ET

• How to Watch: FS1