NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Betting Picks: North Carolina Education Lottery 200

The deeper we get into this NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, the more obvious the tiers become.

It's Corey Heim.

Then it's Christian Eckes.

Then it's a massive, lonely, depressingly cavernous gap.

Then it's the rest of the field.

Heim and Eckes have combined to win 5 of 10 races so far. Three of the other races were won by either Kyle Busch or Ross Chastain, who aren't in the field this week. The rest of the Truck Series regulars have combined for two wins, one of which came on a drafting track.

These guys are the trucks to beat. And that's reflected in FanDuel Sportsbook's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series betting odds for the North Carolina Education Lottery 200.

Heim is the favorite at +200, and Eckes isn't far behind at +380. Only two other drivers are shorter than +1400.

My sims agree with the betting markets, and it's possible those top guns are even a bit undervalued.

Here's what my model has prior to practice and qualifying at Charlotte.

With Heim's implied odds at 33.3%, he actually grades out as a betting value. That may be tough to believe, but I'm on board.

The Truck Series has run a 1.5-mile track three times this year. In those three races, Heim's worst finish is third, and he has been the top finisher of drivers in this field twice. It's just a continuation of last year when Heim finished fourth or better in five of six races on 1.5-mile tracks.

Personally, I'd be fine betting him now. My sims know practice and qualifying haven't happened yet, so there's some uncertainty baked into that number. He could very well wind up higher after Friday's on-track sessions.

You likely can wait and still get this number, though. Heim doesn't tend to push super hard in practice or qualifying, so there's a shot he lengthens Friday afternoon. If you're around in that window and willing to be patient, I think that's a viable approach. But Heim's the guy I'd zero in on here.

New to FanDuel Sportsbook? You’ll receive $150 in Bonus Bets if you win your first bet of at least $5! See here for full terms and conditions. Learn about today’s other offers at FanDuel Sportsbook Promos.

Which driver stands out to you on Friday night? Check out FanDuel Sportsbook's latest NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series betting odds to see the full menu of options.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.