New motor sports betting offers target F1 and NASCAR fans

Sportsbooks and prediction markets have launched new promotional offers for fans of Formula 1, NASCAR, and IndyCar. These incentives include bonus bets and trading credits designed to attract new users to racing markets. The promotions are live now as the 2026 racing calendar moves into its final months.

DraftKings offers new users $200 in bonus bets and three months of NBA League Pass after they spend $5. FanDuel provides up to $350 in bonuses if a user places a $5 bet for seven consecutive days. Each $5 wager triggers a separate bonus bet token. Fanatics gives users $350 in FanCash after a $20 initial wager. These "bet and get" structures are common among major sportsbooks seeking to capture early momentum from the racing season.

BetMGM structures its offer around the outcome of the first bet. The platform covers a user's first wager up to $1,500 with bonus bets if that initial bet loses. However, users must wager at least $1,500 to be eligible for the full $1,500 safety net. Caesars Sportsbook offers new users up to $250 in bet reset tokens, providing a safety net for losing wagers.

Prediction markets have also entered the racing space. Kalshi and Polymarket, both federally regulated, offer trading markets for motor sports events. Kalshi provides $55 in bonus trading credits to new users who make an initial trade of $25 or more. The platform is available nationwide, though sports contracts are currently unavailable in Michigan, Nevada, and Washington. Users must be physically located in an operating state and complete identity verification to claim the bonus. Polymarket offers $25 in trading credits to users who deposit $10.

Racing odds follow standard sports betting formats. A driver priced at -150 is a favorite, requiring a $150 stake to win $100. A driver at +200 is an underdog, offering a $200 profit on a $100 stake. For example, DraftKings lists Max Verstappen at +135 to win the Mexico Grand Prix on November 1, 2026. Andrea Kimi Antonelli follows at +170, while Charles Leclerc is listed at +800. These odds were current as of October 27, 2026.

The racing schedule varies by series. NASCAR maintains a consistent weekend schedule across its Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series. Formula 1 operates on a fixed calendar with breaks, while junior formula series often run during those gaps. Races typically occur on Sundays, preceded by practice sessions on Thursdays or Fridays. Qualifying sessions, which set the grid order, usually take place the day before the race. Bettors can wager on qualifying outcomes, and those results often shift the race odds.

Major events drive betting volume. The Indianapolis 500, held on Memorial Day weekend, remains the premier IndyCar event. NASCAR's Daytona 500 is considered the richest race on its circuit. The Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte and the Brickyard 400 are also designated Crown Jewel events. In Formula 1, the Monaco Grand Prix is viewed as the season's biggest spectacle. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, and the Singapore Grand Prix are also marquee events. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix often decides the Drivers and Constructors Championships.

Bettors have access to diverse market types beyond outright winners. Dual forecast bets require users to pick the first and second finishers in the correct order. Each way bets combine a win wager with a placement wager, paying out if the driver wins or finishes above a specified position. Stage winner bets are common in NASCAR and IndyCar, allowing wagers on who leads after specific lap counts. Head-to-head matchups pit two drivers or teams against each other, with the highest-placing driver determining the outcome for team-based bets.

Futures markets allow wagers on season-long outcomes. In Formula 1, bettors can target the Drivers Championship or the Constructors Championship, where points are accumulated over the season. Only the top 10 finishers score points in each F1 race. NASCAR futures include winners for its various series and marquee races. The Indianapolis 500 is the primary futures market for IndyCar, alongside season-long championship odds.

Parlays are available in motor sports betting, though they carry specific restrictions. Users cannot combine multiple winners for a single event in a parlay. However, they can combine multiple drivers or teams to finish within a specific placement range, such as the top 5 or top 10. Live betting is also offered, with odds shifting based on real-time race positions. This feature is more prominent in NASCAR and IndyCar due to the nature of those series.