NXTbets Expert Pick Roundup: Weekend of April 11th

Formula 1: Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix

When:  April 11-13, 2025
Where:  Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir,  Bahrain
Where to Watch:  Live on ESPN and F1 TV Pro
Where to Bet:  With our Partnered Sportsbooks

The first back-to-back weekend of F1 racing takes off at the Bahrain International Circuit for round four of the Championship. Max Verstappen lines up fresh off of a win in Suzuka, while the McLaren is the team to beat. Lando Norris took the first practice session on Friday, and his Australian teammate Piastri clocked the fastest time in the evening session.

Norris leads the series by a single point from “Mad Max,” with three podiums, including a win in the first three races this season. Piastri and Norris have never finished on the podium in Bahrain, but Verstappen is hunting his third consecutive victory at this circuit, a feat only managed by Sir Lewis Hamilton. The Ferrari driver starts with the most wins at this Grand Prix, collecting five since 2014.

Hamilton’s new teammate Leclerc is one of only four drivers on the starting grid to have won at the Sakhir circuit. The Monagasque took the checkered flag in 2022 and joined Fernando Alonso, Hamilton, and Verstappen in an exclusive club.

Key Times (PST):

Saturday, April 12:

• Practice 3:    5:30 a.m. – 6:30 a.m.

• Qualifying:    9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, April 13:

• Race: 8:00 a.m.

Expert Pick

Red Bull as a team has had their challenges early in the season, but despite instability in the cars and the driving lineup,  Max Verstappen remains a threat. His confidence after last weekend combined with his record at this track makes him great value for money. Max is priced at +376 in the pre-event odds with a prospective return of $95.20 on a $20 wager.

MotoGP: Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar

When:    April 11-13, 2025
Where:    Lusail International Circuit, Doha, Qatar
Where to Watch:    Live on MotoGP VideoPass    and NBC/CNBC
Where to Bet:    With our Partnered Sportsbooks

Francesco Bagnaia touches down in Qatar fresh off a win in the Grand Prix of the Americas. The Italian is back in town to defend the crown he won at the Lusial International Circuit in 2024.

Jorge Martin grabs the headlines this weekend as he makes his return to the track after his Championship triumph last season. The Spaniard set the lap record here in 2024, clocking 01:50.789, around the 3.34-mile track.

Marc Marquez starts as the clear favorite after winning two of the first three races on the calendar. However, the “Ant of Cevera” has generally struggled in Qatar, only taking the checkered flag once, in 2014. Fabio Di Giannantonio won his first and only Grand Prix on this track in 2023. He starts fresh off of a podium in Austin.

Key Times (Qatar Time):

Saturday, April 12:

• Free Practice 2:    3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

• Qualifying 1:    3:40 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.

• Qualifying 2:    4:05 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.

• Sprint Race:    8:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 13:

• Warm-up:    3:40 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.

• Race: 8:00 p.m.

Expert Pick

Francesco Bagnaia is an easy expert pick for the Qatar MotoGP, as the defending Champion and a winner already this season. “Pecco” is favorably priced for a strong contender, carrying odds of +300, with a potential payout of $80 on a $20 wager.

AMA Supercross Round 13: Philadelphia

When:    April 12, 2025
Where:    Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Where to Watch:    Live on Peacock
Where to Bet:    With our Partnered Sportsbooks

Aaron Plessinger won arguably the toughest race of the season, navigating thick mud in Foxborough to claim his maiden victory this series. “The Cowboy” finds himself in seventh on the standings after a tough start to his campaign, but he’s rebounded, collecting four podiums in his last five starts.

Cooper Webb continues to lead the Championship after riding to his ninth podium of the year last weekend. The Yamaha rider has entered Victory Lane on four occasions in 2025, one more than Chase Sexton, his nearest rival.

Sexton starts with seven podiums under the bike in this series and an average finishing position of 3.8, 0.2 behind consistent Ken Roczen. The German has only finished outside of the top 10 once.

Key Times (ET):

• Practice & Qualifying:    8:00 a.m. & 9:00 a.m.

• Opening Ceremonies:    2:30 p.m.

• Main Event:    3:00 p.m.

Broadcast Schedule:

• Race Day Live (Qualifying):    9:30 a.m. ET on Peacock

• Gate Drop: 3:00 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBC

Key Times (ET):

• 450SX Qualifying:  12:06 p.m. – 12:27 p.m. 

• Opening Ceremonies:  2:30 p.m.

• Main Event:  5:26 p.m.

Expert Pick

Cooper Webb is a logical expert pick for round 12 of Supercross action, given his current form and historical record at this track. Webb is the man to beat and his odds of +150 highlight the confidence bettors have in the returning Champion. Placing a $20 wager on Webb at these odds offers a potential payout of $50.

NHRA: Four-Wide Nationals Las Vegas

When:    April 11-13, 2025
Where:    The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV
Where to Watch:    Live on NHRA.tv    and FOX Sports
Where to Bet:    With our Partnered Sportsbooks

The Strip at the LVMS puts on the first 4-wide action on the NHRA calendar in 2025, with the Top Fuel, Pro Stock, and Funny Cars in attendance. Antron Brown and Shawn Langdon start in the Top Fuel division as favorites with a win apiece under the hood in the first three rounds. Langdon leads the series from Doug Kalitta the defending Champion on this strip.

Jack Beckman enters Las Vegas after winning the Funny Car class at the Winternationals. Beckman was an unlucky loser in E3 in the Arizona Nationals and exited in E2 in the season opener. He is the most consistent Funny Car driver this season and starts with favorable odds for an in-form racer.

Greg Anderson and Dallas Glenn are running away with the Pro Stock Championship making the final in every round this year. Anderson stopped the clock first in Arizona and at the Winternationals, after losing out to Glenn in Florida.

Key Times (PT):

Friday, April 11:

• Pro Stock Qualifying:  12:00 p.m.

• Nitro Qualifying:    12:30 p.m.

• Pro Stock Qualifying:    2:30 p.m.

• Nitro Qualifying:    3:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 12:

• Top Fuel Qualifying & Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge:   12:00 p.m.

• Funny Car Qualifying & Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge:    12:20 p.m.

• Pro Stock Qualifying & Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge:    12:45 p.m.

• Top Fuel Final Qualifying & Finals:    2:30 p.m.

• Funny Car Final Qualifying & Finals:    2:50 p.m.

• Pro Stock Final Qualifying & Finals:    3:15 p.m.

Sunday, April 13:

• Eliminations Begin: 12:00 p.m.

Expert Pick for Top Fuel

Shawn Langdon is our expert pick heading into the 4-Wide Nationals after three consistent rounds this season. Langdon has progressed beyond E2 in all three rounds, winning once and losing the final in Gainesville. The sportsbooks have Langdon at +650 offering a potential return of $150 on a $20 wager.

Expert Pick for Funny Car

Jack Beckman offers outstanding value at +466 odds, giving his consistency in the first three racers. The driver has won an event and made a semi-final in the last three rounds, and he’s offering a prospective return of $113.20 from a $20 stake.

Expert Pick for Pro Stock

Greg Anderson is the Pro Stock driver to beat right now, with two wins in his last three events. He is closely followed by Dallas Glenn, but Anderson has the upper hand for now. Anderson carries favorable odds of +425 into Las Vegas with a potential payday of $105 on a $20 bet.

PBR Unleash The Beast: Cooper Tires PBR Billings

When:    April 11-12, 2025
Where:    First Interstate Arena at MetraPark, Billings, MT
Where to Watch:    Live on PBR RidePass, the PBR YouTube Channel, and CBS
Where to Bet:    With our Partnered Sportsbooks

Clay Guiton stole the headlines in Sioux Falls, holding on for his maiden UTB buckle. The teenager adds to a growing contingent of wunderkinds coming up through the PBR ranks. Despite his breakthrough, the 19-year-old will battle to tame an in-form Dalton Kasel as the rodeo moves to Montana.

The Texan, Kasel has ridden onto the podium four times in his previous five events, including three consecutive wins between Little Rock and Palm Springs. “Mr 90 Points” enters Billings with a 48.50-point lead over Brady Fielder.

Second-ranked rider Fielder collected his eighth podium of the campaign last weekend. It was the fourth trip onto the platform for the Australian in his last seven rides, highlighting the consistency of his riding.

Key Times (MT):

Friday, April 11:

• Event Start:    7:45 p.m. (9:45 p.m. ET)

Saturday, April 12:

• Event Start:   6:45 p.m. (8:45 p.m. ET)

Expert Pick

Series leader Dalton Kasel is the easy expert pick this weekend, with four podiums, including three wins in his last five starts. Despite his dominant riding in recent weeks, Kasel is favorably priced at +900, offering a potential payout of $200 on a $20.

PFL: World Tournament First Round

When:    April 11, 2025
Where:    Universal Studios, Orlando, FL
Where to Watch:    Live on    ESPN+  
Where to Bet:    With our Partnered Sportsbooks

Bantamweight and women’s flyweight fighters enter the SmartCage for the first time in 2025, searching for the $1 million Championship prize. Liz Carmouche and Ilara Joanne headline the evening, with both competitors accumulating 34 career wins between them. Carmouche starts as the favorite after landing 78% of her strikes in the 2024 edition.

Francesco Nuzzi is back for another title shot and welcomes PFL debutant Mando Gutierrez into the ring. The Italian last fought in the Professional Fighters League in 2023, knocking out Farbodiran Nezhad in the first round.

Mattheus Mattos offers the best value for money in the bantamweight division, taking on Jake Hadley as the underdog. Mattos landed 85% of his strikes in 2024 and enters with a record of 14-3-1. Englishman Hadley makes his maiden trip into the PFL cauldron, carrying high expectations from the fighting fraternity.

Key Times (ET):

• Main Card Start:    9:00 p.m.

Expert Pick

Mattheus Mattos earns our nomination as the expert pick for PFL Round 1 on April 11th. The Brazilian is priced as the underdog at +102 despite his threat on attack. Wagering $20 has the potential to return $40.40 if Mattos prevails.

World of Outlaws: Illini 100 & Spring Classic

When:  April 11-12, 2025
Where: Farmer City Raceway (Illini 100), 1-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park (Spring Classic)
Where to Watch:    Live on DIRTVision
Where to Bet:    With our    Partnered Sportsbooks

World of Outlaws is back in business after rain halted proceedings last weekend. “The Greatest Show on Dirt” treats fans to Late Models and Sprint Car racing on Friday and Saturday as the Illini 100 and Spring Classic shift into gear.

The Late Models line up at the Farmer City Raceway on Friday and Saturday evening with Bobby Pierce searching for more glory on home turf. “Smooth Operator” walked away with a victory here in 2024 along with Nick Hoffman, and he leads the series. Ryan Gustin starts as an outsider, despite a win and a runner-up in his last two starts.

Sprint cars are off to the I-55 Federated Autoparts Raceway Park in Pevely for the Spring Classic. David Gravel is stealing the show with five wins under the hood this campaign. Carson Macedo starts sitting second in the standings, while Michael “Buddy” Kofoid is firing on all cylinders with four podiums in his last four races, including two wins.

Key Times (CT):

Illini 100 (Farmer City Raceway):

Friday, April 11:

• Spectator Gates Open:    2:00 p.m.

• Hot Laps: 6:30 p.m.

• WoO Late Model Feature (40 Laps):    Following heat races

Saturday, April 12:

• Spectator Gates Open: 2:00 p.m.

• Hot Laps: 5:30 p.m.

• WoO Late Model Feature (60 Laps): Following heat races

Spring Classic (I-55 Raceway):

Friday, April 11:

• Grandstand Gates Open:    5:00 p.m.

• Hot Laps:    6:30 p.m.

• WoO Sprint Car Feature (40 Laps):    Following heat races

Saturday, April 12:

• Grandstand Gates Open:    5:00 p.m.

• Hot Laps:    6:30 p.m.

• WoO Sprint Car Feature (40 Laps): Following heat races

Expert Pick Illini 100

Series leader Bobby Pierce is our expert pick for the Illini 100, given his past performance and current form. Pierce has taken a checkered flag at this track on every visit since 2021, and the “Smooth Operator” has already won twice in 2025. Odds of +309 are attached to Bobby heading into Farmer City, offering a potential return of $81.80 on a $20 wager.

Expert Pick Spring Classic

David Gravel is an easy choice for the USAC Sprint Car Championship at Lincoln Park Speedway. Pursley only has one win under the hood in 2025 and three runner-ups. The Oklahoman offers insane value for money in Missouri starting with +300 odds and potentially returning $80.00 on a $20 wager.

USAC Amsoil Sprint Car Championship Lincoln Park Speedway

When:    April 11-13, 2025
Where:    Lincoln Park Speedway (April 11), Lawrenceburg Speedway (April 12)
Where to Watch:    Live on FloRacing
Where to Bet:    With our Partnered Sportsbooks

The green flag drops on the USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car Championship at Lincoln Speedway on Friday, April 11th for the seventh race of the season. Kyle Cummins and Daison Pursley start as joint leaders in the series on 449 points, but Logan Seavey is still the preferred option for bettors.

Pursley is yet to finish off the podium in the early part of the season and arrives in Putnamville after winning the last race at Ocala Speedway. Cummins has racked up the podiums himself only missing out on one so far. His worst result was a fifth-place finish back in February.

Seavey starts as the favorite but has struggled to get going in 2025. His only top five this year was in the second race at Volusia Speedway Park when he took the checkered flag. He enters the Indianan leg with an average finishing position of 8.67.

Key Times (ET):

Friday, April 11 (Lincoln Park):

• Pits Open:    4:00 p.m.

• Front Gates Open:    5:00 p.m.

• Cars on Track:    6:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 12 (Lawrenceburg):

• Details to be announced

Expert Pick Lincoln Park Speedway

After earning six podiums from six races  Daison Pursley is an easy choice for the USAC Sprint Car Championship at Lincoln Park Speedway. Pursley only has one win under the hood in 2025 and three runner-ups. The Oklahoman offers insane value for money in Indiana starting with +539 odds and potentially returning $127.80 on a $20 wager.

From the high-speed thrills of motorsports in Bahrain, Qatar, and Las Vegas to the raw power of bull riding in Montana, this weekend offers non-stop action for fans and bettors alike. Stay locked into NXTbets for expert picks, real-time odds, and in-depth analysis on all alternative sports.