A Look at the Daytona 500
Trying to predict a winner at a restrictor plate track like Daytona may not be as difficult as getting all the numbers correct in the Powerball Lottery but it’s pretty difficult nonetheless. . Back in the day we had certain drivers who you could almost expect to be near the front of the field at the conclusion of those races.
In attempting to explain the tremendous performance of Dale Earnhardt on super speedways, it was once described as he being able to see air. The success of today’s Monster Energy Series cars place even more reliance on being able to “see air”. Oh yeah, having drafting partners helps a bit too. Today, given the number of competitive teams plus the fact that today’s drivers are all highly skilled where it comes to restrictor plate racing, tracks like Daytona and Talladega often produce nail biting finishes.
OK. Enough with the excuses. Here’s one person’s breakdown of Sundays big race.
Who I want to see win the race.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. – You're kidding right? How crappy was last season for the legions of Dale Jr. fans? They suffered along with Earnhardt as he battled concussion symptoms for most of the racing season.
Kasey Kahne – Kahne is on the hot seat. The often after thought driver at Hendrick Motorsports needs a good season as much as any driver not named Patrick in NASCAR. A victory would be a great way to start the season and silence his critics.
Jamie McMurray – There are tons of good guys in NASCAR. McMurray is at the top of a lot of peoples list, including mine.
Who I think will win the race.
Brad Keselowski – I don’t know if he can “see air” like Dale Earnhardt Sr. was said to be able to do but Keselowski has proven to be one of the most outstanding restrictor plate racers of his day.
Joey Logano – Keselowski’s teammate may very well be on the cusp of being the sports next superstar. A Daytona victory would go a long way in doing that.
Kyle Busch – For my money this guy is the most talented driver not named Johnson in the series. With strong teammates providing support I could easily see the #18 Joe Gibbs Toyota outpacing the field on Sunday.
A few Underdog picks.
Chase Elliott – It’s kind of hard to think of an Elliott as an underdog at any track. It would be pretty cool to see Elliott capture his first Monster Energy Series victory at NASCAR’s biggest race.
Kyle Larson – Like Logano, Larson is ready to move to that next level of driver status. One thing is for certain, sometime on Sunday we’ll see this young man driving the wheels off his #42 Chevrolet.
Daniel Suarez – If Suarez could find a way to win on Sunday he would join Trevor Bayne as the only rookie driver ever to win the Daytona 500. Add the fact that he’s from Mexico and you'd have to like that story.
Thanks for reading. Listen to WTBQ radio on Monday and Friday mornings at 8:45 as I join Frank, Taylor and the Morning Show gang to discuss all the current happenings in NASCAR. 1110AM 93.5FM or online at WTBQ.COM. You can also follow me on twitter @JimLaplante.
