Daytona 500 Preview and Pick

This Sunday 43 of the best stockcar drivers in the world will take the green flag with the 52nd running of the Daytona 500. The Daytona 500, also know as the Great American Race, is the granddaddy of racing events and possibly even more popular than the Indianapolis 500. When the green flag drops on Sunday, there will be 43 drivers racing inches apart at nearly 200 miles per hour in the most exciting racing imaginable. New rule changes lifting the ban on bump drafting and allowing bigger restrictor plates should make things very interesting. NASCAR previously kept a tight leash on bump drafting, but hurt the racing as a result. Therefore, NASCAR officials have lifted the restraints on bump drafting meaning drivers will be knocking on the back bumpers of each other all race long and things should be very entertaining.

Also the bigger restrictor plates have increased top end speeds this year while giving a bit more throttle response to the drivers. However over the last week of racing through the Budweiser Shootout and Gatorade Duels handling has been the biggest factor in which cars are able to drive to the front. Kevin Harvick won his 2nd straight Budweiser Shootout last Saturday and was very strong Thursday finishing 2nd to Jimmie Johnson by perhaps 2 inches in the Gatorade Duel. Harvick is receiving very profitable +1500 odds going into the event which should catch the attention of bettors. Jimmie Johnson is normally not the best restrictor plate races despite capturing a NASCAR record 4 straight championships over the last 4 years. However, Johnson won the first Duel race on Thursday after some clever decision making to stay on old tires and will start 3rd on Sunday. Johnson is a +1000 favorite on Sunday. In the 2nd Duel Race, Kasey Kahne brought home the checkers in his only credible restrictor plate victory of his career. Kahne who has never been considered a restrictor plate style racer has looked fairly good over the past week. Still, it would be rather surprising to see Kahne pull off the victory and that is one reason he is receiving +1800 odds.

When it comes to restrictor plate racing, just a few names could to mind as far as dominating drivers. Dale Earnhardt Jr made his reputation on the big tracks, but it has nearly been 5 years since his last win on a super speedway. Tony Stewart has done very well in recent years and also won at Daytona in the July race last year. However, both Stewart and Earnhardt were not very impressive on Thursday. Of course, Earnhardt did not have to be since his starting spot was already guaranteed by his 2nd place qualifying run. Still, neither driver proved that was the leading favorites this Sunday. However, Stewart is the leading favorite by the odds makers receiving +450 odds. Earnhardt will be receiving +700 odds when the green flag drops. Along side Earnhardt will be his teammate in 51 year old Mark Martin who won the pole for the Daytona 500. Martin had a breakout season last year in his first full season with Hendrick after coming out of retirement to finish 2nd in the final standings. Martin has been strong all week and will definitely be a contender this weekend.

Of course at Daytona every driver has a legitimate chance to pull of an upset. Just ask Brad Keselowski who shocked the world at Talladega last year in just his 5th cup start. It’s all about being in the right spot at the right time in these high speed drafts. However, there are a few long shots that you should consider as well. A.J Allmendinger stayed in the top 3 nearly the entire Duel race before falling back. However, Allmendinger proved he had the car to contend and most people underestimate his driving ability. If you wanting to consider a huge long shot to win the event, perhaps consider Allmendinger at +5000 odds. Another guy would be Brad Keselowski who we mentioned earlier for his big win at Talladega which is the only other track they use similar restrictor plate style racing. Keselowski is in his first full season in the Cup Series, but has some strong power under his Roger Penske Dodge and the talent to get the job done. Keselowski is also receiving similar jackpot odds as Allmendinger at +4500.

Pick – Kyle Busch has proven all week that he can stay at the front of the pack and has a proven record on restrictor plate tracks. Busch is perhaps the most talented driver outside of Johnson in NASCAR, but has had problems getting the right setups and has juggled around crew chiefs to start the year. If new crew chief Dave Rogers can get the #18 machine handling good, Busch is due to score the biggest victory in the sport and I believe that will happen this Sunday. Kyle Busch +700