Finally NASCAR is back. Tony Stewart is back behind the wheel at Daytona. All the pole winners from last season will join all the past winners of this race in a non points, preseason event. As far as the format goes, well that is still to be determined by a fan vote. At approximately 6pm EST voting will end leaving us with a three segment race with lap totals of either 30/35/10, 30/30/15, or 30/25/20. At about 7:30pm we will know that the starting order will be determined by most career poles, 2013 final points standings, or fastest practice speeds. The final vote will end alongside the second segment and will determine whether the drivers will line up for the final segment based on the fastest lap of the race, most laps led, or via a mandatory pit stop. Personally I hope we go with 30/35/10, 2013 points standings, and mandatory pit stop, but who knows what the fans will choose. All I know is I’m excited as hell that NASCAR is back and that we are finally going to see another race at Daytona.

Best Bets

Dale Jr 7-1

This would just be fitting in my opinion. Jr. is great at these restrictor plate races and could get the fans all riled up before another disappointing season from Jr. actually begins.

Kevin Harvick 7-1

Along with Jr, Harvick is going to be looking to get off to a hot start. He is going to want to accomplish what Matt Kenseth did last year, which is changing teams without missing a beat. Stewart-Haas Racing could elevate Harvick’s career to the next level, and he doesn’t want to start off with any sort of controversy.

Jimmie Johnson 8-1

Anytime Jimmie Johnson is 8-1 you bet him. That is just a simple rule of thumb when gambling on NASCAR. That #48 team is clearly the best in the sport and they could get off to another dominating season with a win here tonight.

My Pick

Tony Stewart 12-1

I just think he is going to want this more than anyone else. He is a three time winner of this race and despite missing a large portion of the season and claiming his leg is only at 65%, Smoke is just too good to pass by at 12-1 at any track nevermind Daytona. If there is a storybook ending tonight, it should end with Smoke limping around victory lane.

mlz

Saturday, February 15, 2014