Nascar Roundup

Daytona, FL 2/10/2010

Daytona 500 Preview

Most Likely to Succeed-

1. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - Junior wants to put 2009 in his rear mirror. What better way to start 2010 by winning the Daytona 500. He looked very strong sitting on the front row, and he's one of the best at bump drafting. New rules should play into his hand. Junior looking to make a statement.

2. Tony Stewart - Last year Tony was busy putting all the pieces together, this year Tony will be focused winning. Tony has always been strong at plate tracks and won the summer Daytona race.

3. Kurt Busch - Kurt will be getting all of the attention from Dodge. He will be the face of the manufacturer. What better way than to win the Daytona 500. Expect Busch to contend if he survives the Big One.

4. Kasey Khane - No one will be more important to make happy in 2010 than Khane. Expect RPM (with help from Roush) to give Kasey all he needs to win races this year. Keeping Khane happy will be a priority with Ford, RPM & Roush. Winning Daytona will help keep Khane happy.

5. Kyle Busch - New Rules means going back to the Old Rules, which fits the one they call "Rowdy" Kyle will be one to take those rules to the limits. Bumping & Banging is right up Kyle's liking. You don't have to like him, but you can't deny he can drive. Should be a good race for Kyle.

Most Likely to Suprise -

1. Jamie McMurray - His 2009 runs were not that bad, but being the odd man out at Roush stung. He gets to return to Ganassi with help from Childress in the engine department. Jamie won't be lacking with solid race cars. Jamie does well at plate tracks and could pull off the upset. Don't be suprised if Jamie is fighting for the win near the end.

2. Brad Keselowski - He might be a rookie to some, but Brad already won a plate race at Dega. Expect Brad to take more than he gives in a style similiar to Kyle Busch. If he doesn't wipe out half the field and keeps his nose clean, he has a good chance of stealing another victory on the biggest stage.

3. Joey Logano - No more yellow on the back of his bumper. The rookie stripe is gone and his confidence will be alot higher this year. Joey has shown many times in Nationwide races he be a dominant racer, expect him to turn it up a notch in his sophmore season. He ran well at the last plate race in Talladega, if he improved he'll be competing for the win at Daytona.

4. Robby Gordon - He gives a whole new meaning to "Determination," If Dale Earnhardt Sr was the "Intimidator" then, Robby Gordon has to be the "Determinator." Robby was the 2nd best overall finisher at plate races in 2008, and ran strong in 2009 before getting wrecked in all 4 plate races. Like Kyle, the revert to "Old Rules" will only help guys like Robby. A win at Daytona would change everything for his car owner/and driver.

5. David Ragan - He's very under the radar, just like most would rather be. Ragan is the future of Roush and carries a mega sponsor in UPS. Most expect this to be a break out season for David. What better way to break out, than win the biggest race of the year. Roush cars look stronger so far, expectations will be high this season. The best way to answer those expectations is start out strong.

Most likely to Fail -

1. Scott Speed - The guy can race. The problem is he's too different. Kyle Busch is different, but nobody compares to Scott Speed. It's that cocky attitude and crazy style that makes most drivers not want to associate with Speed. That problem usually carries over to the track. Speed is notorious for being part of an accident, even if it's not his fault. Chances are higher Speed causes the Big One than winning the Big One!

2. Denny Hamlin - Many have Denny on their top list, not on their bottom. Hamlin is another driver that has no problem making enemies. It's that type of driving style that bites you when you need help, and plate tracks require drivers to get help from other drivers. Unfortunately for Hamlin, he's all alone! With most drivers remembering Denny getting into them in 2009, it's doubtful they'll lend him  a hand in 2010.

3. Elliott Sadler - Sadler hasn't been able to do much of anything since leaving Yates. He's back with Ford (and Yates power) but it's doubtful Sadler will win the Daytona 500. With more horsepower Sadler tends to take the "Checkers or Wreckers" approach, but usually ends up on a wrecker.

4.Greg Biffle - Expect Greg to have a solid car. Expect Greg to run up front giving 3M plenty of exposure, but expect Greg to find the Big One. Biffle is notorious for being caught in the eye of the storm. If the Bud Shootout is any indication of sunday's race, Biffle is living up to expectations.

5. Sam Hornish - While Kurt & Brad will compete for the win, Sam will be lucky if the garage isn't mad at him. Sam made huge improvements in 2009, but he has a way of getting into others. Bumping & rubbing is fine at most tracks, but getting into somebody on a plate track usually ends up a junk yard of cars. If Hornish doesn't start the Big One, he'll definitely be involved.