This weekend, NASCAR heads to Daytona Beach for a July 4th holiday celebration. No, they're not playing volleyball or burying Tony Stewart in the sand; this weekend, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers will be racing nose to tail, side by side, and commercial free at Daytona International Speedway.
The Race and The Place
This weekend, the greatest drivers in the world return to the site of the Daytona 500 when they take on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway in the Coke Zero 400. Last year, David Regan was pushed to victory by Roush Racing teammate, Matt Kenseth for his first and only Sprint Cup Series win.
Drivers I'm Watching
- Matt Kenseth The Daytona 500 winner will start on the pole as he attempts to become the first driver since Bobby Allison in 1982 to win both Daytona races.
- Greg Biffle He finished 3rd in the 500 this year and won his first career race in this race back in 2003.
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. I like the quote from Jr. earlier this week on what it takes to win at Daytona, "you have to be the biggest jerk you can be". We will see if the jerk rises tonight.
- Kurt Busch Won last night's Nationwide Series race, which I think will build momentum for him and his Phoenix Racing team.
- Bill Elliot Welcome back! Bill "Awesome Bill from Dawsonville" Elliot and Turner Motorsports have partnered with the second greatest place on earth for NASCAR fans. That's right, Walmart will be on the car this weekend celebrating 50 years.
My Pick
- Jeff Gordon This guy needs a win so badly right now, especially since he is the only Hendrick driver without a victory. I think tonight ends the drought for JG and he gets back into chase contention.
Quick Note: Tony Stewart, who qualified second, failed post qualifying inspection and will start the race in 42nd place. So keep a eye out for Smoke tonight.
Why TheNASCARTER Likes Daytona
Daytona in summer is always full of excitement and tonights race should be no different. It's gonna be interesting to see how loose these cars get on long runs now that the track has worn a bit from the Florida weather.
