The 2011 Daytona Shootout. Probably the most anticipated Shootout in the history of Shootouts. Why? Because it's the kickstart to the 2011 NASCAR Season of course. No there arent any points involved, but there is a big fat Check in it for the winner.
Who are the favorites you might ask? Glad you did.
Top 10 Favorites:
10.Denny Hamlin-Not a winner in a points paying event at Daytona, but a stout Plate racer with something to win. He won this race as a rookie in 2006, and went on to finish 3rd in points that year, higher than Tony Stewart's Rookie season ranking(4th). Look for Denny to be there at the end. Also has a Gatorade Duel under his belt.
9.Carl Edwards-No wins to speak of, but 2 back to back 2nd place finishes in the Daytona 300, as I call it, the Nationwide opener, in 2009 and 2010. Both of those to Tony Stewart.
8.Kasey Kahne-Not a lot of notable success here. But he has had his good moments in Plate racing. Such as a 2nd place finish in the 2010 Shootout, Win in the Gatorade Duels, and a 2nd place finish in the Coke Zero 400. Kahne is trying to break his silence in the Shootout, and regular Daytona races, so look out for him. He will have his future teammates to help him out, but his current Red Bull Racing teammate, Brian Vickers wasnt eligable. We shall see how Kahne and his Red Bull team will do.
7.Jeff Gordon-Id say Jeff is a better pick than 7th, but his performance lately in Plate racing hasnt been all that good. His best of 2010 was 3rd at the CokeZero 400. But look for Jeff to be more consistant in 2011, starting with a very possible win in the Shootout.
6.Michael Waltrip-Most of his career wins are at Daytona, more like half. But you cant deny he is a good Plate racer. Look for Mikey to make some noise in the #15 NAPA Toyota. #15 is a tribute to Dale Earnhardt, because #15 is the # he drove while with DEI(Dale Earnhardt Incorperated)
5.Matt Kenseth-Matt has been pretty stout at Daytona. Didnt make too much noise in the Shootout last year, but expect the Purple car to get a little bit rowdy in the Shootout. He has the 2009 Daytona 500 under his belt.
4.Kyle Busch-Speaking of Rowdy, Kyle Busch is a clear favorite to win the Shootout. As long as he doesnt get too agressive or get too cocky. He has a Coke Zero 400 under his belt. No doubt if he wins, fans will whine and complain, but to me personally, it wouldnt bother me one bit.
3.Tony Stewart- Always a favorite to win, especially at Daytona. Smoke has several Daytona wins under his belt, including being a Shootout winner. Tony will undoubtedly be there at the end.
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr.- Face the facts, Jr's best tracks are Talladega and Daytona. And you can bet he will be there to race the field to the win in this years Shootout. If he wins this year, it will be not only a confidence booster for him, but for Steve Letarte who moves over from Jeff Gordon this year. Look for Jr to win the race. He beat Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson last year.
1. Kevin Harvick- A clear favorite to win. WHY? Because he is the last winner there. If he goes to Victory Lane tomorrow, he will have won 3 in a row! Not only would that be great for Harvick but for RCR, and Childress. After ECR Engines dominated the Plate Race last year, that would get the other teams scrambling. Not to mention he has the Budwieser Sponsorship for 2011, which also sponsors the Shootout. Kahne was close to winning with them last year, but got shut out by Harvick. Look for the RCR cars to be strong.
Notables:
Jamie McMurray-Very well should have made the top ten, he will be back to win some races in 2011. The Shootout could be calling his name. The 2010 Daytona 500 winner is up for the Challenge. Wouldnt be a bit surprised if his McDonald's/Bass Pro Chevy graced victory lane.
Kurt Busch: He is one to look out for. Dont under estimate the power of the Penske engines. Much like his brother, if he doesnt let his agressive driving beat him, he will be there at the end.
Joey Logano-Has yet to get it done at Daytona, but look for him to get it down fast. He had a great 2010 season. If he doesnt do well tomorrow, he shouldnt let it get to him. The Daytona 500 is the race he should really pay attention too.
Clint Bowyer-The team that could have won the Championship in 2010, could do something in the Shootout. Never count out a RCR car. He has a won the 2009 Summer Daytona Nationwide race.
Gregg Biffle-Dont let the 2010 Shootout wreck that involved him and all his Roush teammates fool you. Da Biff is underrated, and looks to continue winning. He won the Coke Zero 400 in 2003, when it was called the Pepsi 400.
Jeff Burton- Crazy last 2 years for "The Mayor", a win in the Shootout would be just the medicine for Jeff Burton and his #31 crew.
Mark Martin- Plate racing rarely goes good for this guy, but look for him to be there in the end.
Ryan Newman- The 2008 Daytona 500 winner is going to give it his best shot. Smoke will be there to help him out, and he will be there to help him out.
Jimmie Johnson- I dont know what would happen if Jimmie went to Victory Lane. Some tears of pain and tears of joy would be shed. Jimmie's last good shootout was 2008' when he and Tony kept nipping at Dale Jr's heels for the win.
I expect a lot of 2 car draftings to be going on. Anyone of these guys could take that chance. Harvick could make a big statement by winning this year, or someone who has something to prove could win. All I know is, get geared up for a fantastic show. No matter who wins this thing it's going to be huge! Nothing could prepare us better for the Daytona 500.
Also we are nearing the 10th Anniversery of the day we lost one of our greatest heroes in racing, Dale Earnhardt Sr, who had a few of these Shootouts under his belt. Dale was one of the best drivers to ever step foot in a racecar.
I am looking forward to this racing season.
BOOGETY BOOGETY BOOGETY! LET'S GO RACING BOYS!
-Newt
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