NASCAR Fantasy Fusion: Only the good boys will do at Daytona

Track Classification: Restrictor Plate (Tri-Oval)

Distance: 2.5 Miles

Similar Tracks: Talladega Super Speedway

Drivers with Most Top 10s (Last 5 Years):

By Race (All with 3 Top-10s):

Clint Bowyer

Kevin Harvick

Tony Stewart

Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Kurt Busch

By Track:

Kurt Busch - 7

Carl Edwards - 6

Kasey Kahne - 6

Matt Kenseth - 6

Kevin Harvick - 5

Kyle Busch - 5

DNF Tally (By Race):

Clint Bowyer - 0

Kevin Harvick - 1

Tony Stewart - 1

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - 2

Kurt Busch - 1

Carl Edwards - 1

Kasey Kahne - 1

Matt Kenseth - 1

Kyle Busch - 1

The Likely Suspects:

Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth are definite contenders, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is always a contender at restrictor plate tracks. Don't discount Marcos Ambrose who has been looking good all weekend and starts in the 7th position.

My 2 Cents:

Track position is key at Daytona, but all bets are off at that being a safe place to race. If you caught the mayhem at the end of the Nationwide Series race you know what I mean. I think the Daytona 500 will be a tad tamer than the Camping World Truck and Nationwide races, but there is a lot on the line here -- a $19 million purse and the elite title of Daytona 500 winner.

Carl Edwards posted the fastest qualifying lap at Daytona in over a decade at 194.738 mph so he has a great car, but boy is Tony Stewart hungry for his first win at Daytona at what will be his 14th try. In the end, I think the patient drivers who stay out of trouble will reign supreme. My final picks?

I'm thinking Kevin Harvick with a slight edge over Matt Kenseth. I'd take a chance on Dale Earnhardt, Jr. despite the 2 DNFs. After all, it is restrictor track racing. I'll add in Greg Biffle, too. Finishing my team will be Elliott Sadler with a slight advantage over David Gilliland -- purely by track position.

Fantasy picks at Daytona are always treacherous, but the racing is always great.

Enjoy!  Post your comments here or email me at ssfantasyracing@gmail.com.