NASCAR Fantasy Fusion: Daytona 500

Track Classification: Superspeedway

Similar Tracks: Auto Club Speedway (Fontana)

Indianapolis Motor Speedway  • Michigan International Speedway • Pocono Raceway • Talladega Superspeedway

Distance: 2.5 Miles

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

By Race
Kevin Harvick - 4
All with 3: Carl Edwards; Mark Martin: Elliott Sadler; Dale Earnhardt Jr.; Greg Biffle; Matt Kenseth; and Kurt Busch

By Track

Both with 7 - Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth
Kurt Busch - 6
All with 5 - Kevin Harvick; Kasey Kahne; and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The Likely Suspects: The Daytona 500 is one of those races where a relative unknown can win. Sunday will be the first time that we will see true race conditions and 43 Gen 6 cars on the track. This combinations makes fantasy picks tricky. The drivers who reign supreme at Daytona and those who seem to have a handle on this new car are on my list likely suspects. They include: Kevin Harvick, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Matt Kenseth, Kasey Kahne, Greg Biffle, Paul Menard, and Kyle Busch.

My 2 Cents: My no-brainer pick this first race of the season is a three-way tie between Kevin Harvick, Dale Earnhardt Jr, and Kyle Busch. Kevin Harvick has been flawless so far and Kyle Busch has been impressive. Both drivers should score me bonus points for leading laps, and I wouldn't be surprised if one of them wins the race.

Although Matt Kenseth is still searching for the best line and drafting options he is never a bad pick at Daytona. I will round out my fantasy team with Greg Biffle, Paul Menard, Michael Waltrip and David Ragan. Kasey Kahne would also be a fine pick. However, I would avoid Carl Edwards who has wrecked four times this weekend.

Enjoy the race. Post your comments here or email me at ssfantasyracing@skirtsandscuffs.com.