Every year the Daytona 500 is filled with surprises and thrills.
After a look into my crystal ball, here are my top five bold predictions for this year’s event:
Older Driver Domination
My top prediction is that there will be a resurgence among the older drivers in the series. Look for Michael Waltrip and Mark Martin to qualify for the race and get a good position on the starting grid. Though one of them may have a setback during the race, expect Waltrip and Martin to do well in the race overall and have a real shot at winning.
Patrick’s Surprising Comeback
Despite the controversy over her guaranteed spot in the 2012 Daytona 500, I think that she will fail to get a good spot in the lineup and struggle early on. However, I believe that she will make a comeback and finish just inside the top 10.
Tandem Drafting Leads to Strange Bedfellows
Though there are times when tandem drafting partners get separated and must switch things up, typically, the partners will do so within the confines of pre-established relationships. With NASCAR trying to end the practice, the drafting is more difficult and may lead to more accidents. Though accidents when drivers are attempting tandem drafting tend to take out both cars, sometimes that is not the case.
Tony Stewart will Falter
After taking the championship in 2011, all eyes will be on Tony Stewart at the Daytona 500. I believe that the defending champion will end up out of the race due to a wreck, have engine trouble or just not perform well. Perhaps it will be his tandem drafting partner that ends up out of the race. No matter what the problem is, I do not think he will be having a good day.
Dave Blaney will not Make the Cut
Though it will only come as a partial surprise, I am going to predict that Dave Blaney will just miss qualifying for the race. After his points were traded to Stewart-Haas Racing to be used for Danica Patrick’s guaranteed start, Blaney has to qualify based on speed. Though he managed to last year, there is no sure thing in NASCAR.