Things To Watch In Daytona

(Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR)

As the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series takes to the 31 degree banked turns of the historic DAYTONA International Speeday this weekend, we should take a look at some things that could be a huge factor this weekend

1.) Weather:  No matter when you visit the world's most famous beach during the summer, there is always a chance of rain.  I have been to 15 races at Daytona, rain has been a factor in at least 8 of them.  WFTV Channel 9 out of Orlando shows a 40% chance of rain coem Saturday night, and it seems in NASCAR, the lower teh chance, the more likely it is.  Be ready to wait out a rain delay or two come Saturday night.

2.) Hendrick Motorsports and their satellites:  Gordon, Earnhardt, Johnson, Martin, Stewart, and Newman have all had their turn in DAYTONA's Gatorade Victory Lane.  Granted Martin has never won a points race, and Stewart has never won the 500, all of them will be a threat come Saturday.  Hell, even Brad Keselowski will be a threat...granted he actually makes the race.

3.) The return of a competitive Dale Jr, and a happier Dale Jr.:  Since the split of Tony Eury Jr and Dale Earnhardt Jr., Dale has been on a rise, gaining little by little each week.  The easliy had a top-10 car Sunday in New Hampshire, but the rain changed that and they had to settle for a 13th place finish.

4.) What happened to Joe Gibbs Racing?:  Kyle Busch has lost 6 spots in points since Richmond, his last victory.  Denny Hamlin is strugging to close good runs, and Joey Lagono, even after a win, still has a long way to go.

5.) An important anniversary:  25 years ago, July 4th, 1984, Richard Petty nosed Cale Yarbourogh to the caution to win teh Firecracker 400.  The win was Petty's 200th career victory.  As the green flag flies Saturday, keep that in mind.  If you are going to teh race, have fun, if you are watching from home

These are some stories to keep an eye on in DAYTONA Saturday Night for the Mid-Summer Classic the Coke Zero 400.  If you are going to the race, have fun, if you are watching from home, Enjoy the 4th with your family.  This 4th of July remember, God Bless Our Troops, God Bless America, and Gentelman, Start Your Engines!!!!!

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