Daytona 500 2015: Predictions, Odds and Top Drivers for NASCAR Season Opener
In less than 24 hours, the biggest race in NASCAR will kick off the season. The Daytona 500 is so much more than just the opener; it's the pinnacle of the sport and what every team works toward all winter.
Just over three months ago, Kevin Harvick was hoisting the Sprint Cup trophy as the 2014 champion. Now, despite the turmoil around him with his Stewart-Haas Racing team, Harvick enters the Daytona 500 with aspirations of capturing his second 500 win. It would be the first for the SHR team on the sport's grandest stage.
In order for anyone to win Sunday, he or she will have to chase down Hendrick Motorsports. Widely considered the best team in NASCAR, Hendrick has three cars leading the pack. With Jeff Gordon on the pole, Jimmie Johnson at second and Dale Earnhardt Jr. third, the team has a stranglehold on the sport again.
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Prior to the marbles flying, here's a look at the full race information and top drivers to watch for the Daytona 500.
Daytona 500 Information
Where: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida
When: Sunday, Feb. 22
Start Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
Radio: Motor Racing Network
| Dale Earnhardt Jr. | 15-2 |
| Jimmie Johnson | 9-1 |
| Jeff Gordon | 10-1 |
| Matt Kenseth | 10-1 |
| Carl Edwards | 12-1 |
| Denny Hamlin | 12-1 |
| Kevin Harvick | 12-1 |
| Kyle Busch | 12-1 |
| Brad Keselowski | 14-1 |
| Joey Logano | 14-1 |
| Tony Stewart | 16-1 |
| Jamie McMurray | 22-1 |
| Kasey Kahne | 22-1 |
Top Drivers
No driver in the sport of NASCAR is more well-known than Junior. While he experienced several down years after the switch over to Hendrick, Earnhardt is back on track after a four-win season in 2014.
That all started, of course, with his second Daytona 500 triumph.
Among active drivers, only Gordon has more wins with three, with his last win coming in 2005. The last three winners—Earnhardt, Johnson and Matt Kenseth—are all tied behind Gordon with two. ESPN Stats & Info points out just how common it is for the No. 88 car to visit Victory Lane in Daytona:
Needless to say, Earnhardt knows a little about winning at the track.
Outside of the obvious contenders on Hendrick and Joe Gibbs Racing, there might be one driver on a two-car team who will surprise Sunday. No, not either driver from Team Penske, but Jamie McMurray of Chip Ganassi Racing.
McMurray has already won the Daytona 500 in the past, along with the Brickyard 400 in the same year. His ability to shine in the biggest races earned him the moniker "Big-Game Hunter" from team co-owner Felix Sabates.
Ricky Craven of ESPN, a former NASCAR Rookie of the Year, offered his take on McMurray's chances:
"Jamie McMurray might not be the first name that comes to mind when reeling off potential Daytona 500 winners entered in this year's race, but McMurray is a driver to keep on your radar Sunday. ...
McMurray has seven career Cup wins, and four of those have come at Daytona or Talladega.
Jamie has a great understanding of the nuances and intangibles that separate drivers on the restrictor-plate tracks. He has had success because of his judgment in the draft, as well as the capacity to manage a restrictor-plate race, treading water when necessary, striking when the reward equals the risk.
"
Another driver to watch will be Regan Smith, who is replacing Kurt Busch after his indefinite suspension by NASCAR, per Zack Albert of NASCAR.com. Smith won the Xfinity Series race at Daytona last year and finished seventh with Phoenix Racing in 2013 after starting 40th.
By the end of Sunday, however, it will be Earnhardt carrying off the Harley J. Earl Trophy yet again. Already the winner of a Budweiser Duels race this week, Earnhardt will give new crew chief Greg Ives his first victory in the most illustrious race in the sport.
Prediction: Dale Earnhardt Jr. repeats as Daytona 500 champion.
Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.
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