Daytona 500 Predictions: Danica Patrick and Trevor Bayne on Track for Failure

The Daytona 500 is currently dominated by Trevor Bayne and Danica Patrick, but that will all stop the moment the race actually begins. 

There are no two bigger stories heading into the Great American Race and it's easy to see why. Both drivers offer some amazing qualities in what normally piques the nation's interest. 

Trevor Bayne came out of nowhere to steal the show last year. Now the obvious question is whether the 21-year old can duplicate an amazing finish this time around. 

Bayne himself is just enjoying the ride to what looks to be a promising young career. He spoke with The Huntsville Times on a year that included health issues as well as one remarkable Daytona finish. 

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This year has been a wild one. You guys know that—a little bit up-and-down, but I'm feeling good day. I'm on the upside.

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For Patrick, it's another start with just a tinge of difference. She is plunging into a full-time career in NASCAR and there is no shortage of hype or meaning behind that. 

Patrick may not be a favorite to win the Daytona 500, but that doesn't mean this sport will not milk every last ounce of popularity from her. 

She is great for a sport that continues to widen the scope of interest to its fans. That means Patrick gets a great deal of exposure heading into this all-important showdown. 

She ran fast, but nothing that would make you turn your head in qualifying. She was fast enough for 29th, which puts her in good but not great territory. 

She has a ton to prove, but this is still a race that will be dominated by other racers. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. had the third-fastest time behind Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle in qualifying and I have him pegged as a favorite with new restrictor plate rules. 

I also like Kyle Busch after an amazing performance at the Budweiser Shootout wherein Busch had to manage his car from disaster a couple of times and showed masterful driving in the process. 

All of this leaves two of the better stories leading the walk up to Daytona as forgotten tales by the time things are wrapped up. 

Bayne is a promising driver that will be shoved to the side as will Patrick in what is the return of pack racing. 

It will take seasoned experts to manage a race that will be filled with the repercussions of new rule changes. 

Both Patrick and Bayne may enjoy their day in NASCAR once again, but it will not be this coming weekend in Daytona. 

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