Daytona 500: Who Will Break His Losing Streak on Sunday?

Some of the best drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series have not seen the winners' circle in a very long time. But this is a new year and Daytona is a special track where the unexpected always seems to happen.

So as we get ready for the "Great American Race" on Sunday, the question remains. Who will win the 2012 Daytona 500?   

Here are the drivers with the longest droughts who still can't be ruled out of winning Sunday at Daytona.  

No. 8 Mark Martin

For Mark Martin, it has been 81 starts since he has won a race. The man in the No. 55 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota knows this track well and still thinks that with some luck he can win come Sunday.

That said, he is 0-for-27 at Daytona, and while I have great respect for the future Hall of Fame driver, Martin is not going to win this week. 

No. 7 Martin Truex Jr.

Unlike his Michael Waltrip Racing partner Mark Martin, the No. 56 car of Martin Truex Jr. could find victory lane on Sunday. For Truex, it has been 167 races without a win. But he has been a constant contender, and perhaps with luck, he can be a surprise winner Sunday at Daytona. 

No. 6 Juan Pablo Montoya

For the former open-wheel star, NASCAR has been a real mystery at times. However, Juan Pablo Montoya, who has not tasted victory in 50 races, can't be overlooked. He is getting better at the ovals and is a long shot Sunday, although he has the talent and the car to win.

We will keep our eyes on the No. 42 Chevy of JPM come Sunday.

No. 5 Joey Logano

The number for our next racer is 91 starts without a win. That seems to be a true mystery.

Joey Logano has the talent, the car—the bright orange No. 20 Toyota—and the team as a member of Joe Gibbs Racing to be a star. But he has yet to show that talent.

Sunday might be his breakthrough day.

No. 4 Jeff Burton

Most experts believe Jeff Burton will have a solid year in 2012. Some even feel that it will be a breakout season. His No. 31 RCR Chevy is a strong car and he has the talent to win.

His run of 113 starts without a win could end Sunday.

No. 3 Greg Biffle

There is no doubt that one of the most confident racers coming to Daytona this year is Greg Biffle. His No. 16 Ford is strong, and he and crew chief Ryan Pemberton feel this is his year.

After 43 starts without a win, Biffle should be in the top five near the end Sunday with a great chance to win.

No. 2 Dale Earnhardt Jr.

With the most fans of anyone on the NASCAR circuit, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is a man that his "nation" wants to see win this week.

The No. 88 Chevy has the power and "Junior" can drive the wheels off any car. So even though it has been 129 races since he won, you have to consider him a favorite come Sunday.

No. 1 Jamie McMurray

There is something about Jamie McMurray and how he enters 2012 that has a number of NASCAR insiders excited about this season.

His No. 1 Chevy is the dark-horse pick to win the 500. He has raced 41 times since finding the winners'  circle. But come Sunday, the dark horse might shine bright.

Bonus: Daytona 500 Preview

We've talked about the race. Now let's look at a video preview of what to expect come Sunday noon on Fox.

The Daytona 500. 

A Last Look at the Bud Shootout

Before we leave let's look back at the wild finish of last Saturday night's Bud Shootout.