Daytona 500 2012 Schedule: NASCAR Must End Great Week with Exciting Race

NASCAR is the only sport in the world that starts the season with its biggest race.

The Daytona 500 is just a small part of what is going on in Daytona Beach this week, but that does not mean the race can be a disappointment. 

Much like the Super Bowl, the race itself really becomes an afterthought in the midst of all the activities going on. 

Starting today through Sunday, there will be something to do around the track in Daytona. There is a Fan Zone Open today, where fans can walk around the cars. 

Obviously, the most important day of the week, besides Sunday, will be Thursday. The Gatorade Duel will take place to determine the driving order of the race after the front row, which will be occupied by Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle. 

After a slow day on Friday, the races get going again on Saturday with an All-Star Charity Race, featuring drivers from the Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series. 

All of that paves the way for the 54th running of the Great American Race on Sunday, which you can watch at noon on FOX. 

Since NASCAR uses this as its showcase event, it can't afford to be a letdown. This is the race that sets the stage for the entire season. 

Every driver on the circuit will give everything they have to win this race. Fans want to see a great race with an exciting finish that will have them talking for a long time. 

There are a number of factors that go into making a race great, but the biggest thing will be just keeping all the cars on the track. The more drivers you have on the track, the better the odds are that you will get a compelling finish. 

With Danica Patrick joining the fray, there has never been more star power in NASCAR. Everything is set up to make this race great. Let's hope the drivers can deliver. 

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