Daytona 500 Predictions: Why Tony Stewart Will Capture His First Daytona 500

Despite capturing three Sprint Cup championships in his career, Tony Stewart has gone 0-of-13 at the Daytona 500.

But this year will be different, as the defending champion has carried his momentum right into 2012.

Stewart will start off in third at "The Great American Race" on Sunday after winning the first Gatorade Duel on Thursday. He was able to stay ahead of the pack at the Duel, which will serve him well at the Daytona 500.

This year's Daytona 500 has restored the widely popular pack racing. While more dangerous for the drivers (as Danica Patrick can attest to), it favors the drivers who stay up in front throughout the 200-lap race.

Stewart has all kinds of confidence this year. He would have won last Saturday's Budweiser Shootout exhibition if it wasn't for Kyle Busch beating him by a nose. He competed in nearly every short-track race during NASCAR's three-month break and he's completely revamped management.

Stewart's No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet has a new crew chief, Steve Addington, who worked with Busch at Penske Racing. Stewart's team has also employed Greg Zipadelli, the crew chief who was behind Stewart's first two Sprint Cup championships at Joe Gibbs Racing in 2002 and 2005.

The results have been there before Sunday's Daytona 500. Stewart is clearly racing a fast car and he's done so expertly thus far.

There are the usual contenders: Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Busch and last year's runner-up, Carl Edwards. But Johnson hasn't looked as sharp (further complicated by his illegal modifications), nor has Harvick.

Stewart is fast approaching Dale Earnhardt's prior mark of 19 races without a Daytona 500 victory, but, like Earnhardt, I see him ending his losing streak.

There are a lot of things working in Stewart's favor this time around. He's coming off a championship with plenty of momentum, he's worked hard in the offseason and his management changes appear to be setting him up well.

Don't be surprised if Stewart wins on Sunday. He looks as good as he ever has.