Daytona 500 2012: Danica Patrick and 3 Drivers Desperate for Victory

While it is the goal of every driver to win any race they enter, some are a little more desperate than others to actually take the title home.

With how much the Daytona 500 means to the sport of racing, a win here for certain drivers can really help propel their careers in the right direction.

The following drivers will be underdogs going into Sunday's race, but a win here will help push them into a new direction for this season.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Starting Position: 5

It isn't easy to carry the name of Earnhardt in the racing world, and things have been rather difficult for Jr. over the last few years.

He hasn't won a race since 2008—which wasn't all that impressive itself, as he only claimed one title that season. A title win at Daytona will be huge for Earnhardt, and would certainly help bring his career back from the dead.

His numbers have been down since his switch to Hendricks Motorsports, so now is the time for him to take his career to the next level with his team.

Carl Edwards - Starting Position: 1

This race will give Edwards an opportunity to take back his dominance that he had showed back in 2008. That year, he won nine races, but he hasn't been as strong since that season.

He didn't win one race in all of 2009, and won a combined three over 2010 and 2011. This year, he has a chance to make a quick start to the season, especially since he is starting the race in the top position.

Will he hold onto that place? That will remain to be seen, but this is his opportunity to take the bull by the horns and claim a victory at Daytona.

Danica Patrick - Starting Position: 29

Should Patrick be desperate for a win making only her second start since joining the Spring Cup Series?

Perhaps not, but her name is tossed around so much, and expectations are always on her to do something, so claiming a victory at Daytona will prove to the disbelievers, as well as giving her an opportunity to prove that she is the real deal.

A win for Patrick is far-fetched, as she comes in with very little experience. Still, a win here will not only make her accepted amongst her peers, but it will also put her in the history books for winning the Daytona 500 as a woman.