Jeff Gordon: 3 Reasons the 40-Year-Old Can Still Win Daytona 500

Jeff Gordon may not be as young, exciting or curvy as Danica Patrick, but he still clearly has the skills and the opportunity to win the Daytona 500 today.

That is, if it ever starts.

The race is currently being delayed due to rain, and it's unknown when it will get started, but here's a closer look at Jeff Gordon and why the old-timer still has a chance to see the checkered flag.

Just some light reading while you wait.

Age is just another word for experience

I realize Gordon is 40 years old and not a whole lot of drivers have much success at that number, but here are a few more numbers for you.

At Daytona, Gordon has six career wins and has led a total of 589 laps.

That's impressive.

No one knows those left turns as well as Gordon, and you have think that gives him at least a small advantage, no matter what car he's driving.

Rain, rain, don't go away

The conditions are going to be less than ideal, and that might just work in Gordon's favor.

Last week, there were a ton of big wrecks, but Gordon managed to avoid them. In fact, he is historically good at avoiding wrecks. So, when the poor conditions likely make for some messy results today, look for Gordon to avoid them and benefit.

More importantly, he can avoid those wrecks while staying aggressive. The same cannot be said about a slew of other drivers.  

Shake and Bake

As successful as Gordon has been during his career, he can't do it alone. Luckily for him, he has Hendrick teammate Kasey Kahne, who will make things a little (read: a lot) easier.

Don't be surprised if these two hook up near the end of the race and cruise past most of the field. 

"Shake and bake!"

"Is that a catchphrase or epilepsy?"