Daytona 500: Let's Go Back To The 50s

The clouds of Daytona will soon give way to the shinning stars of NASCAR.

Along with a few rookies, the 51st running of the Daytona 500 will showcase some of NASCAR's brightest stars. The field will also include a few of NASCAR's oldest stars.

Today's Daytona 500 field will include three drivers who are at least 50 years old.

Mark Martin, the "youngest" old man of the field at 50, will start on the outside pole.

Mark Martin has recorded more second-place point finishes than any other driver in history. His ride with Hendrick Motorsports in 2009 is starting out on a high note. 

It's time to start the year with a win, and finish the year on the pole in points. 

Bill Elliott is 53 years young and the elder statesman in the field. Elliot has a championship, All-Star race appearance, and a Winston Million win in his storied career, and does not have much to prove.

Or does he?

Starting 40th at Daytona is like being given a life sentence without parole—you're in the field, but you're never going to get out.

Filling in several times since his "retirement," Elliott hasn't had much to celebrate.

His last shining moment at Daytona was a pole in 2001 coupled with a top-five finish.

Could this be one last hurrah for Awesome Bill? Is it time to add a Daytona 500 win to his résumé?

Terry Labonte, 52, is the middle child of the "old mans" club. He will start shotgun in todays field.

Labonte, once NASCAR's iron man, holds the record for the longest span between championships—12 years.

By the time Labonte reaches the line for the green flag, Martin will already be in turn two.

NASCAR's "Ice Man" will really have to stay cool under pressure this time. The record for winning the 500 from last place is still up for grabs, and can never be broken. 

Bright and early tomorrow, 42 drivers will be heading for California, with one person staying behind.

These old men have paid their dues, and I for one am hoping one of them gets to sleep in tomorrow.