2009 Daytona 500: Things That Make You Think

The latest edition of the Daytona 500 is now in the history books. Here are a few things from this past week that you may think about down the road.

1. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will never take the blame for an accident.

The incident that caused the big wreck that took out Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and others does not take place if Junior eases back onto the track.

Brian Vickers makes a legal block. Earnhardt was not patient enough to fall behind Vickers and get back in line. He was not racing for the lead. Earnhardt was racing for the "lucky dog" spot to get back on the lead lap.

Here's a tip Dale, own up to your mistakes. It will make you even more popular to show your fans that you are human.

2. Kyle Busch is going to have a better season this year.  He will win the 2009 Sprint Cup Championship.

No. 18 was clearly the best car in the field on Sunday. Towards the end of the race, he was about to show his muscle. Joe Gibbs Racing has been the benefit of Busch's ouster from Hendrick Motorsports. JGR has given him quality cars, and Kyle is not disappointing them.

I am sure that the mistakes of late last season has made this race team smarter and better equipped to guard against those errors again this season. Look for Kyle Busch to be celebrating in November at Homestead.

3. "I rather be lucky than good," said Richard Petty.

There has never been a more true statement that this one when it comes to the Daytona 500. 

Matt Kenseth barely missed being caught up in the wreck caused by Earnhardt and Vickers. I believe Kenseth was destined to win. 20-years ago, No. 17 went to Victory Lane with Darrell Waltrip, who at that point had never won the Great American Race.

4. Will the pressure of trying to win four Cup titles in a row get to Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus?

If what happened at Daytona is any indication, then it will get to them. Over the years, I have seen that team have a terrible car for most of the day. When it counted, most of the correct adjustments were made, and Johnson would charge to the front. 

It just did not happen on Sunday. I know that there will be days were you just cannot find the right combination to win no matter how hard you try, but not this team at the biggest event of the season. I could be wrong about this, but this is just what I saw on Sunday.

Overall, it was a good day for the fans, who love and support these drivers. Now, on to California and the Auto Parts 500 at Fontana.