Daytona 500 2016: Predictions, Odds and Top Drivers for NASCAR Season Opener
The Daytona 500 is one of the marquee events on the American sports calendar. The Great American Race is NASCAR's chance to shine at the start of a new season, and Sunday's race should be one of the most competitive editions in recent memory.
Although there have been some impressive displays over the past week from the likes of Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott and Dale Earnhardt Jr., a truly dominant car hasn't emerged. Instead, it should be a highly entertaining race, with no shortage of drivers capable of capturing the checkered flag.
Let's check out all of the important information for the 2016 edition of the Daytona 500. That's followed by a look at the odds and a preview with predictions for the top finishers.
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Race Information
Where: Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla.
When: Sunday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. ET
Watch: Fox
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
Tickets: ScoreBig.com
Odds for Top Drivers
| 1 | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | 6-1 |
| 2 | Jimmie Johnson | 9-1 |
| T-3 | Kevin Harvick | 10-1 |
| T-3 | Joey Logano | 10-1 |
| T-3 | Matt Kenseth | 10-1 |
| T-6 | Brad Keselowski | 12-1 |
| T-6 | Denny Hamlin | 12-1 |
| T-6 | Kyle Busch | 12-1 |
| 9 | Carl Edwards | 16-1 |
| T-10 | Kurt Busch | 18-1 |
| T-10 | Chase Elliott | 18-1 |
| T-10 | Martin Truex Jr. | 18-1 |
Preview
The odds illustrate the close nature of the field. Having 12 drivers with odds of 18-1 or better, but none lower than 6-1, shows the coveted victory is very much up for grabs. Since there's usually a couple big wrecks, luck will definitely be a major factor in the end.
That said, it's no surprise Junior enters as the favorite. He's won the season opener twice and has finished inside the top five in half of his Daytona 500 starts (eight of 16). He'll start on the second row, which should allow him to avoid any early crashes, as well.
It also helps that he's had a terrific car all week. It didn't even seem like he was pushing the No. 88 machine to the limit Thursday night and he still won his Can-Am Duel. Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports passed along Earnhardt's comments about his Daytona ride:
"The car is awesome. I don't really get too confident; I don't want to get overly confident in what I'm doing. But the car really does everything I ask it to do.
When you have a car that you know can do the things that this car can do, you're willing to take those gambles and risks to pull out and pass and not worry about getting shuffled to the back because you feel like the car is really capable of doing what you're going to ask it to do every time you make a move. It's just a fun car to drive. Really special car.
"
When you combine all of those factors, it makes Junior the driver to beat on Sunday.
He'll have plenty of competition, though. Reigning champion Kyle Busch put together an outstanding run of success after he returned from injury last season to qualify for the Chase, and he rode that wave of momentum to the Sprint Cup Series title.
Now the question surrounds whether Busch can replicate that performance. He'd finished in the top five of the final standings just twice previously and never better than fourth. So he might be due for a more up-and-down season after everything broke the right way for him down the stretch last year.
NASCAR notes there's reason to believe he can get off to a strong start at Daytona, though:
As for a driver a little more off the radar this week, look no further than Carl Edwards. He hasn't generated much attention because he's failed to produce much success in the 500. He's finished in the top five just once in 11 career starts.
Yet, he's enjoyed a solid week. He finished in the top 10 during the qualifying runs and ended up fourth in his Can-Am Duel. So there's reason for optimism despite those prior lackluster results.
Perhaps the relationship with new crew chief Dave Rogers is helping the Joe Gibbs Racing star find his comfort zone:
Ultimately, when Elliott leads the field to the start line Sunday in the famed No. 24 car, there will be 40 drivers dreaming of Daytona glory. A high number of those have a realistic shot of winning if things go perfectly over the course of 200 laps.
Earnhardt represents the best combination of past success in the race, starting position and overall car performance leading up to the race. As long as he avoids any major setbacks (wrecks or bad pit stops), it's going to take a tremendous effort to beat him.
Predictions for Top Finishers
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2. Carl Edwards
3. Kyle Busch
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