Daytona 500 2017: Storylines to Watch in NASCAR's Season Opener

Intrigue abounds at the 2017 running of the Daytona 500. 

This isn't any normal season for the Monster Energy Cup Series. The usual suspects, albeit with a dash of youth, will take to Daytona International Speedway. But a new format, rules and an evolving sport looking to modernize and reach more fans than ever has the year's marquee event looking like a breath of fresh air—and a competitive one at that.

Storylines abound in a normal year. The same holds true for Sunday afternoon, where drivers looking for redemption, up-and-comers hoping to announce their arrival and new faces in new places are just a small smattering of the notable talking points.

Below, let's look at three of the most important stories before things get underway.

Viewing Details

Where: Daytona International Speedway

When: Sunday, 2 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Tickets: ScoreBig.com

Kevin Harvick's Big Change

It's only right much of Sunday's attention centers on Kevin Harvick.

The veteran won the Daytona 500 10 years ago, his only victory at the Super Bowl of stock car racing. Going into this anniversary of sorts, Harvick faces a tougher task than perhaps ever before thanks to a car change.

For the first time in his career, Harvick won't pilot a Chevy, not with Stewart-Haas Racing teaming with Ford. Combine this sudden change with all the new hurdles facing all drivers, and Harvick has quite the hill to climb.

Harvick himself spoke about the wealth of changes on top of the switch to Ford, according to Dick Goss of the Herald-News:

"

I have driven the car now several times. Those guys who are taking care of the engine are on top of their game. They have not missed a beat under the hood. But the whole company is becoming another company. The balance, set-up, new rules package, there's a lot to adjust to, and a lot to do in order to make the car drive right.

"

Last year, Harvick finished fourth at this event and closed the year with three top-10 finishes. One could argue he carries plenty of momentum into Sunday.

Whether such a thought holds true comes down to how well he spars with a career-first change on top of everything else.

Old vs. New

Both generations will be well represented Sunday. 

On one end of the spectrum, Dale Earnhardt Jr. holds it down in the wake of guys like Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards retiring over the past few years.

Earnhardt is perhaps the most interesting veteran tale entering the race, though, thanks to health issues that caused him to miss a handful of races a year ago. In fact, Sunday marks Earnhardt's first official start since last July and his battle with concussions has spurred change within the sport.

Age and the pursuit of a championship has had Earnhardt talking about going out on top all week, as captured by NASCAR.com's Holly Cain:

"

Hell yeah. I would definitely not want to come back and race anymore if I won the championship, I'd be outta of here. I've always wanted to win a championship so badly. And coming back from this injury, we've worked so hard. So to come back this year and win the championship, it would be hard not to hang it up.

"

If Earnhardt's story is coming to a close, Chase Elliott's is just beginning.

Elliott tallied a top-10 finish last year and entered this week in similar form, taking the pole and winning the first Can-Am Duel.

The 21-year-old driver now seeks a start reminiscent of Gordon and other greats, looking to make his mark by stealing a checkered flag at one of the sport's biggest races and fully announcing his arrival.

A second-generation driver winning it all and catapulting a new superstar name into households everywhere is the perfect counterweight to Earnhardt's go-out-on-top pursuit. Provided both drivers show up big, NASCAR can't go wrong as it tries to find new grip and further the sport's reach.

A New Era

NASCAR's sweeping changes range from injury rules to helping make races more entertaining, not to mention the results seem fairer. 

Mostly in response to Earnhardt's struggles last year, NASCAR has expanded its concussion protocol. On the track, damage repair to cars will now be more strictly enforced, an effort aimed at policing how crews repair cars and not only making things safer but reducing the number of yellows in a given race.

The most notable change is to the format. Races now unfold in stages, with the top-10 finishers in the first two stages receiving championship and playoff points.

NASCAR chairman Brian France spoke about the aim of the changes, according to NASCAR.com:

"

Simply put, this will make our great racing even better. I’m proud of the unprecedented collaboration from our industry stakeholders, each of whom had a common goal -- strengthening the sport for our fans. This is an enhancement fully rooted in teamwork, and the result will be an even better product every single week.

"

With something on the line at every stage of a race—not to mention in every race of the season—fans shouldn't have any dull periods where drivers bide their time. The entire strategy behind fuel management and teamwork just changed for good, with fans the biggest winners. 

This makes Sunday quite the interesting showcase. How will veterans react to the change? Will the younger drivers adapt faster? How does this change the team dynamics of the event?

The Daytona 500 on its own doesn't need much in the way of hype. But Sunday offers plenty as the sport looks to modernize and bring in a wider audience. On paper, Sunday's event offers plenty to help accomplish this goal.

Stats and info courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.