Key story lines to watch during 2023 Cup Series season

The anticipation has built for today's season-opening Daytona 500 (2:30 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio), and there are plenty of story lines to look out for. From driver and team news to the return of a legendary track, scroll through the gallery and see some of what's in store for NASCAR's 75th anniversary season.

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Daytona 500 winner

Capturing the Harley J. Earl Trophy is a life-changing experience for anyone. Winning the sport's biggest race on one of motorsports' biggest stages is an accomplishment in itself, not to mention the season-long implications that come with it. Punching your ticket to the Cup Series Playoffs in the very first race of the season can potentially set the tone for an incredible year. Who will be the next driver in Victory Lane on the 65th running of the "Great American Race?"

Kevin Harvick's final season

The 2014 Cup Series champion announced his imminent retirement from driving alongside the conclusion of the 2023 season. With a Cup Series career dating back to 2001, one of the sport's most dominant drivers has 60 wins and 245 top-five finishes. Expect the Stewart-Haas Racing staple to add to these impressive numbers during his final full-time campaign.

RELATED: Harvick joining FOX Sports booth in 2024

Kyle Busch and RCR

The new era for Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing is off to an exceptional start, with Busch and Austin Dillon finishing on the podium in the Busch Light Clash at the LA Coliseum. It already feels like new energy and emotion are surrounding the organization, and they could very well be one of the teams to beat this season when it's all said and done. Both drivers should be in the mix for the playoffs and perhaps contend for RCR's first series championship since 1994.

'Seven-Time' partners with 'The King'

As if seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson's return to the premier series wasn't enough, he teamed up with the first seven-time champion, Richard Petty, and longtime team owner Maury Gallagher to transform Petty GMS into Legacy Motor Club. Johnson's ownership stake includes stints behind the wheel, as well, and fans can see the popular driver on the track at races like the Daytona 500 and the Chicago Street Race, among other potential entries.

Chicago Street Race

Speaking of the Chicago Street Race, NASCAR is set to hit the streets of the iconic Illinois city on July 2, creating a groundbreaking experience for fans of the sport. The winner of this race will go down in history forever.

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Garage 56

In case you haven't heard, NASCAR is heading to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France to run the historic endurance race. Throughout the season, you will hear many story lines and updates on the project that features a lineup consisting of seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, F1 world champion Jensen Button and two-time Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller.

RELATED: Check in on the latest Garage 56 news

Year 3 for Trackhouse Racing

From Ross Chastain and Daniel Suárez's rapid emergence as title contenders to Project91, Trackhouse Racing had plenty to boast about during the 2022 season. How will their success and innovation carry over to a refreshed campaign? They aren't underdogs anymore, but they still have a lot to prove.

New rivalries?

The number of run-ins Ross Chastain and Denny Hamlin had in 2022 was unbelievable. Time and time again, the title contenders found themselves racing during meaningful moments on the track. This is one fiery feud that may have fizzled out or perhaps will still continue. Either way, it is more than likely that we will see another notable rivalry start to blossom at some point alongside the existing ones.

The arrival of the phenom

Fresh off a dominant Xfinity Series season that resulted in a championship in his first full year of competition, Gibbs settles into a key role at Joe Gibbs Racing for the foreseeable future. He's won at every level and turned heads while doing so, so even in his rookie season, don't expect him to lower his standard of aiming for Victory Lane. Gibbs filled in for Kurt Busch at the tail end of the season in 2022, gaining valuable seat time heading into the new campaign. Gibbs is one of the brightest young talents NASCAR has seen in quite some time.

Rookie of the Year battle

Standing in the way of Gibbs' rookie parade will be co-contender Noah Gragson. The two have a healthy rivalry carrying over from the Xfinity Series, and this battle will be for bragging rights. If predictions pan out, the two budding young drivers should put on one of the closest ROTY battles in recent history.

Return of North Wilkesboro

This one speaks for itself. After a long absence, the fan-favorite track will be back on the schedule for the annual midseason exhibition -- the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race. This is a spectacle you won't want to miss.

RELATED: Full Cup Series schedule

75th anniversary champion

Winning the Cup Series championship any year is an incredible feat, but conquering the series in the sport's historic 75th season will always have a sweeter ring to it. Will we see a first-time series champion crowned at Phoenix Raceway in November, or a previous champ pick up another trophy to add to his collection?

Custer's time to shine

After a short stint at the Cup Series level, Cole Custer returns to the Xfinity Series, where he dominated in his last full-time season (2019). Though it is a step back, Custer should have the chance to prove himself again and contend for the championship before the SHR Cup Series lineup inevitably shifts in 2024. An instant Xfinity Series title contender, Custer will be on a mission from Race No. 1.

The rise of Zane Smith

Smith made his first Cup Series start on short notice in 2022 and flashed his talent with a 17th-place finish at Gateway. Now, after going on to win the 2022 Truck Series championship, his stock may be rising as fast as anyone. Smith is scheduled to make more Cup Series starts throughout the 2023 season (including today's Daytona 500) and is quickly becoming one of Ford Performance and Front Row Motorsport's brightest stars.

RELATED: Smith attempting to qualify for Daytona 500

Additional story lines

Before the dust settles at the Phoenix finale, we are sure to see many more story lines than were mentioned. Will Joey Logano join the ranks of drivers with three championships? How will crew chief changes impact the results? How many new winners will we have this season? ... and many, many more.

There will be plenty for fans to keep an eye on as we celebrate the sport's 75th anniversary. So buckle up. The highly anticipated 2023 season awaits.