Going into 2016’s season opener, members of the NASCAR.com editorial team make predictions for who will head to Victory Lane for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
Zack Albert
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Restrictor-plate racing is often finicky, but it’s hard to go against a proven Daytona-winning driver with a stout car that goes where he points it.
Kenny Bruce
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: As much as I’d like to see a surprise winner, inside information tells me it’s Dale Jr.’s to lose.
Holly Cain
Denny Hamlin: He is overdue in this race, at a place he races so expertly.
Pat DeCola
Kyle Busch: ‘Rowdy’ will start 2016 the way he closed out 2015 — on top. His dominant showing in the second Can-Am Duel was no fluke, and he’ll pick up his second win of Speedweeks on Sunday.
RJ Kraft
Denny Hamlin : Hard to pick against Dale Jr., but I will. Hamlin has had the speed during Speedweeks, won the Sprint Unlimited and has four straight top-six finishes at Daytona. Hamlin will snap JGR’s 23-year drought in the Daytona 500 and give Toyota its first win in the “Great American Race.”
Maggie MacKenzie
Joey Logano: The talk at the track has Dale Jr. and his “Amelia” car winning, but the 2015 Daytona 500 champ shouldn’t be forgotten. Logano’s been posting top speeds all week as he continues the strong momentum from his dominant ’15 season.
Brad Norman
Joey Logano: “Sliced Bread” becomes the first back-to-back Daytona 500 winner since Sterling Marlin (1994-95), overpowering those Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas and, yes, even race favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Jessica Ruffin
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Having won half of the speedway races last season, Junior’s always a top pick heading into a plate event. Tack on his Duel win Thursday and his love for his car, and you’ve got a recipe for Victory Lane.
Taylor Starer
Kyle Busch: Coming off the high of being the 2015 Sprint Cup Series champion, Kyle Busch is ready to add another accomplishment to his resume: a Daytona 500 win. The Joe Gibbs Racing drivers have all looked strong during Speedweeks, but Busch will be the one who brings Toyota its first “Great American Race” victory.
Kathy Sheldon
Joey Logano : Amelia’s a great car, but the No. 22 almost had something for Dale Jr.’s speedy ride in the Can-Am Duels. Something crazy always happens at Daytona, and the defending winner looks like he can sneak through the trouble spots again.
George Winkler
Ryan Blaney: Let’s pick the Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate to pull off the upset for the Wood Brothers. Fellow Fords in the Team Penske camp can give him the push he needs to make like Trevor Bayne and shock the world.