BY Frank Alford
If the Bud Shootout is any indication of how The Daytona 500 will be then we should have one hell of a race. NASCAR loosened the reins of the drivers in regard to bump drafting but I really did not see that as a factor on Saturday night. I expect that to be more of a factor on Sunday. The race is longer, the drivers will be patient at first but after half-way mark they will be wanting to go to the front.
After a disappointing year last year Ford is looking good early in the season. With the merger of Yates and Petty it seems like Ford had some new energy. In 1969 Petty Motorsports got nine wins driving Fords. With the power provided by the Roush-Yates engines Ford will be a factor on Sunday.
Hendrick Motorsports owns the front row of the 500 this year. The two drivers not only share the front row but they share the same shop. The teams of Dale Jr. and Mark Martin have been instructed by Rick Hendrick to share all information in hopes getting Dale Jr. to victory lane. I just hope this does not hurt Mark Martin in the process.
RCR ended the 2009 season with some strong runs and backed it up on Saturday with Kevin Harvick winning the Bud Shootout.
I expect to see a lot of passing and lead changes on Sunday. I think Ford will get the win and the two drivers I expect to give Ford the best chance are Kasey Kahne in the No. 9 Budweiser Ford and Matt Kennseth in the No. 17 Crown Royal Ford.
Meet You at the Finish Line
Frank
Looks like your prediction may be coming true, Frank. We’ll see in 128 laps!