Daytona (Wednesday)

So if everything goes to plan, I'll have suggested and had aired the greatest story in the history of NASCAR Racing during the Sprint Vision pre-race for the Gatorade Duels tomorrow afternoon. Of course, this could be the worst thing I've ever suggested in my life. More on that later.

After the very comfortable drive to Florida (except through the construction zone that was ALL of Georgia) I got to the hotel and really enjoyed my afternoon. Got to sit in on the SV pre-race show prep for tomorrow (hence the opening paragraph above) and then caught up with my friends early in the evening. New Hampshire was a long time ago so it was nice to hang out with the crew for a little while. We're going to dinner in a bit and then who knows whats to follow. I just know I've got to be in the lobby at 8:45 in the morning.

I drove by the track today on my way in and it was a circus. The economy has hit NASCAR hard, but evidently fans are flocking to Daytona this weekend for what is sure to be an entertaining opening to the 2009 season.

Tomorrow's qualifying races will have some interesting points to it. In the first 150 miler, there are 6 drivers going for 2 spots. I'd take my chances in that race if I was Brad Keselowski, Joe Nemechek or Scott Riggs. But race number 2 has 10 guys going for 2 spots and that is gonna bring the fireworks. The difference between a guaranteed quarter of a million bucks to start on Sunday and loading up the truck tomorrow is huge-- this year more than ever.

In race number 2, you've got former Daytona 500 champs Geoffrey Bodine and Derrick Cope, not to mention a few other guys who have some crews that have put in alot of long hours over the last few months. And depending on what happens it could be a long weekend for those guys. I get to stick around until Sunday. Those guys who don't make the show tomorrow have to be out of the garage by sundown. The hopes and dreams of three months will go with them when they head back through the tunnel.

I don't know what's gonna happen tomorrow, except to say that we will all be entertained by the twin 150 mile last chance races. I'll have more from my trip to the 51st Daytona 500 all weekend long.