DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. – What a difference an hour makes.

Sunday night, Matt Kenseth took home the coveted Harley J. Earl trophy and the title of Daytona 500 champion after NASCAR called the race 48 laps from the finish thanks to a heavy rain shower that persisted through the evening.

No, NASCAR didn’t have a matter of darkness to contend with because Daytona International Speedway has lights. And I’m not faulting NASCAR for calling the race, either, because the rain here at the track didn’t let up for several hours.

I am, though, quite sympathetic for the fans that spent a good deal of money to sit in the grandstands at DIS and for the drivers who saw the scheduled 500-mile race shortened to a 380-mile affair that left entirely too many wondering “what if?”
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It’s hard to say who will be the favorite for Sunday’s 51st running of the Daytona 500, but as is usual in the sports writing world, I’ll make an attempt. Here goes:

Jeff Gordon – Coming off 2008 where he failed to earn a victory, Gordon is motivated to find victory lane. He got there once already this week by winning his Gatorade Duel qualifying race, but wants to get there for real. His car has been plenty strong all week and Saturday, the team finished practice with 45 minutes to go in the session.

Tony Stewart – Wouldn’t the story of using a third car in a week make a great one for a 500 champion? It’d be the ultimate way to start a season as a car owner. Read the rest of this entry »

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. — The Daytona International Speedway is known for its impressive banked corners, but where did all that fill dirt come from to build those harnesses of speed?

Answer: Lake Lloyd — a 6 acre body of water located along the backstretch in the infield of DIS that Friday, doubled as a fishing tournament venue.

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