Daytona Day: Hours away from engine starts
THREE THINGS WE LEARNED
NASCAR is under heavy scrutiny because of sliding attendance and television ratings. An exciting Daytona 500 and the return of the popular Dale Earnhardt Jr., could be just what the sport needs.
1. Dale determined
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he is 100 percent recovered from his 2016 concussion and looks forward to racing the rest of Speedweeks at Daytona. “I’ve had so much success (at Daytona), that brings my confidence level up a little bit,” Earnhardt said.
2. Hamlin vs. ‘Kez’
The Daytona 500 could be a two-car battle between Denny Hamlin in the No. 11 Toyota and Brad Keselowski in the No. 2 Ford. They crashed on the last lap as they battled for the lead in the Clash at Daytona. Kez says he will make the same move in the 500 if necessary.
3. Flying wedge
Toyota returned to Daytona with its flying-wedge formation in the Clash. At one point, the top four cars in the Clash were all Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas. Toyota used the same strategy to win the 2016 Daytona 500 with Denny Hamlin at the tip of the spear.