Some of the most significant storylines for today’s race,

Some of the most significant changes and storylines for today’s race.

Who’s in?

NASCAR officials may want to check driver’s licenses along pit road. There is a youth movement in play, driven by dwindling sponsorships and inability to pay top dollar for veteran contracts (not disclosed but typically seven figures).

So say hello to William Byron (20), Alex Bowman (24) and Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. (24). All have prior Cup experience but this will be their first time participating in the entire run of 36 races.

They join a previous wave of rising stars (at least with the potential), including Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Erik Jones, Daniel Suarez and brothers Austin Dillon and Ty Dillon.

Who’s out?

The cost-conscious shift to younger drivers has left a number of solid veterans scrambling to find rides. Some did, like Kurt Busch, the defending Daytona 500 champion. Busch, 39, signed a one-year deal in December to stay at Stewart-Haas Racing. Others could not find a safety net. That includes former Cup champion Matt Kenseth (left), who was dropped for Jones at Joe Gibbs Racing.

No fan of youth movement

“It is bothersome,” said veteran Kyle Busch. “We’ve paid our dues, and our sponsors have and everything else, and all you’re doing is advertising all these younger guys for fans to figure out and pick up on and choose as their favorite driver. I think it’s stupid. But I don’t know, I’m not the marketing genius that’s behind this deal.”

Double the dominance?

Martin Truex Jr. sealed one of the most feel-good stories in NASCAR history by winning a Cup title for Furniture Row Racing with a resilient fiancée at his side. Sherry Pollex is a strong survivor who has battled back from several bouts with cervical cancer.

The fight on the track shifts to Truex Jr. He was crazy good in 2017, winning eight times, finishing in the top-five 19 times, and in the top-10 26 times.

No pressure, but watcha got in 2018, Mr. Truex?

Chevy’s cool ride

Chevrolet is going oldschool by bringing back the Camaro ZL1 to the Monster Energy Cup Series. The deep-blue car replaces the Chevy SS. At least one fan is going car-shopping and intends to find room in his garage for a plus-one.

“I’ll build some space,

whatever we’ve got to do,” said Earnhardt, who retired from Hendrick Motorsports, a Chevy team, at the end of the 2017 season.

BRIAN LAWDERMILK / GETTY IMAGES stin Dillon, in the No. 3 Dow Chevrolet, leads the field at the start of the Advance Auto Parts Clash exhibition race last weekend at Daytona International Speedway.

CHRIS TROTMAN / GETTY IMAGES 2017 Martin Truex Jr. and girlfriend Sherry Pollex celebrate Truex winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship in November.