Pre-Race Predictions: Daytona Road Course

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    The NASCAR Cup Series isn't leaving Daytona International Speedway quite yet, as they have a road course race coming up. The O'Reilly Auto Parts 253 is going to be driven on the Daytona Road Course, this Sunday, February the 21st, at 3:00 PM. It will be aired on FS1.

This is going to be the first, points-paying race on a road course for the 2021 season. Some of the drivers who drove in last week’s Busch Clash, could have a better run during the early parts of this upcoming race. These drivers have already ran 35 laps around the track, and have had some decent practice, compared to the drivers who did not participate in the Clash. Anything could happen in the season’s second race, although there are a few drivers that are worth watching.

Here are some drivers to keep your eye on:

• Chase Elliott [No. 9 Chevrolet / Hendrick Motorsports] - If he can clean up some of the mistakes he made in the Busch Clash, he'll be a great contender for the win.
• Denny Hamlin [No. 11 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - He was runner up to Chase Elliott in last years Daytona road course race, and took home a stage point, so there is no reason why he couldn't have a chance to win this time around.
• Martin Truex, Jr. [No. 19 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - Truex is known for being a good road course racer, and as long as he doesn't wreck in the lead, like he did in the Busch Clash, he should have a decent chance at the win.
• Kyle Busch [No. 18 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - He could be a big contender for the win, especially after winning the Busch Clash last Tuesday. Something to note is that he did crash in last road course race at Daytona.
• Joey Logano [No. 22 Ford / Team Penske] - Logano led some laps in the Daytona road course race in back in 2020, but finished 9th. He could bring speed this Sunday, and is definitely somebody to watch. 

Drivers who could have a good finish, or at least place decent:

• Tyler Reddick [No. 8 Chevrolet / Richard Childress Racing] He finished 18th in last years race, but had a really good night in the 2021 Busch Clash. Reddick ended the night with a lap led, and a 4th place finish.
• William Byron [No. 24 Chevrolet / Hendrick Motorsports] - With an 8th place finish in last years race, and a 5th place in the 2021 Busch Clash, he could be a contender for the win as well.
• Erik Jones [No. 43 Chevrolet / Richard Petty Motorsports] - With and 8th place finish in the Clash, and an 11th in last years road course race, Jones is another driver to watch at the Daytona road course. I don’t suspect that he will win, but there’s always a chance! 

   

While the Daytona Road Course is a little more predictable than the oval, still just about anything could happen. I can’t wait to see who comes out the victor, but I suppose only time will tell!