Here are five drivers to watch during the 68th Daytona 500. The 200-lap affair at the storied 2.5-mile oval is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
William Byron
Coming off back-to-back Daytona 500 wins in 2024 and 2025, the 28-year-old seeks an unprecedented third straight victory. Bryon won the 2020 Coke Zero Sugar 400, but his recent success the 500-miler followed six years of struggle in the Great American Race. A 21st-place showing as the pole-sitter in 2019 was his highest finish until his ’24 win. Driving a backup car after crashing in the Duels intensifies Byron’s challenge to three-peat.
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Joey Logano
The 35-year-old has had his chances to add to his 2015 win. A runner-up showing to runner-up finish to Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 2023 is among five finishes in the top-six since his sole victory. Coming off a win in the Duels, the three-time Cup Series champion could be the driver to beat based on his experience, aggressive style and drafting ability.
Ryan Blaney
With six finishes in the top-eight in 11 appearances, Blaney routinely finds himself in the mix. The close-calls include a photo-finish runner-up to Denny Hamlin in 2020 and a fourth-place showing in 2022, where Blaney was right there on the final lap. The 2023 Cup Series champion, Blaney won the 2021 summer race, another sign of the 32-year-old’s comfort level at Daytona International Speedway.
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Kyle Busch
Busch captured his first pole as he seeks a coveted Daytona 500 win in his 21st attempt. A runner-up finish in 2019 is an outlier. Busch’s 20 previous starts ended with an average finish of 20.2, as well as six crashes and two failed engines. Now 40, Busch has been arguably the Cup Series’ most talented driver since he was a 19-year-old rookie in 2005. A resumé featuring 63 wins lacks the one that means the most.
Chase Elliott
The Cup Series Most Popular Driver the past eight years, the 30-year-old would be a celebrated winner among the sellout crowd. A runner-up finish in 2021 to Michael McDowell is Elliott’s only time inside the top 10 in 10 tries. Three times crashes ended his day. But a win during the Duels could signal Elliott is prepared to contend Sunday.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com.
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