After what was not the quietest of NASCAR off seasons this weekend on the beaches of Daytona it all kicks off with the Bud Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night.
While it has been a very active off season- it has also been quite a long wait for this weekend after arguably the most exciting season in the last decade.
With the new Shootout format rules the top 25 drivers in the standings in 2011 are eligible, past Bud Shootout winners, along with any past winner at the high banked super speedway. Saturday night’s race under the light is setting up to be one race fans soon won’t forget.
The field of players is stocked with title contenders and more than capable winners of not only this race but of the Daytona 500.
There are very few drivers in the field that has had the success at DIS than Jeff Gordon. It has been since 1997 since he last visited victory lane in this event; this weekend he could tie Tony Stewart and Dale Jarrett with three wins in the event.
Gordon has not won a points paying restrictor plate event since 2007. He last won his Duel qualifying race back in 2008.
For Gordon there would be no better way to start off the season and kick off Speedweeks 2012 then Saturday night in the Shootout.
With a new ride, fresh start and new colors AJ Allmendinger is primed and ready to finally get his first win in the Sprint Cup series.
After losing his ride at Richard Petty Motorsports due to funding, then a whirlwind 24 hours where suddenly he was driving for Roger Penske and suddenly Allmendinger is more than just a weekly win contender he is a Chase contender.
It all begins this weekend where Allmendinger will be attempting his first Bud Shootout with the new rules.
He has had one top five and two top 10 finishes but those were in points paying events. The expectations for Allmendinger this season are huge and a strong start tomorrow night can go a long way in a very long week on the beach.
Here are my other drivers to watch this weekend:
Jeff Burton: After a rough 2011 a win here would do a lot to boost this team’s confidence.
Kurt Busch: He has proven he can push people around the big track but a new team, a new car and a fresh start for the embattled champion could be what he needs.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr.: It’s been a while since he has won anywhere let alone at DIS but quietly Earnhardt pulled off his best season in 2011 with Hendrick Motorsports. Earnhardt is always a threat here and he could be the first to cross the checkers.
My pick to win this weekend is Gordon. They were bad fast at the test and a Speedweeks sweep wouldn’t be out of the question.
The Bud Shootout is Saturday night on FOX at 8 ET.
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