I’ve watched NASCAR for a good chunk of my life.

Last year, I feel like we experienced one of the most unique seasons of all time.

After a few races in, dates on the schedule began to be delayed. At times, I questioned whether or not the season would come to a conclusion.

But guess what? Everything worked out! One of my favorite drivers became champion, and quite honestly, the 2020 season might have been one of my all time favorites.

I saw how easily my favorite sport could be taken away because of things going on in the world, and it just felt so good to get it back.

Now, the 2021 Daytona 500 is just days away! There’s nothing quite like that race. I love it so much that the anticipation of it coming puts me in a good mood for days in advance.

Who will win the big race this year? That’s the beauty of it. Sometimes we have no idea until the final lap. There’s nothing quite like a heart pounding finale to the greatest race ever.

I started watching racing in 2005, and here are a few of my favorite Daytona 500s since then!

2005- Winner: Jeff Gordon

2007- Winner: Kevin Harvick 

2008-  Winner: Ryan Newman

2010- Winner: Jamie McMurray

2011- Winner: Trevor Bayne

2012- Winner: Matt Kenseth

2014- Winner: Dale Earnhardt Jr.

2017- Winner: Kurt Busch

As for this year’s race? I’m not a betting man. But I have a good feeling about Chase Elliott. And I’m not just saying that because he’s one of my favorite drivers! (But maybe I am a little bit!) I do believe Chase is on a hot streak right now, and he is going to carry that momentum from winning the Championship into the 500!!

Who do you think is going to win? Got any dark horse picks? Also, let me know what your favorite Daytona 500 finish is! So many good ones to choose from!