Who’s Hot And Who’s Not Heading Into The Daytona 500

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

NOT – Denny Hamlin

Hamlin will be starting the Daytona 500 towards the back of the pack. This isn’t actually a bad thing seeing as how he started the duel in the same spot and had no issue making his way through the field. That being said, there are a lot of things that can go wrong while working through the field and it’s going to be those things that Hamlin will have to avoid on Sunday.

Hamlin also has had a tendency for wrecking Danica Patrick this week. The two made contact while Hamlin was attempting to pass her in practice which sent Patrick into a wreck. Thursday night during the duel races Hamlin apparently got too close to Patrick which loosened her up and sent her wrecking again. I don’t foresee this turning into a feud as the two drivers are friends but this is still added drama that neither of them really wants or needs with the Daytona 500 looming.

Thus far this season Hamlin has gotten the least attention of his JGR teammates. Edwards is the new face in town, Kenseth won the Sprint Unlimited and Kyle Busch has been bad-fast. Hamlin needs to make a statement this weekend in the Daytona 500.