NASCAR: Dark Horse Picks for the Daytona 500

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Feb 13, 2016; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Chris Buescher (34) during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Buescher

Landon Cassill’s new teammate in the Front Row Motorsports stable is reigning Xfinity Series Champion Chris Buescher, driving the No. 34 Ford. This rookie driver knows a thing or two about restrictor-plate racing. Chris has finished no worse than 12th in any restrictor-plate race he has run in the Xfinity Series dating back to 2014, including a pair of 2nd place finishes to boot.

With Roush-Yates horsepower under the hood the FRM teams will be stronger than even in Daytona, and that has already shown itself in race condition. Buescher finished in 9th position in the first Can-Am Duel and assuredly gained a lot of experience and may have made some friends that can help him Sunday afternoon.

Chris Buescher will certainly be a rookie to watch for throughout the season including in the Daytona 500, where FRM cars have been strong in the past. Look for him to have a solid showing in the first race on 2016.

Next: Ty Dillon

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