The NASCAR season kicks off this Sunday at the Mecca of auto racing, Daytona International Speedway. The 2.5-mile restrictor plate racetrack packs 40 cars inches apart while flirting with 200MPH speeds.

By all means, drivers will be cautious up until 10 laps to go. Why you ask? Three words, The Big One. A wreck that takes out almost half the field. It’s not a matter of if it will happen, it’s a matter of when.

The winner of this race is enshrined into the history books. The question at hand, is who is going to take the checkered flag at the Great American Race? Let’s find out.

Denny Hamlin

Hamlin is a threat every week, especially at restrictor plate races. Hamlin has started the season off in impressive fashion. After winning the Budweiser Shootout last Saturday, Hamlin came just short of winning the Can-Am duel Thursday night and had to settle for second. In his last four races at Daytona, Denny has an average finish of fourth. All in which were top 10s. As long as he avoids the “Big One”, watch for Hamlin to be in position to win his first Daytona 500.

Joey Logano

There is no way you leave off the defending Daytona 500 winner on this list. Last year, Logano held off Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt Jr in impressive fashion to win his first Daytona 500. That’s not the only reason he’s on this list. In 2015, Joey Logano won two of the four restrictor plate races on the schedule (Daytona and Talladega). Look for the number 22 Shell Pennzoil Ford to have a good day and threaten for a win.

Jimmie Johnson

This list wouldn’t be complete if Mr. Six time wasn’t on it. Johnson’s resume speaks for itself. A three-time winner at the 2.5-mile track(two Daytona 500 wins), Jimmie knows how to put his Lowes Chevrolet in Victory Lane.

Wild Card

Chase Elliott

Awesome Bill from Dawsonville’s son is finally racing with the big boys. The 20-year-old Elliott is looking to start his Rookie season off with a bang by putting the famed number 24 back in victory lane. Chase is already off to a good start. The rookie claimed the pole last Sunday for the Great American Race and hopes to keep his car in that position all day. With the help and guidance of his teammates at Hendrick Motorsports, Chase Elliott will be in contention when the white flag waves.

Winner

Dale Earnhardt Jr

Who else but Junebug? Dale Earnhardt Jr. has always been a great restrictor plate racer but has excelled the past two years. Last season in the four restrictor plate races on the NASCAR schedule, Dale Jr. had two wins and four top fives that equaled out to an average finish of 2nd. Look for Junior to add to the Earnhardt legacy and capture his third Harley J. Earl Trophy.