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Kyle Busch feels that NASCAR should not only promote its young stars, but also established drivers such as himself, and Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick. USA TODAY Sports
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — It’s a new year in NASCAR, and hope springs eternal.
The long, silent winter is over. In the infield at Daytona International Speedway, fan RVs have popped up like flowers after a spring rain. Along the beach, you can buy three t-shirts for 10 bucks. Not that you’d necessarily want to do that.
Inside the garage area, where the real work is done, mechanics are under and around brand new race cars, each team not only gunning for a win in the world’s most important stock car race but also looking for a strong start to the 36-race season, one of sports’ longest.
NASCAR: How series is working to streamline costs in new era
How teams do here is not indicative of how they will perform throughout the year. Kurt Busch, last year’s Daytona 500 winner, is evidence. He didn’t win the rest of the season.
But Daytona is big. The biggest.
Of the dozens of drivers pointing toward the 500 and beyond, several, perhaps, are a bit needier than most.
History of the Daytona 500
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The Daytona 500, the premier race in NASCAR, has been held annually since 1959. The 60th running of the Great American Race is Feb. 18, 2018.
Lynne Sladky, AP
Pre-Daytona 500: Bill France Sr., center, and others gather at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach, Fla., in 1947 for meetings that resulted in the formation of NASCAR.
Daytona Racing Archives
Pre-Daytona 500: An aerial view of the North Turn and grandstand as cars race on the Daytona Beach Road Course in 1950.
Daytona Racing Archives
Pre-Daytona 500: One year before the first Daytona 500, Glen Wood (22) leads Banjo Matthews (M-4) in a 1958 Modified Sportsman race in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Daytona Racing Archives
Lee Petty (42), driving an Oldsmobile, and Johnny Beauchamp (73), driving a Thunderbird, were neck and neck on the last lap of the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959, but Petty nosed out Beauchamp at the finish line.
AP
Junior Johnson leads Fireball Roberts and Richard Petty during the 1962 Daytona 500. Roberts won the 1962 race two years after Johnson won his lone title in 1960.
Daytona Racing Archives
Richard Petty poses with the championship trophy after earning the first of seven Daytona 500 wins in 1964.
Jim Kerlin, AP
Fred Lorenzen (28) outdueled Junior Johnson (27) to win the 1965 Daytona 500.
Daytona Racing Archives
Former Miss USA Diana Batts, of Washington, D.C., gives a big kiss to Mario Andretti after he won the 1967 Daytona 500. Andretti remains the only driver ever to win the Indianapolis 500 (1969), Daytona 500 (1967) and the Formula One World Championship (1978).
AP
Richard Petty holds the record for most Daytona 500 wins with seven. Here he drives to victory during the 1971 race.
Daytona Racing Archives
A.J. Foyt gets a big kiss from Union 76 Racestopper Cheryl Johnson after winning the 1972 Daytona 500. Foyt is the only driver to win the Indianapolis 500 (which he won four times), the Daytona 500, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
AP
Former taxi cab driver Benny Parsons raises the championship trophy after winning the 1975 Daytona 500.
AP
David Pearson was able to coax his wrecked car across the finish line to win the 1976 Daytona 500.
Daytona Racing Archives
In one of the most famous crashes in NASCAR history, David Pearson and Richard Petty wreck while racing for the lead on the final lap of the 1976 Daytona 500.
Daytona Racing Archives
Cale Yarborough, right, kicks and pushes Bobby Allison, center, who is catching his leg as Donnie Allison, left, tries to pull his brother free from the fight which started after Yarborough collided with Donnie on the last lap of the 1979 Daytona 500.
Ric Feld, AP
Richard Petty, (middle, with STP cap and sunglasses), poses with his family after winning his sixth Daytona 500 title in 1979. Petty won for the seventh and final time in 1981.
Daytona Racing Archives
Cale Yarborough takes the checkered flag at the Daytona 500 for the final time in 1984. Yarborough also won in 1983, '77, and '68.
Pete Bauer, AP
Bill Elliott won the second of his two Daytona 500 titles in 1987. He won his first Great American Race two years earlier in 1985.
Kathy Willens, AP
Bobby Allison, right, celebrates his victory in the 1988 Daytona 500 by pouring a Miller beer over the head of his son Davey Allison, who he beat in an emotional finish. Davey Allison won the 1992 race, while Bobby Allison also won in 1982 and 1978.
Dozier Mobley, Getty Images
Darrell Waltrip celebrates his lone Daytona 500 title by performing the "Ickey Shuffle," a dance created by NFL player Ickey Woods, after winning the 1989 Great American Race.
RacingOne ISC Archives via Getty Images
Dale Jarrett lets out a yell as he climbs out of his car after winning the 35th annual Daytona 500 in 1993. Jarrett would add two more Daytona 500 titles, in 1996 and 2000.
Terry Renna, AP
Jeff Gordon (24), Terry Labonte (5) and Ricky Craven (25) led Hendrick Motorsports to a 1-2-3 finish at the 1997 Daytona 500. Gordon would win the Daytona 500 twice more: in 1999 and 2005.
Phil Coale, AP
Crew members line up along pit road to congratulate Dale Earnhardt as the NASCAR legend finally wins his first Daytona 500 in 1998, 20 years after his first Daytona 500 start in 1979.
Roger Simms, Daytona Beach News-Journal via AP
Dale Earnhardt (3) hits the wall after getting hit by Ken Schrader (36) during the 2001 Daytona 500. Earnhardt died as a result of the crash that stands as one of the most horrific moments in NASCAR history.
Bob Sweeten, AP
Shortly after winning the 2001 Daytona 500, Michael Waltrip talks about the death of friend and competitor Dale Earnhardt, who died after crashing on the last lap. Waltrip would have a chance to better celebrate after winning the 2003 Daytona 500.
Terry Renna, AP
Two-time Daytona 500 champion Sterling Marlin gets a reprimand from a track official after he tried to pull a bent piece of sheet metal away from his tire during a red-flag stop in the 2002 race. Marlin's gaffe will forever be part of NASCAR's lore, with some saying his illegal attempt to fix his car under the red flag cost him a victory.
Dow Graham, AP
Ward Burton, center, is showered with confetti in victory lane after winning the 2002 Daytona 500 after Sterling Marlin's penalty.
Matthew Ratajczak, The Stuart News via AP
Crew members converge on Dale Earnhardt Jr., left, at the start-finish line after he won the 2004 Daytona 500, three years after his father died as a result of a last-lap crash in the 2001 event.
Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images
Ryan Newman won his only race of 2008 at the Daytona 500, bringing Penske Racing its first win at The Great American Race.
Jamie Squire, Getty Images
Workers repair damage to the track as a result of a pothole in Turn 2 on lap 122 during the 2010 Daytona 500. The race was red-flagged for almost two hours before Jamie McMurray eventually won.
Jerry Markland, Getty Images for NASCAR
Trevor Bayne, at 20-years, one-day old, became the youngest winner of the Daytona 500, in 2011.
Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
Safety crews work to put out a fire from a jet-fueled track dryer that was hit by Juan Pablo Montoya's car (not pictured) under caution during the 2012 Daytona 500.
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports
Safety workers clean up the track with Tide laundry detergent after a jet-fueled track dryer burst into flames when it was struck by Juan Pablo Montoya's car under caution during the 2012 Daytona 500.
John Harrelson, Getty Images for NASCAR
Matt Kenseth earned the second of two Daytona 500 wins in 2012. He won his first in 2009.
Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
Jimmie Johnson crosses the finish line to win the 2013 Daytona 500.
Kevin Liles, USA TODAY Sports
Dale Earnhardt Jr took the 2014 Daytona 500 on the 10th anniversary of his first win there.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Joey Logano won the 2015 race, his first Daytona 500 victory.
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports
In the closest finish in history, Denny Hamlin (11) beats Martin Truex Jr. (78) to win the 2016 Daytona 500 by .011 second.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Kurt Busch celebrates with New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski after winning the 2017 Daytona 500, the first race of the rebranded Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
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![The Daytona 500, the premier race in NASCAR, has been]()
1 of 39![Pre-Daytona 500: Bill France Sr., center, and others gather at the Streamline Hotel in Daytona Beach, Fla., in 1947 for meetings that resulted in the formation of NASCAR.]()
2 of 39![Pre-Daytona 500: An aerial view of the North Turn and grandstand as cars race on the Daytona Beach Road Course in 1950.]()
3 of 39![Pre-Daytona 500: One year before the first Daytona 500, Glen Wood (22) leads Banjo Matthews (M-4) in a 1958 Modified Sportsman race in Daytona Beach, Fla.]()
4 of 39![Lee Petty (42), driving an Oldsmobile, and Johnny Beauchamp (73), driving a Thunderbird, were neck and neck on the last lap of the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959, but Petty nosed out Beauchamp at the finish line.]()
5 of 39![Junior Johnson leads Fireball Roberts and Richard Petty during the 1962 Daytona 500. Roberts won the 1962 race two years after Johnson won his lone title in 1960.]()
6 of 39![Richard Petty poses with the championship trophy after earning the first of seven Daytona 500 wins in 1964.]()
7 of 39![Fred Lorenzen (28) outdueled Junior Johnson (27) to win the 1965 Daytona 500.]()
8 of 39![Former Miss USA Diana Batts, of Washington, D.C., gives a big kiss to Mario Andretti after he won the 1967 Daytona 500. Andretti remains the only driver ever to win the Indianapolis 500 (1969), Daytona 500 (1967) and the Formula One World Championship (1978).]()
9 of 39![Richard Petty holds the record for most Daytona 500 wins with seven. Here he drives to victory during the 1971 race.]()
10 of 39![A.J. Foyt gets a big kiss from Union 76 Racestopper Cheryl Johnson after winning the 1972 Daytona 500. Foyt is the only driver to win the Indianapolis 500 (which he won four times), the Daytona 500, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.]()
11 of 39![Former taxi cab driver Benny Parsons raises the championship trophy after winning the 1975 Daytona 500.]()
12 of 39![David Pearson was able to coax his wrecked car across the finish line to win the 1976 Daytona 500.]()
13 of 39![In one of the most famous crashes in NASCAR history, David Pearson and Richard Petty wreck while racing for the lead on the final lap of the 1976 Daytona 500.]()
14 of 39![Cale Yarborough, right, kicks and pushes Bobby Allison, center, who is catching his leg as Donnie Allison, left, tries to pull his brother free from the fight which started after Yarborough collided with Donnie on the last lap of the 1979 Daytona 500.]()
15 of 39![Richard Petty, (middle, with STP cap and sunglasses), poses with his family after winning his sixth Daytona 500 title in 1979. Petty won for the seventh and final time in 1981.]()
16 of 39![Cale Yarborough takes the checkered flag at the Daytona 500 for the final time in 1984. Yarborough also won in 1983, '77, and '68.]()
17 of 39![Bill Elliott won the second of his two Daytona 500 titles in 1987. He won his first Great American Race two years earlier in 1985.]()
18 of 39![Bobby Allison, right, celebrates his victory in the 1988 Daytona 500 by pouring a Miller beer over the head of his son Davey Allison, who he beat in an emotional finish. Davey Allison won the 1992 race, while Bobby Allison also won in 1982 and 1978.]()
19 of 39![Darrell Waltrip celebrates his lone Daytona 500 title by performing the "Ickey Shuffle," a dance created by NFL player Ickey Woods, after winning the 1989 Great American Race.]()
20 of 39![Dale Jarrett lets out a yell as he climbs out of his car after winning the 35th annual Daytona 500 in 1993. Jarrett would add two more Daytona 500 titles, in 1996 and 2000.]()
21 of 39![Jeff Gordon (24), Terry Labonte (5) and Ricky Craven (25) led Hendrick Motorsports to a 1-2-3 finish at the 1997 Daytona 500. Gordon would win the Daytona 500 twice more: in 1999 and 2005.]()
22 of 39![Crew members line up along pit road to congratulate Dale Earnhardt as the NASCAR legend finally wins his first Daytona 500 in 1998, 20 years after his first Daytona 500 start in 1979.]()
23 of 39![Dale Earnhardt (3) hits the wall after getting hit by Ken Schrader (36) during the 2001 Daytona 500. Earnhardt died as a result of the crash that stands as one of the most horrific moments in NASCAR history.]()
24 of 39![Shortly after winning the 2001 Daytona 500, Michael Waltrip talks about the death of friend and competitor Dale Earnhardt, who died after crashing on the last lap. Waltrip would have a chance to better celebrate after winning the 2003 Daytona 500.]()
25 of 39![Two-time Daytona 500 champion Sterling Marlin gets a reprimand from a track official after he tried to pull a bent piece of sheet metal away from his tire during a red-flag stop in the 2002 race. Marlin's gaffe will forever be part of NASCAR's lore, with some saying his illegal attempt to fix his car under the red flag cost him a victory.]()
26 of 39![Ward Burton, center, is showered with confetti in victory lane after winning the 2002 Daytona 500 after Sterling Marlin's penalty.]()
27 of 39![Crew members converge on Dale Earnhardt Jr., left, at the start-finish line after he won the 2004 Daytona 500, three years after his father died as a result of a last-lap crash in the 2001 event.]()
28 of 39![Ryan Newman won his only race of 2008 at the Daytona 500, bringing Penske Racing its first win at The Great American Race.]()
29 of 39![Workers repair damage to the track as a result of a pothole in Turn 2 on lap 122 during the 2010 Daytona 500. The race was red-flagged for almost two hours before Jamie McMurray eventually won.]()
30 of 39![Trevor Bayne, at 20-years, one-day old, became the youngest winner of the Daytona 500, in 2011.]()
31 of 39![Safety crews work to put out a fire from a jet-fueled track dryer that was hit by Juan Pablo Montoya's car (not pictured) under caution during the 2012 Daytona 500.]()
32 of 39![Safety workers clean up the track with Tide laundry detergent after a jet-fueled track dryer burst into flames when it was struck by Juan Pablo Montoya's car under caution during the 2012 Daytona 500.]()
33 of 39![Matt Kenseth earned the second of two Daytona 500 wins in 2012. He won his first in 2009.]()
34 of 39![Jimmie Johnson crosses the finish line to win the 2013]()
35 of 39![Dale Earnhardt Jr took the 2014 Daytona 500 on the]()
36 of 39![Joey Logano wins the 2015 Daytona 500.]()
37 of 39![In the closest finish in history, Denny Hamlin (11)]()
38 of 39![Kurt Busch celebrates with New England Patriots star]()
39 of 39
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Atop that list is Joey Logano, who had a mysterious sort of season last year.
Logano missed the playoffs, and he did so despite winning a race. A victory-lane visit practically guarantees a playoff spot, but Logano’s Richmond winning car didn’t pass post-race inspection, and his win immediately was labeled “encumbered,” a rather mystical term that has been banished from NASCAR’s vocabulary this year. It will not be missed.
LOGANO: Nearly as comfortable on ice as on race track
After the Richmond experience, Logano and his team drove into a dark place. In the next five races, he finished 32nd, 37th, 21st, 25th and 23rd. He had eight top-10 finishes in the season’s first nine races but then had only nine top 10s the rest of the season.
The No. 22 team missing the playoffs was like the Patriots being absent from the Super Bowl. It’s not supposed to happen. It doesn’t fit the plans of the Captain, Roger Penske, who is used to racing the best and often beating them.
Put a checkmark by Logano as a driver looking for redemption.
Joey Logano through the years
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Joseph "Joey" Logano was born on May 24, 1990, in Middletown, Conn. Former Nationwide Series driver Randy LaJoie nicknamed him "sliced bread" (as in the greatest thing since).
Sean Gardner, Getty Images
Joey Logano performs a burnout after winning the 2017 Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Logano was penalized post-race, however, so he could not use the victory to clinch a berth in the playoffs.
Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports
Joey Logano swigs a Coke after winning the 2016 FireKeepers Casino 400, June 12 at Michigan International Speedway.
Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Joey Logano does a burnout after winning the 2016 FireKeepers Casino 400 from the pole at Michigan International Speedway.
Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports
Joey Logano celebrates winning the 2015 Daytona 500.
Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports
Joey Logano celebrates winning the 2015 Daytona 500.
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports
Joey Logano leads Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson during the 2015 Daytona 500.
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Joey Logano celebrates after winning the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 21, 2014.
Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports
Joey Logano during practice for the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports
Joey Logano reacts as he's presented with a lobster after winning the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports
Joey Logano (22) celebrates after winning the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway on Oct. 5, 2014.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Joey Logano reacts to winning the 2014 Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Joey Logano (22) held off Team Penske teammate Brad Keselowski during the 2014 Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Randy Sartin, USA TODAY Sports
Joey Logano, then 18, at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 2, 2009. Joe Gibbs Racing announced Logano would drive the No. 20 Home Depot Toyota Camry in the Sprint Cup Series in fall of 2008.
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
Joey Logano won the rain shortened NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 28, 2009. He claimed victory with 27 laps remaining, making him the youngest winner in NASCAR's top racing series.
Jeff Zelevansky, Getty Images
At just 19 years, one month, and four days old, Joey Logano beat Tony Stewart and four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon at the Lenox Tools 301 in New Hampshire.
Drew Hallowell, Getty Images
Joey Logano in victory lane after taking first place in the NASCAR Nationwide Series Meijer 300 at Kentucky Speedway on June 12, 2010, in Sparta, Ky.
Grant Halverson, Getty Images
Joey Logano laughs with team owner Joe Gibbs during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26, 2011, in Charlotte, N.C.
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images
Joey Logano celebrates after winning his second Sprint Cup series race, the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway. He became the first driver in 30 races to win from the pole position.
Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports
In 2008, Joey Logano became the youngest Nationwide Series winner in history. Here he can be seen doing a burnout after his NASCAR Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250 win at Michigan International Speedway on June 16, 2012, in Brooklyn, Mich.
Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images
Crew members hold back Joey Logano after he and Tony Stewart exchanged punches after the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway on March 24 in Fontana, Calif.
Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images
In qualifying for the Pure Michigan 400, Joey Logano's 203.949 mph lap set a track record and gave him his sixth career pole position.
Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images
Joey Logano poses with the Coors Light Pole Award and Miss Coors Light Rachel Rupert after qualifying first for the Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 16.
Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images
Joey Logano celebrates his first win of the 2013 season, at the Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 18.
Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images
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Also on that list is Chase Elliott, who is only 22 years old but already has people asking, “Dude, when you gonna win?”
Elliott did everything but win last year. He was second five times, third three times, fourth one time and fifth twice. In 2016, his rookie season, he had 10 top-five runs but no wins.
HENDRICK: Johnson, three kids hope to return team to the top of heap
Son of Bill Elliott, one of the most popular drivers in the sport’s history, Chase takes the “losses” very hard. Support from Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson, who has been there and done that, has been important.
The feeling about Elliott is that when he finally wins the dam will burst and a chain of victories will follow. Sunday will be the first chance this year for the breakthrough moment.
Chase Elliott's racing career
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Chase Elliott, the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, was born Nov. 28, 1995. The younger Elliott won the 2014 Xfinity Series championship and became a full-time Sprint Cup driver in 2016, taking over the No. 24 car for the retired Jeff Gordon.
Mike DiNovo, USA TODAY Sports
Chase Elliott celebrates after winning the opening race in the Can-Am Duel at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 23, 2017.
Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports
Chase Elliott poses with the Daytona 500 pole trophy on Feb. 19, 2017. Elliott earned the top qualifying spot for the second consecutive year.
John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports
Chase Elliott (24) crosses the finish line at Michigan International Speedway just behind Joey Logano on June 12, 2016. Logano beat Elliott .889 seconds to prevent the rookie from scoring his first career Sprint Cup Series win.
Mike DiNovo, USA TODAY Sports
Rookie Chase Elliott became the youngest driver to win the Daytona 500 pole on Feb. 14, 2016. Elliott was 20 years, 2 months and 17 days old on the day of pole qualifying.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Chase Elliott poses with his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet after winning the Daytona 500 pole on Feb. 14, 2016.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Xfinity Series driver Chase Elliott (9) celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Virginia College Savings 250 at Richmond International Raceway on Sept. 11, 2015.
Amber Searls, USA TODAY Sports
Chase Elliott celebrates with fans after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Championship after finishing fifth in the Nationwide Series auto race at Phoenix International Raceway Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, in Avondale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP
NASCAR driver Chase Elliott is congratulated by Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the end of the DAV 200 Honoring America's Veterans at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale on Saturday, November 8, 2014.
David Wallace, The Republic
Chase Elliott celebrates with his father, Hall of Fame driver Bill and mother Cindy after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship.
Todd Warshaw, Getty Images
Chase Elliott celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship.
Jerry Markland, Getty Images
Nationwide Series driver Chase Elliott celebrates after winning the O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 at Texas Motor Speedway.
Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports
Chase Elliott (center) with crew chief Greg Ives (left) and team owner Rick Hendrick before the Blue Jeans Go GreenTM 200 at Phoenix International Raceway.
Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
Chase Elliott (9) and Elliott's team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) race each other during the O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 at Texas Motor Speedway.
Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports
Chase walks with dad and 1988 Cup champion Bill Elliott on pit road before the NASCAR Nationwide Series Dover 200 at Dover International Speedway.
Nick Laham, Getty Images
Confetti descends on Chase Elliott during the victory lane celebration after the EnjoyIllinios.com 300 at Chicagoland Speedway, his third win of 2014.
Jeff Zelevansky, Getty Images
Chase Elliott competes in the No. 9 car during the Kansas Lottery 300 at Kansas Speedway.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Chase Elliott with his parents Cindy and Bill after winning the O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 at Texas Motor Speedway in April 2014. It was his first win on the national touring series.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images
Chase Elliott celebrates winning the VFW Sports Clips Help a Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway, just one week after his breakthrough win at Texas Motor Speedway.
Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports
Nationwide Series driver Chase Elliott celebrates winning the VFW Sports Clips Help a Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway.
Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports
Chase Elliott is shown before the Drive To Stop Diabetes 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports
Nationwide Series driver Chase Elliott competes during the Jimmy Johns Freaky Fast 300 at Chicagoland Speedway.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Chase Elliott celebrates with his mother Cindy and father Bill after winning the Pocono ARCA 200 at Pocono Raceway.
Matthew O'Haren, USA TODAY Sports
ARCA Racing Series driver Chase Elliott prior to the Pocono ARCA 200 at Pocono Raceway.
Matthew O'Haren, USA TODAY Sports
A young Chase Elliott with father Bill after the elder Elliott won the pole at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Chuck Burton, Associated Press
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And then there is the case of Denny Hamlin, who as a kid racer met Joe Gibbs and told him he one day would drive for him. Remarkably, that prediction came true. In Hamlin’s first full season (2006) with Gibbs, he finished third in points, and many assumed the path to a championship had been paved
Despite a noteworthy career (including 31 Cup wins), Hamlin, now 37, hasn’t been able to close the door on the championship. He has been second, third (twice), fifth, sixth (three times) and ninth (twice).
CARS: Chevrolet, Ford work to catch up to dominant Toyota
Hamlin remains confident he’ll reach the gold ring. He compares his situation to Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s long drought in the Daytona 500, one that ended in victory (in 1998) after two decades.
“Dale Earnhardt was the greatest Daytona driver for how many years before he won it? 20 years, right?” Hamlin said. “He dominated every time. Every year he was in contention. He just never won. He kept putting himself up front and in contention, and he won.
“That’s the way I'm going to keep approaching my career and keep grinding on the door."
The grind continues Sunday.
Denny Hamlin through the years
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Denny Hamlin, born Nov. 18, 1980 in Chesterfield, Va., began his NASCAR Cup career in 2006.
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports
Hamlin celebrates after winning the Overton's 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in July 2017, his first Cup victory of the season.
Brian Fluharty, USA TODAY Sports
Hamlin at Pocono Raceway in June 2017.
Matthew O'Haren, USA TODAY Sports
Denny Hamlin won the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway on Sept. 10, 2016.
Amber Searls, USA TODAY Sports
Denny Hamlin closed out the 2016 regular season with a trip to victory lane.
Amber Searls, USA TODAY Sports
Denny Hamlin celebrates his win at the the Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 7, 2016.
Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Sports
Denny Hamlin won his first career Daytona 500 on Feb. 21, 2016, in one of the most thrilling finishes in the race's storied history.
Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports
Hamlin (11) made a bold pass of Matt Kenseth on the final lap of the 2016 Daytona 500, then beat Martin Truex Jr. (78) to the line by 0.011 seconds, the closest finish in the race's history.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Hamlin hoists the Harley J. Early Trophy in victory lane with his team, girlfriend and daughter after winning the 2016 Daytona 500.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Denny Hamlin (11) and Sprint Cup Series driver David Gilliland (38) during qualifying for the Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Hamlin won the pole.
Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports
Denny Hamlin (11) during qualifying for the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 9, 2014.
Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports
Denny Hamlin wins the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on May 5, 2014.
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Hamlin celebrates after winning the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 17, 2013.
Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
Denny Hamlin gets out of his car through a customized roof hatch during the first caution of the 2013 Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on May 5. Brian Vickers took over driving the No. 11 Toyota in Hamlin's first race back from injury.
Randy Sartin, USA TODAY Sports
Denny Hamlin, watching the STP 400 at Kansas Speedway from his pit box, missed four full races after fracturing a vertebrae in his back at Fontana, Calif.
Mike DiNovo, USA TODAY Sports
Denny Hamlin during practice for the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports
Safety workers attend to Denny Hamlin after his last-lap crash at the Auto Club 400 at Fontana, Calif., on March 24, 2013. Hamlin fractured a vertebrae in his back in the crash.
Jeff Gross, Getty Images
Denny Hamlin hits the wall after colliding with Joey Logano on the final lap of the Auto Club 400 at Fontana, Calif., on March 24, 2013.
Jeff Gross, Getty Images
Denny Hamlin addresses the media during the 2013 Sprint Media Tour at Charlotte Motor Speedway in January.
Sam Sharpe, USA TODAY Sports
Denny Hamlin and girlfriend Jordan Fish arrive at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series awards banquet in Las Vegas, on Nov. 30, 2012.
Isaac Brekken, AP
Denny Hamlin does a burnout after winning the IRWIN Tools Night Race a Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug. 25, 2012.
Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports
Denny Hamlin, right, looks on as he caddies for Bubba Watson during the Par 3 Contest prior to the start of the 2012 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 4, 2012.
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images
Denny Hamlin celebrates after winning the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on March 4, 2012.
Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
Denny Hamlin, fourth from right, watches as President Barack Obama greets Chase for the Sprint Cup drivers during an event at the White House on Sept. 7, 2011. The other drivers, from left to right:Jeff Burton, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Hamlin, Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch, and Clint Bowyer.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
Denny Hamlin swept both races at Texas in 2010 and finished second in the final Sprint Cup standings to Jimmie Johnson.
Todd Warshaw, Getty Images for NASCAR
Denny Hamlin poses with the trophy in victory lane after he won the Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 19, 2010, for his 10th career Sprint Cup win.
Rusty Jarrett, Getty Images for NASCAR
Denny Hamlin celebrates winning the Tums 500 Sprint Cup race at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 25, 2009.Hamlin guaranteed that he would win this race after he came in second at the spring race.
Steve Helber, AP
Denny Hamlin takes the checkered flag for the Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 on Aug. 3, 2009, marking the third time Hamlin had won at Pocono Raceway since his Cup debut.
Doug Pensinger, Getty Images
Denny Hamlin, right, looks on as he caddies for Bubba Watson during the Par 3 Contest prior to the start of the 2012 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 4, 2012.
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images
Denny Hamlin celebrates winning the Lipton Tea 250 May 2, 2008, at Richmond International Raceway, one of three Nationwide Series races Hamlin won that year.
Steve Helber, AP
Denny Hamlin is congratulated after winning the Goody's Cool Orange 500 Cup race at Martinsville Speedway on March 30, 2008.
Don Petersen, AP
Denny Hamlin made the Chase for the second consecutive year, finishing 12th in the final standings in 2007.
Sam Greenwood, Getty Images for NASCAR
Denny Hamlin won his third career Cup race at the Lenox Industrial Tools 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway on July 1, 2007.
Stew Milne, USA TODAY Sports
Denny Hamlin was named the 2006 Rookie of the Year after finishing third in the final Cup standings,scoring the highest points finish for a rookie in the modern era of NASCAR.
Sean Dougherty, USA TODAY Sports
Team owner J.D. Gibbs, left, sprays driver Denny Hamlin with champagne after Hamlin won his first Nextel Cup race, the Pocono 500, on June 11, 2006, at Long Pond, Pa.
Terry Renna, AP
Denny Hamlin, right, looks on as he caddies for Bubba Watson during the Par 3 Contest prior to the start of the 2012 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 4, 2012.
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images
Denny Hamlin, right, looks on as he caddies for Bubba Watson during the Par 3 Contest prior to the start of the 2012 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 4, 2012.
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images
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