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Go Bowling 235: Power Rankings

Denny Hamlin wins, no matter how they configure Daytona.

By Mark Abell
NASCAR: Daytona 500 Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Race Information


Race: Go Bowling 235
Laps: 156
Date: August 16th
Venue: Daytona International Speedway
2019 Winner: Replacing Watkins Glen
Network: NBC

Track


Daytona International Speedway. This track was built in 1959 by William France Sr. It is more open, allowing drivers to really open up as the inaugural Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race of 2020. Lights were introduced in 1998 and the track was most recently repaved in 2010. The track runs 31 degree high banks and is 2.5 miles long. Restrictor plates were used at Daytona and Talladega until the start of 2019. This is not your conventional Daytona though, some chicanes were added to mimic more of a Watkin Glens style course.

NASCAR: Daytona 500 Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Favorites


Denny Hamlin (sixth selections this year) — Denny won here last year. He won here this year. He finished 2nd last week. Even with the course revamping, he seems to have a natural comfort here. Done and done.

Joey Logano (fifth selections this year) — Joey is heating up – he now has top 10 finishes in four of the last five races. He’s had some success here, but it’s been a few years. I’m trusting that his car and racing are on an upswing right now, especially as the turns become crucial here.

High Risk/High Reward


John Hunter Nemechek (second selections this year) – His recent few races have been rough (36th, 36th and 23rd). He finished 11th here earlier this year and he was 8th at Talladega (similar style of track). I think we see a rebound from him and I think he could be one to cut the turns aggressively.

William Byron (first selection this year) – William finished 2nd here last year and while he wrecked earlier this year and finished 40th, he was 8th at Watkin Glens as a rookie two years ago and has four consecutive top 15 finishes going into this weekend.

The Dark Horse


Chris Buescher (second selection this year) – With the help of a few wrecks, he finished third here this year. He was 17th here last year and he finished in the top 20 each of the last three years at Watkins Glen.

Fun Fact: This race will have 14 turns.

2020 Results


Favorite: Avg Finish 11th (27th Percent)
High Risk/High Reward: Avg Finish 16th (41st Percent)
Dark Horse: Avg Finish 17th (44th Percent)