Keys to Victory: Daytona

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The annual Independence Day classic: NASCAR at Daytona. There isn’t much more of an iconic race and weekend out there, and it’s no secret that every driver wants to win this race. And to get in Victory Lane, you’ll have to follow the Keys to Victory.

Starting Position

Anyone who says where you start at Daytona doesn’t mean anything is wrong. While it’s true that you can work from the back and come to the front with ease, it doesn’t lower the risk of getting torn up early in the race. Just putting a little effort into putting down a hot lap can dramatically affect your 400 mile race.

Changing Lanes

It seems easy on a highway doing 60, but when you triple the speed, it gets a little tougher. To change a lane you’ll need a well handling car, advice from your spotter, and cooperation from the competition. One slight mistake can end in a day like Talladega in May, one day we don’t want to relive.

Falling in Line

It seems simple when you come off a rolling start, but sometimes getting in line and catching a draft can be a challenge at the “plate” tracks. Without a strong draft, your lap times can suffer from 2-3 seconds per lap.

Controlling Your Aggression

Yes, all these drivers want to lead every inch of the race, but it’s been proven time and time again that their wishes don’t come true. As fun as it may be to race 4 wide on Lap 10, it’s usually decided to save that for later in the race.

Check the Mirrors

With a track so big, there will be some blind spots that your spotter won’t be able to find. Some lines will move faster than others, and it’s the responsibility of the driver to make judgements when the spotter can’t. Even when the spotter makes a call, the driver still needs to check and see if the hole is open.