1. Is Daytona Primarily a Gateway to the Playoffs Now?
Let’s be clear: the significance of the Daytona 500 in the NASCAR season remains undiminished. It’s still the race that drivers and crew chiefs aspire to win the most, set apart by its unique venue and history.

However, it’s also futile to ignore the Daytona 500’s position on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Starting the season with the sport’s marquee event may seem unconventional, but it has its advantages, notably drawing attention to NASCAR right from the start.

What’s particularly interesting about the 2024 Daytona 500 is its role relative to the other 25 regular-season races. Recent history suggests it primarily serves as a gateway to the playoffs for a driver who may not win another race in the season.

While some might find this harsh, the pattern of the past three years—Michael McDowell in 2021, Austin Cindric in 2022, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the previous season—indicates that the winner of the season-opening race secures a playoff spot, potentially leaving only 15 spots for the rest of the field.

This trend may not persist indefinitely. Sooner or later, a driver from a top-tier team will break through and claim victory at Daytona. Perhaps even in the upcoming race.

Until that happens, the Daytona 500 will continue to wield significant influence over the shape of the postseason. And perhaps, in a way, that’s fitting.

2. Could This Be the Season of Chase Elliott’s Most Compelling Narrative Yet?
Chase Elliott is known for many things—his talent, popularity, and widespread adoration. But is he truly captivating? That’s a bit more ambiguous.

It’s not that Elliott lacks personality. He has shown moments of frustration, anger, and joy, depending on the circumstances. While he may not be the most riveting interviewee, he’s certainly not the dullest either.

Throughout his Cup Series career, Elliott has been at the center of intrigue, particularly regarding when he would achieve certain milestones. Questions about his first Cup Series win or championship have followed him, creating memorable moments for fans of the sport.

However, as Elliott heads into the 2024 season, it’s fair to say that his narrative has never been more compelling. His tumultuous 2023 season, marred by off-track injuries and suspensions, adds layers to his story.

It’s not just about whether Elliott will return to victory lane, as many expect him to. It’s about whether he will demonstrate the championship-worthy fire and passion that NASCAR fans crave, making it clear that he’s in the sport because he loves it, not just because he’s skilled at it.

This narrative could be the stuff of movies or TV series. Speaking of which…

3. Will “NASCAR: Full Speed” provide a boost?
If you haven’t yet watched “NASCAR: Full Speed” on Netflix, you’re missing out. Even in an era saturated with social media and podcasts offering direct insights from drivers, the series offers a unique and fascinating look inside the sport.

I caught my wife, who has a passing interest in NASCAR, watching the series more than once. While anecdotal, it suggests that “Full Speed” has the potential to engage viewers who may have drifted away from racing or are on the fringes of fandom.

However, it remains uncertain whether “Full Speed” can replicate the success of “Formula 1: Drive to Survive.” While the former is undoubtedly a success, it has yet to achieve the phenomenon status that NASCAR would have hoped for.

4. What’s the outlook for Stewart-Haas Racing?
When your name is Tony Stewart and you own a race team, expectations are understandably high. While it’s not fair to demand that the team replicate your past successes, a few wins a season from a four-car operation is a reasonable expectation.

Unfortunately, Stewart-Haas Racing fell short of this mark last year, failing to secure a single victory despite having drivers like Kevin Harvick and Aric Almirola in the lineup.

Tony Stewart’s acknowledgment that the team’s performance in the past two years is unacceptable reflects the need for change. However, the current lineup doesn’t instill much confidence on paper.

Josh Berry’s rookie season at 33 years old presents a learning curve, while Noah Gragson’s talent is tempered by his emotional struggles. Ryan Preece is still settling in at SHR, leaving Chase Briscoe as the most experienced driver—a position he’s relatively new to.

It would be a significant achievement for Stewart, Ford, and the Cup Series as a whole if SHR could rediscover its winning form. However, without unexpected overachievements, this seems like a tall order.

5. What’s next for Ryan Blaney?
As defending Cup Series champion, Ryan Blaney faces a different challenge. While his three wins last season weren’t unexpected, winning the championship was somewhat surprising.

Repeating as champion in the current era of NASCAR is incredibly challenging. Beyond the parity among top teams, one needs both luck and skill to succeed.

Blaney’s team never felt dominant last season, which could indicate that they have untapped potential. Regardless, Blaney can’t focus on past achievements. As his fiancée Gianna Tulio succinctly put it, he just needs to be himself—Ryan Blaney. And perhaps that’s enough.