NASCAR Cup Series

How do you explain an event that, even ten years later, can cause the burliest of men to shed a tear?

Before the official start of the 2011 NASCAR season, the issue of substance abuse again made headlines for the sport, with the arrest of up and coming driver Michael Annett for driving under the influence.

Lately it seemed when Dale Earnhardt Jr. went to pick his spot, he'd always get a crappy starting position - like 20th. This year was different as he drew the pole for Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout at the Draw Party.

There must be a sense of déjà vu for Dale Earnhardt Jr. as he enters Speedweeks 2011 at the Daytona International Speedway.

Daytona has always had this magical aura with stories surrounding the Daytona 500 that everybody loves to tell over and over.

Daytona has always had this magical aura with stories surrounding the Daytona 500 that everybody loves to tell over and over.

After what seems like an eternity of waiting for the fans, NASCAR will officially drop the green flag on its 2011 season this Saturday, February 12th, with the 33d annual running of the Budweiser Shootout on the high banks of the Daytona International Speedway.

Annett was arrested following an auto accident that occurred sometime between 1:30 and 2 am last Sunday morning.

It has been an interesting off-season in NASCAR, and I'm not just talking about the snow in Dallas. We learned things, like the best mathematicians hail from such places as Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, and the Carolinas.

Michael Waltrip's Daytona stories extends to include several chapters, each containing their own special aura.