nascar

Sorry, but this column is arriving a day later than my usual Thursday date. Of course, it has something to do with the race that gives me the data to mess around with did not take place until Thursday. It is not my fault.

Sunday, Feb. 26 will mark the 59th running of the Daytona 500 but did you know that it has been the season-opener only since 1982? The first “Great American Race” was held in 1959 and won by Lee Petty in his first appearance at the event in his No. 42 Oldsmobile Super 88. He led 38 laps and won by two feet in a photo finish battle with Johnny Beauchamp and Joe Weatherly.

When the checkered flag flies on Sunday, that's the conclusion of the journey for arguably NASCAR's ultimate journeyman.

The 2017 season officially begins this weekend as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, XFINITY Series and Camping World Truck Series travel to Daytona International Speedway for the first points races of the year. Please check below for the complete schedule of events.

On Feb. 18, fans young and old remembered the loss of NASCAR legend, Dale Earnhardt, who was killed in a last-lap crash at Daytona international Speedway in 2001. However, few fans realize that there were fatalities before Earnhardt, that occurred at Daytona. These were drivers also wanting victory at one of the greatest tracks of all time. Let's take a moment and remember those drivers as well.

That’s it! I’ve had enough! I cannot count the times I have heard how NASCAR or the people involved with the sport have placed blame on the lack of attendance, ratings and overall disinterest in NASCAR on drivers retiring or not racing. This week a well-respected publication stated that since Dale Earnhardt Jr. decided to sit out the Advanced Auto Parts Clash on Sunday, that led to a decrease in attendance.

Joey Logano capitalized on Denny Hamlin making contact with teammate Brad Keselowski on the final lap to win The Clash.

Rain has pushed the unofficial kickoff to the start of the NASCAR season from a Saturday night shootout to a Sunday afternoon event.

As Saturday night's Advance Auto Parts Clash approaches, for many drivers, it's the beginning of a new season. However, the opposite is true for Alex Bowman who has one more shot to show that he belongs in a ride in one of NASCAR's top three series.

Since the latter half of 2016, Alex Bowman's career has seen an uptick thanks to his time subbing for an injured Dale Earnhardt Jr. When the checkered flag flies tomorrow night, however, his time in the 88 car comes to an end.