Drivers to watch in NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway

NASCAR, celebrating its 75th anniversary season, will open its Cup Series regular season Sunday with the Daytona 500, stock car racing’s biggest event.

The Great American Race has been a great American wreckfest in recent seasons, particularly over the closing miles as drivers seek to add their names to one of auto racing’s most respected victory lists. Since the 2017 Daytona 500, at least 24 cars have been involved in an at least one accident in the race. Thirty-six were involved in accidents in 2019.

Sunday’s race will mark new driver/owner full-season partnerships for several teams. Kyle Busch makes his point-race debut for Richard Childress Racing, while Tyler Reddick moves to 23XI Racing. Ryan Preece has been promoted to a Cup ride at Stewart-Haas Racing, and AJ Allmendinger will race full-time in Cup for Kaulig Racing. Ty Gibbs (Joe Gibbs Racing) and Noah Gragson (Legacy Motor Club) begin their rookie seasons in Cup.

Here are the drivers to watch at Daytona:

Denny Hamlin

Hamlin’s recent record in the 500 is exemplary. He won in 2016, ’19 and ’20, finished second in 2014, third in 2018, fourth in 2015 and fifth in 2021.

Martin Truex Jr.

Truex went winless last year but bounced back in the Clash Feb. 5 in Los Angeles, scoring an impressive victory.  He has been close in the 500 but hasn’t cashed in.

Kyle Busch

Busch will be making his 18th start in the 500, a race in which he has led 324 laps but hasn’t driven into Victory Lane. Could a new ride with Richard Childress Racing open that door?

Jimmie Johnson

The seven-time champion is back. Running a partial schedule for Legacy Motor Club, he’ll attempt to qualify for the 500 and could be a contender.

Bubba Wallace

Wallace lost the 500 by .036 of a