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[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Daytona 500 is right around the corner. On Feb. 28, NACARS's top riders will duke it out on the track for the championship and a purse of millions of dollars. But did you know the drivers aren't the only ones who can cash in on their winnings?
You can play games for up to $10,000 in cash prizes at DraftKings. Create fantasy teams and put your knowledge of the races to the test for a chance to win a big payout. Draft six racers to play. Over 4,500 entries win a prize guaranteed. The games are free to enter.
The contest ends Sunday, Feb. 26 at 2 a.m.
Before you play, here's a rundown of some important info about the 2017 Daytona 500.
Field Size
This year the race takes place at what's being called the world's first "motor sports stadium." The new venue is definitely an improvement for fans, but it shouldn't affect the drivers too much. The number of cars this year has gone down from 43 to 40.
Rule Changes
NASCAR is rolling out some format changes for 2107. There is one rule change you should pay attention to this year. The overtime procedure now differs depending on if the yellow or green checkered flag flies. If the green flag flies to start the two-lap shootout, the race leader has to pass an overtime line on the backend. If the driver misses, they'll have to restart until they do for it to be considered a clean finish. Once they hit the line, they can go for the green-checkered finish.
Drivers to Watch
Hendrick Motorsports has two drivers in the race, and both are the favorites to win it. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is the favorite to win. He already has two Daytona 500 wins under his belt, and his recent absence from the race has put a fire in his belly to win it. Jimmie Johnson is right behind Earnhardt for contenders. While Earnhardt has missed 18 races last year, Johnson and company have been sharpening their skills to the new format and are poised to be tough competition on the track.
Here are top 5 racers by DraftKings' NASCAR salary for the Daytona 500.
- Denny Hamlin - $9,600
- Joey Logano - $9,900
- Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - $10,600
- Brad Keselowski - $10,300
- Kyle Busch - $9,400
Driver Lineup
1. Car: 24 Chase Elliott
2. Car: 20 Matt Kenseth
3. Car: 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
4. Car: 18 Kyle Busch
5. Car:22 Joey Logano
6. Car: 1 Jamie McMurray
7. Car: 21 Ryan Blaney
8. Car: 41 Kurt Busch
9. Car: 4 Kevin Harvick
10. Car: 19 Carl Edwards
11. Car: 11 Denny Hamlin
12. Car: 95 Ty Dillon
13. Car: 5 Kasey Kahne
14. Car: 42 Kyle Larson
15. Car: 16 Greg Biffle
16. Car: 10 Danica Patrick
17. Car: 34 Chris Buescher
18. Car: 14 Brian Vickers
19. Car: 17 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
20. Car: 93 Matt DiBenedetto
21. Car: 3 Austin Dillon
22. Car: 46 Michael Annett
23. Car: 6 Trevor Bayne
24. Car: 38 Landon Cassill
25. Car: 2 Brad Keselowski
26. Car: 48 Jimmie Johnson
27. Car: 7 Regan Smith
28. Car: 78 Martin Truex Jr.
29. Car: 23 David Ragan
30. Car: 47 AJ Allmendinger
31. Car: 15 Clint Bowyer
32. Car: 13 Casey Mears
33. Car: 32 Bobby Labonte
34. Car: 43 Aric Almirola
35. Car: 44 Brian Scott
36. Car: 83 Michael Waltrip
37. Car: 27 Paul Menard
38. Car: 31 Ryan Newman
39. Car: 59 Michael McDowell
40. Car: 26 R. Richardson Jr.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is WOMG.2017) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above.
