The Duels. Unlike any other race on the Sprint Cup circuit, all but the top-two spots of the Daytona 500 are determined in two heat races: the Can-Am Duels. Several teams enter these heat races needing a solid finish to make the race, so there are almost always several daring moves, especially at the end of the race.

The first duel determines the starting lineup for the inside lane of the track. Of the drivers in the first duel, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has the most success at Daytona. He had a fast car in qualifying, so I would pick him to win the duel.

One driver not locked into the race will claim a starting position in this race. The drivers who must race their way in are Michael McDowell, Cole Whitt, and Josh Wise. Only one can advance. McDowell would be my pick, because he has more experience than his two younger competitors.

The second duel determines the lineup of the outside lane of the Daytona 500. There are many good drivers in this race. But I’m going to go with a wild card pick. I think that Danica Patrick and Michael Waltrip will end up racing each other for the win. Both are good at Daytona, and since both are already in the 500, both can go all out for a win.

Like the first duel, one driver will race his way into the 500 in this race. The candidates are Robert Richardson Jr., David Gilliland, and Reed Sorenson. David Gilliland is my pick to race his way in. Why? Because David is an excellent restrictor-plate driver. In 2013 he pushed teammate David Ragan to a 1-2 finish at Talladega, and ever since he has been good. Look for him and his no. 38 team to make the 500.

These are my picks, but at Daytona, anything can happen. You can be leading into the last turn and come out 25th (Ask Dale Earnhardt Sr.)