Big Names on Front Row at Daytona 500
When you say Elliott and Earnhardt are coming off the front row of this Sunday's Daytona 500, it's sounds like a classic nostalgic NASCAR headline from the past. It could be 1987 all over again.
No, we're not going back in time 30 years. This is modern era racing with the next generation. As a matter of fact, the series is actually shifting to a completely new era.
But yes, with a throwback feel. Young Chase Elliott, son of former great Bill Elliott, edged out Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for the pole position in qualifying for Sunday's Daytona 500.
Edged, as in by .002 of a second. Elliott covered the 2.5 mile track in in 46.663 seconds (192.872 mph). Earnhardt qualifying second, is making a very nice comeback from missing the last 18 races of 2016 with a concussion.
These drivers that start 1 and 2 on the grid, both have Hall of Fame fathers. These are the only two drivers with guaranteed starting positions, as the rest of the field will be determined with Thursday night's twin 150 mile races.
You can catch all the coverage of Sunday's 59th running of "The Great American Race" on AM1000 KXRB with Motor Racing Network beginning at 12:00 PM.