Daytona 500 Picks

SI Staff | Feb 14, 2008

Daytona 500 Picks /

Daytona 500 Picks

Chuck Norris

"Kevin Harvick because he's the defending Daytona 500 champ, and he likes Mike Huckabee."

Tim McGraw

"Dale, Jr. has great momentum and a desire to win...Combine that with a new team in Hendrick Motorsports, new equipment to showcase his talent, he's got the right team chemistry to get it done."

Jaime Pressley

"As a Southern girl I've got to go with one of my boys from North Carolina: Dale Jr. at the wire."

Jeff Probst

"Tony Stewart and the No. 20 Home Depot Toyota car are going to give Joe Gibbs the greatest retirement gift he could ask for."

Jennie Finch

"Tony Stewart, because I really want to see him climb that fence."

Osi Umenyiora

"I like Jimmie Johnson to win Daytona this year. He and Chad Knaus are such a great team, and like my Giants...it's all about teamwork."

Janet Evanovich

"Tony Stewart. There's a rumor if he wins Daytona they're going to give him a shot on Dancing With the Stars."

Lance Armstrong

"Jimmie Johnson hasn't broken stride from his 2007 championship and appears to be the man to beat."

Chipper Jones

"Jeff Gordon will win. The Hendrick cars are going to be strong...I wouldn't rule out Earnhardt either. But if he does win it, Gordon and Johnson are going to help him."

Eric Staal

"Now that he is with Hendrick Motorsports, I think this is the year for Dale Earnhardt Jr."

Chad Johnson

"Dale Earnhardt Jr. will win; all he needed was a fresh start. He's gonna win it all this year."

Emeka Okafor

"Kasey Kahne. He's one of the up and coming drivers in NASCAR and hefinished the year strong. Plus, he and I have a partnership, so it's hard to pick anyone else."

Jared Fogle

"I gotta go with my boy, Tony Stewart. He took the Brickyard in Indianapolis last year and this year he is due to take Daytona!"

Alex Ovechkin

"I have to go with the No. 8 car, Mark Martin. It's a good year to be No. 8 -- no one can beat him."

William Fichtner

"Jimmie Johnson could win more races this year than any other driver, so why not start at Daytona."

Landon Donovan

"I'll choose my number, the #10 car, Patrick Carpentier. Yes, I know this is his first Daytona 500, but I'll be rooting him on!"

Debi Mazar

There are so many great drivers that I can't seem to choose - Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon or Dale Earnhardt Jr.... all are a good choice, because of their obvious ability as fantastic racers!!! If I have to pick one, I will go with Gordon."

Chris Myers

"Dale Earnhardt Jr. will win the 50th running of Daytona 500. This isn't wishful thinking, this is about the muscle of Hendrick Motorsports behind him and his first ever championship in front of him. The Elvis of NASCAR and the king of speed will get a jump on things at Daytona for his first win in two years."

Johnny Damon

''Jimmie Johnson. Why not? The dominance continues in '08!''

Jim Norton

''I am hoping Jimmie Johnson wins. I'm hoping this because a) I've interviewed him and he's a nice guy and b) he is the only name associated with the Daytona 500 that I recognize. I am such an idiot; the first question I asked him was whether he liked coaching more in Dallas or Miami.''

George Pyne

"Jeff Gordon is NASCAR's quintessential driver. He has a knack for capturing big moments and will win this historic 50th running of the Daytona 500."

Tony Dorsett

''Jeff Gordon. He has a proven track record at Daytona and wants a good start towards that fifth championship.''

Hill Harper

''The Daytona 500, like the Presidential race, will be won by the team that dominates the middle, runs the smartest race, avoids pile-ups and comes on strong at the end. I'm going with Junior and Obama in '08!''

Willis McGahee

"Jeff Gordon. By the time he's done, he just might be the greatest of all time."

Raymond Felton

"Jimmie Johnson. He's the two-time champion. Enough said. He's dominant."

Annie Duke

"Jeff Gordon because he played on celebrity Poker Showdown. I have to pick the man who knows how to drive like a poker player."

Darrell Waltrip

"I think it's going to be Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet winning the Daytona 500. That's a no-brainer."

Josh Beckett

"With the way Jamie McMurray finished the season last year, the 26 car is my favorite to win the 500."

D'Brickashaw Ferguson

Tony Stewart. He's a great driver. Plus I like that he was on unique autosports getting his car pimped out."

Jimmy Johnson

"My pick is Jimmie Johnson. Not only does he have a great name, but he's also a great driver with championships and a Daytona 500 victory."

Sean Landeta

"It seems like Jimmie Johnson is everyone's favorite, but I'll go with Dale Jr., since I loved watching his dad race. He has the same driving abilities."

Rick DiPietro

"Have to go with Tony Stewart. His commitment and dedication, on-and-off the track, is inspiring and the work of a true champion."

Dierks Bentley

"Dale Jr..... new car, new team, new sponsor...he's got something to prove."

Mardy Fish

"Jimmie Johnson, hands down."

Barry Switzer

"The Earnhardt name is legendary at Daytona. This kid wants to win the 50th and forever be a part of Daytona folklore."

Brad Paisley

"I am going with Kasey Kahne. He is very talented and drives the best brand -- Dodge."

Mike Greenwell

"Dale Jr. With his new team and their history and success at Daytona, he should be one of the favorites."

Josh Kelley

"Carl Edwards. He's going to win because of talent, style and timing."

Vincent Lecavalier

"Tony Stewart, because he is the best wall climber on the circuit."

Jon Lester

"I think Carl Edwards is going to win."

George Martin

"Dale Jarrett will take the checkered flag at the 50th running of the Great American race, for two reasons. First, Dale is strong on superspeedways, and he will win the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race for Toyota. Second, his sponsor is UPS, which also supports 'A Journey for 9.11,' my walk across the country to raise money for World Trade Center rescue and response workers now battling illness."

Ty Murray

"Jimmie Johnson. This guy and his team get it done every week. He is a true champion."

Clinton Portis

"Jimmie Johnson...he's the champ and looks unstoppable"

Brandt Snedeker

"Tony Stewart. He has no fear, and he drives like a maniac!"

Dylan Ratigan

"Jeff Gordon. He is the most talented, consistent driver we have seen in the modern era. At his best, it is his to lose. With Rick Hendrick, one of America's greatest businessmen as his partner, it is a formidable combination. That, and as my girlfriend, who is a Tennessee native and a long time fan will quite happily tell you, he's a hottie - which she tells me helps him drive even faster."

Dan Uggla

"Dale Earnhardt, Jr. He's aggressive and is always striving to be the best."

Gerald Wallace

"Dale Earnhardt Jr. He has a new team, new car and I think this is going to be a crazy year for Little E."

Brenden Morrow

"Jimmie Johnson. He's been on a roll the last few years and I think he'll keep it up."

Cristina Perez

"The 50th year celebration of the Daytona 500, a few hundred thousand fans, and some beer will make the event extra-extra special. Since Richard Petty isn't racing, I'll go with my father's pick (and fellow Colombian), Juan Pablo Montoya."