In the past eight races, Daytona has consistently ushered in first-time victors. Who will claim the wild card this year? Every driver aspires to secure the coveted Harley Earl Trophy and etch their name into the annals of this sport’s iconic moments. Amidst a plethora of prognostications for the ultimate showdown at this iconic super speedway, excitement intensifies as the final playoff spot hinges on the outcome at Daytona.

Among the drivers who find themselves on the wishlist of potential winners, the team owned by Tony Stewart stands in a formidable position. NASCAR Insiders are making a prediction, pointing to a wild card emerging from within Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), further adding to the intrigue and anticipation surrounding this upcoming event.

What puts Tony Stewart’s drivers in the lead during the high-stakes tug-of-war at Daytona?

Marking both the inaugural and most recent victories for Stewart Haas Racing at the iconic Daytona 500, Kurt Busch triumphed in 2017. Yet, Kevin Harvick, the current driver of the #4 Ford Mustang, tasted victory back in 2007. Nonetheless, this year’s contenders from SHR seem promising.

Although Chase Briscoe has achieved an impressive tally of five top-10 finishes, Aric Almirola has secured merely two. However, it’s worth noting that Almirola’s affinity for super speedways has translated into commendable performances, and he has come tantalizingly close to victory on several occasions. Particularly noteworthy is his rain-shortened triumph at Daytona with Richard Petty Motorsport in 2014, a feat that positions him as a potent contender.

Furthermore, Ford’s recent back-to-back wins, with Chris Buescher and Michael McDowell, underscore the brand’s dominance in speed. Impressively, six out of the 16 qualified drivers are piloting Ford. The question remains: Does this lend enough strength to Stewart Haas Racing to be deemed a contender? Certain NASCAR Insiders are convinced.

During Dirty Mo Live, one Insider said, “Ford could find some speed this week, you know. They like good at superspeedways so I don’t know may be the 10 the 14. I think Aric Almirola has been in that conversation. I know Freddie mentioned him a bunch as someone who could race their way in.”

Another insider supported the point out and said, “He’s got the experience. I don’t know we’ll see.” As the Daytona showdown looms, Aric Almirola exudes confidence, revealing his strategic approach for the Coke Sugar Free 400.

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Aric Almirola unveils his strategic playbook for the iconic race

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Following his 2014 victory with Richard Petty Motorsports, Almirola revealed his focused approach to superspeedway racing. During a conversation with speedwaymedia.com, he shared, “At Petty, it was our only realistic chance to win. I paid a lot of attention to the superspeedway races and learned strategies and how to be there in the end. Superspeedway racing is a high-speed chess match and you have to make the right moves early to be there in the end.“

Almirola stressed the inevitability of unexpected twists at Daytona, contributing to the potential for wild card victors. Nevertheless, he exudes confidence in both his car and his team, viewing this race as an opportunity to showcase his best. Expanding on his strategy for the upcoming event, he added,

“Honestly, luck will play a big part in winning this weekend. It starts with bringing a fast race car and making the right moves and executing. Luck doesn’t matter if you don’t have a car fast enough to run up front, but you have to avoid the inevitable wrecks and be there at the end. In the last five laps, you have to have the perfect formula of things going your way to execute and win.”

Interestingly, none of the four Hendrick Motorsports drivers have clinched a Daytona victory, making it imperative for Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman to secure the win and attain the coveted playoff berth. However, the Ford Mustangs driven by Tony Stewart’s team (#4, #10, and #14) undeniably emerge as formidable contenders.

READ MORE: “They’ve Fallen From Grace” – Tony Stewart’s Team Under Major Scrutiny After Disappointing Regular Season With Ford Letting Them Down