Winning the Daytona 500 for a NASCAR driver is like a baseball player getting a World Series ring. Many drivers dream to win this event more than any other of the 36 races that are scheduled for 2011. In the history of the Daytona 500 there have been nine drivers that have one it more than once and in 1994 and 1995 Sterling Martin was the last to win it back-to-back. This is the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 and it will be held on Sunday, February 20, 2011 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Let’s preview some of the drivers and then check the odds and give our expert pick.

From the seventh spot we have Kevin Harvick, winner in 2007, showing 8/1 odds to win. In 2007, he did it from the 34th position and he placed second in 2009 when he started in the 32nd position. Harvick is a decent pick but not great value for your money.

Securing the pole position and having 9/1 odds we find Dale Earnhardt Jr. But now he has to start from the back of the field due to wrecking his car in practice. There is sentiment attached to this pick as it is the 10th anniversary of the tragic death of his father in this race. Earnhardt Jr. finished second last year and did win at Daytona in 2004.

Another at 9/1 is Kyle Busch. He has not finished well in his previous six starts at Daytona 500 but his racing style can make him a threat with the aggressiveness and fearless abandon that he drives with.

One of the most successful drivers in NASCAR is Tony Stewart. He has 247 career top 10 finishes and won on this track three times but none of them have been the Daytona 500. Stewart place second in 2004 and was 22nd last year. But this racer has 39 career win and at 10/1 can be considered with your bet.

Also at 10/1 is Kurt Busch. He start 43rd in 2008 and finished second for his best showing at a Daytona 500 race.

Three-time Daytona 500 winner Jeff Gordon is listed at 11/1 odds based mainly on past reputation. In April 2009 he last won a Spring Car race. The last time he won this was in 2004. Gordon is probably not a good bet to win.

Defending champion Jamie McMurray won three races last year and the Daytona 500 was one of them. Probably a shining moment for him was a win at the Brickyard 400 at the storied Indianapolis Motor Speedway. McMurray is 12/1 and a decent bet for this race.

A few dark-horses for your consideration would be Kasey Kahne at 35/1. He ran well before crashing at Budweiser Shootout and has had some mild success running at Daytona. Some good money on your bet could be returned on this one.

For a dark, dark-horse I present Juan Pablo Montoya at 25/1. Last year he placed 10th and placed 3rd in both Talladega stops. If he keeps himself under control he can be a driver to reckon with. He could give back a good profit on your bet.

Our pick: Jimmie Johnson
He is a craftsman that can maneuver the track. He is a past winner and a good pick to win this event. As a Chevy driver he can hold claim to the manufacturer producing six of the last eight winners at Daytona 500. With Hendrick Motor Sports and a proven teammate in Jeff Gordon to help him along, our pick to win over Earnhardt Jr. will be our expert pick Jimmie Johnson.

Here are some other odds you might consider looking over and wagering a bet. Be sure to watch the odds as they are changing daily as we approach the race.
Carl Edwards 15 to 1
Clint Bowyer 12 to 1
Denny Hamlin 12 to 1
Greg Biffle 30 to 1
Jeff Burton 25 to 1
Joey Logano 20 to 1
Marcos Ambrose 60 to 1
Mark Martin 20 to 1
Martin Truex Jr. 30 to 1
Matt Kenseth 30 to 1
Paul Menard 30 to 1
Regan Smith 80 to 1
Ryan Newman 30 to 1