I’m new to NASCAR. 

I know the basics: Jimmie Johnson is a 5-time Sprint Cup Champ and a part-time actor.

Despite being ridiculously talented, everyone seems to hate Kyle Busch.

I know Little E, Jeff Gordon, and of course Batesville’s own, Mark Martin. 

But I’ve never been as genuinely excited for a race as I am for Sunday’s Daytona 500. 

I think it was the Bud Shootout. 

It’s the “Who’s Line is it Anyway” of racing, where the points don’t really matter, but I was mesmerized by the way Busch avoided disaster time and time again, eventually swiping the checkered flag from under Tony Stewart’s nose.

Pair that with James Buescher’s ability to navigate through even more chaos on Saturday and I’m hooked. 

I don’t have a favorite driver yet (I’m open to suggestions) but I will be tuned in on Sunday when they drop the green flag.