It’s the race that makes some drivers’ dreams come true and crushes others’. It’s NASCAR’s biggest, most-prestigious and highest-paying event, and is in a league all by itself, figuratively-speaking. Win this one, and you’ll be forever remembered in NASCAR lore. Fail to find Victory Lane and there will forever be a big, gaping hole on your resume. This race, of course, is the Daytona 500, and this year’s 57th running of NASCAR’s crown jewel figures to feature enough drama, suspense and excitement to keep every fan on the edge of his seat until one car takes the checkered flag ahead of 42…

She said what? Danica Patrick said during the recent Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour that her only goal for the 2015 Sprint Cup season was “progress.” Really? For a driver who actually finished one position worse in the standings (28th) in her second full Sprint Cup season than she did in her first, “progress” isn’t exactly a lofty goal. Perhaps instead of talking in such ambiguous terms, the driver of the No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet should step back and actually set some clear objectives for 2015 which, oh by the way, happens to be a contract year for herself and her…

Erik Jones has become a poster child of sorts - remember, he's only 18 - for young NASCAR Camping World Truck Series drivers who are proven winners in good equipment. The Byron, Mich., native enters the new season having made just 17 CWTS starts. He's won an incredible four times despite being the same age as a high school senior. Being with one of the series’ fastest teams in Kyle Busch Motorsports doesn't hurt matters, but Jones still has to take care of business on the track. It hasn't been much of an uphill battle so far. Jones closed out the 2014…

Hello, Danica Patrick. There's a new gal in town: a 22-year-old NASCAR K&N Pro Series East driver named Kenzie Ruston. Entering the homestretch of her second K&N Pro Series East season, Ruston posted a career-best finish of second place on Aug. 1, 2014, at Iowa Speedway. It was the best result by a female driver in NASCAR K&N Pro Series history. Now, Ruston, who competes for the team owned by NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Ben Kennedy, is focused on the next step in her progression: Becoming a regular in Victory Lane. “Winning races is what it's all about,” she said.…

For at least 37 weekends out of the year, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers are at a racetrack making a living by turning left - and occasionally right - all while trying to beat their fellow competitors. But during the roughly three-month period that makes up NASCAR's short offseason, it's time to relax with family, have fun with their kids and, yes, even travel a bit. Such is the case for Casey Mears, driver of the No. 13GEIC0 Chevrolet for Germain Racing. A husband to Trisha and father to two children under the age of 7, Mears has learned to savor the…