But the Daytona 500 is still NASCAR’s biggest show, a Super Bowl that kicks off the racing season. So there are storylines leading up to Speed Week and the Saturday Qualifying. This year, that story is the rookies, the next generation: Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Chris Buescher, Brian Scott. Last year, it was Jeff Gordon’s final run at Daytona; the year before that, Richard Childress’s grandson Austin Dillon was driving a No. 3 car for the first time since Dale Earnhardt, Sr. died. Before that Danica Patrick was starting her first full season.

And guess who won the pole each of those years? Chase Elliott, Jeff Gordon, Austin Dillon, Danica Patrick. Do you believe in coincidences?

Along pit row, there’s always been talk of getting “the tap” on the shoulder—especially in restrictor plate races, high-speed tracks where NASCAR officials fit induction-choking blocks beneath the V-8’s throttle body. These plates are drilled with four holes. The larger the holes, the the more air passes through; the faster the engine revs, the faster the likely velocity.
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According to a source at NASCAR, who asked to remain anonymous, “For qualifying and the race events, NASCAR provides the restrictor plates.” The team provides engine specs and undergoes testing onsite. However, the plate itself is all NASCAR.

“NASCAR officials install the plate,” the official says. “The team does not touch the plate during the installation process. Once the race and/or qualifying is concluded, NASCAR officials remove the plate. The team does not touch the plate during the removal process.”