NASCAR 2014: What's new and who's hot
On the eve of the Daytona 500, AUTOSPORT guides you through all the changes you'll see on the NASCAR Sprint Cup grid this season, including an all-new title decider
Often accused of being set in its ways, NASCAR kicks off its 2014 Sprint Cup season, as ever, with this weekend's Daytona 500 - the jewel in the US stock car racing series' crown.
It's the first of 36 rounds across North America - from high-banked superspeedways to twisty road courses via short tracks and 1.5-mile 'cookie cutters' - but there have been plenty of changes in the off-season to talk about going into this weekend's all-important series opener.
 Dillon has put the #3 back on Daytona pole © LAT
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THE RETURN OF THE #3
Not since February 18 2001 has a NASCAR Sprint Cup race featured a car running the #3.
That digit had become synonymous with Dale Earnhardt, the seven-time champion, who died on that day in a last-corner crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500.
On Sunday Austin Dillon - the grandson of team owner Richard Childress - will return the number to top-level NASCAR from pole position.
"It's going to be emotional," says Childress. "Dale is up there, smiling and saying, 'This is what we talked about doing'."
 Johnson has been doing a lot of celebrating at Homestead in recent years © LAT
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'WINNER-TAKES-ALL' TITLE DECIDER FOR HOMESTEAD
A totally new system to decide the champion will be employed this year, with the 'Chase for the Championship' over the final 10 rounds opened up from 12 to 16 drivers.
From there, four will be eliminated from the Chase after every three races, until just four remain in contention when the series arrives at Homestead for its final round.
Any driver who wins a race during the Chase will automatically progress to the next phase.
No bonus points will be awarded for laps led in the finale, meaning that the championship will be decided purely by finishing position in that concluding round.
The new system has received a mixed reception from drivers, and many view it as a reaction to the recent dominance of Jimmie Johnson.
When asked if this was so, Johnson replied: "It's crossed my mind, I'm not going to lie."
 The Nationwide field tried out the new group qualifying system at Daytona
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ALL-NEW KNOCKOUT QUALIFYING SYSTEM
The single-car system of qualifying has been dropped at most events. The grid for races at tracks of 1.25 miles or longer will now be set via a three-round knockout format.
The first segment will last 25 minutes and be open to all cars, with the fastest 24 progressing to the next phase.
They will run for an additional 10 minutes, at the end of which the fastest 12 will move on to a final five-minute all-in round. There will be a five-minute gap between each phase.
A two-round format will be used at shorter tracks, starting with 30 minutes for all entries, with the fastest 12 moving to the 10-minute final phase.
Crew chiefs have successfully lobbied to be allowed to add/remove tape on the cars' noses (to alter downforce levels) and make wedge adjustments, to improve handling, between phases.
So it should be just as frantic in the garage between sessions as out on the track while drivers seek a clear lap or a tow.
 There are some big changes for tech inspections © LAT
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'ZERO-RIDE HEIGHT' RACECARS
NASCAR's Gen-6 machines, new for 2013, enter their second season of competition with a crucial twist in the way they're run.
No longer will teams have to satisfy a post-race front-ride height test (as you'd see in the British Touring Car Championship), which should end the costly grey area that many exploited by running their cars too low and then, ahem, surreptitiously raising them back up to pass post-race scrutineering.
This should level the playing field when it comes to dampers and springs, and eliminate one of the main areas that was rife for cheating.
There have also been some aerodynamic tweaks (a square leading edge on the all-important splitter, side skirt and rear fascia tweaks, and an eight-inch rear spoiler) aimed at getting the cars to produce more of a tow.
Drivers felt that when they towed up to the car in front, its immediate wake was then hampering efforts to pass. It is hoped that the old-fashioned 'slingshot' effect could return to the racing, which is especially required on the 1.5-mile tracks that now proliferate.
 Harvick chats to new boss and team-mate Stewart © LAT
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SOME BIG-NAME DRIVER MOVES
There has been plenty of activity in the driver market over the winter, with some big hitters switching teams in search of success.
The biggest of these is Kevin Harvick, who ends a 13-year association with Richard Childress Racing to join Stewart-Haas Racing (Ryan Newman goes the other way). Harvick is joined at SHR by 2004 champion Kurt Busch, who was signed by Formula 1 team aspirant Gene Haas without co-owner Tony Stewart's knowledge!
The fallout from last year's controversial Richmond race has cost Michael Waltrip Racing dear, as its attempt to manipulate a race to get Martin Truex Jr into the Chase cost it a lucrative sponsor deal, a six-figure fine and Truex's defection to the Furniture Row team, which made the Chase with Kurt Busch last season. Veteran Mark Martin also leaves the team to make way for the returning Brian Vickers, now clear of the blood clots that have blighted his recent career.
Former F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya exits Ganassi Racing to return to IndyCar, so 21-year-old Kyle Larson is thrust into the big league. He'll be embroiled in a tough rookie of the year battle with Austin Dillon, Justin Allgaier, Parker Kligerman, Cole Whitt, Ryan Truex and Michael Annett.
 Keselowski and Penske were among those who ran into post-race tech trouble last year © LAT
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REVISED PENALTY STRUCTURE AND APPEAL SYSTEM
NASCAR has been labelled inconsistent when it adjudicates on rules transgressions, and has admitted as much, which is why it will implement a new system, rated from P1 (minor) to P6 (severe).
At the P1 end, these range from slight infractions that result in qualifying time deductions for repeat offenders. Meanwhile, up at P6 - such as altering the engine and chassis beyond predefined limits - it will now result in a 150-point penalty, $150,000-200,000 fine, six-race crew-member suspensions and probation.
If transgression is found after the race, it strips the benefits of a win toward the Chase - but whoever wins on the track on Sunday will 'keep' their win in the record books.
THE STARS OF NASCAR'S SOAP OPERA
JOE GIBBS RACING TOYOTA
Matt Kenseth
Age: 41
Starts: 508
Wins: 31
Average finish: 14.2
Earnings: $99.5m
A rock-solid racer, if unspectacular. Labels his 2013 title near-miss as "disappointing" but is determined to go one better this time after a great first season since switching teams from Roush Fenway.
He says: "Nobody is looking back, everyone at JGR is digging hard - we have what it takes."
His Daytona so far: 2012 Daytona 500 winner followed a crash in the Sprint Unlimited with a win in the first Duel race, so starts the main event in third.
Kyle Busch
Age: 28
Starts: 329
Wins: 28
Average finish: 15
Earnings: $63.1m
The man they call 'Rowdy' should really have won this title by now. A supremely gifted racer, but sometimes his own worst enemy, now he feels is a perfect time to take that extra step.
He says: "The consistency and chemistry of us three [JGR] drivers mean it's time to be a championship-calibre organisation."
His Daytona so far: Produced a phenomenal save to avoid a crash in the Unlimited, which he finished third, but could only conjure up 20th in the first Duel to qualify 37th.
Denny Hamlin
Age: 33
Starts: 291
Wins: 23
Average finish: 14.7
Earnings: $55.5m
A disastrous 2013, so the only way is up. Missed four races last year due to a back injury sustained at Fontana, after a feud with Joey Logano ended with him in hospital, but he ended the season on a high with victory at Homestead - the track that will decide the 2014 champion.
He says: "For us, this is redemption year - to show we haven't gone anywhere."
His Daytona so far: A dominant week so far in race trim. After executing a stunning last-lap move in the Unlimited, he capitalised on a penalty dealt to Keselowski to win the second Duel race. Starts the 500 from fourth.
ROUSH FENWAY RACING FORD
Carl Edwards
Age: 34
Starts: 337
Wins: 21
Average finish: 13.3
Earnings: $68.8m
How the mighty has fallen. Two poor seasons have followed his being pipped to the 2011 title. In that time there have been race wins but nothing like the consistency you'd expect from 'Cousin Carl'.
He says: "Historically, we've run real well after big rule changes, so I'm positive from that standpoint."
His Daytona so far: Collected in 'the big one' in the Unlimited and was part of the carnage at the end of the second Duel. Edwards was the last running car in 15th, leaving him 30th on the grid for the 'Great American Race'.
Greg Biffle
Age: 44
Starts: 402
Wins: 19
Average finish: 15.8
Earnings: $64.1m
Was RFR's best performer in 2013, but that's not saying much. He was its only driver to make the Chase, but made little impact in it in those crucial 10 races. Now in his mid-forties, whisper it, are his best days (runner-up in 2005) behind him? Plus his contract is up at the end of the season.
He says: "We've been talking over the winter... wait and see."
His Daytona so far: Despite being third fastest in qualifying, Biffle will line up 25th in the 500 as he could only manage 12th in the first Duel.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr
Age: 26
Starts: 41
Wins: 0
Average finish: 19.4
Earnings: $6.6m
Perhaps better known as Danica Patrick's current beau, rather than for his own on-track performance, former Nationwide champion Stenhouse shows all the signs of being right at home in NASCAR's elite. Question is, does he have that little bit more to make him a future title challenger?
He says: "I feel that we have more confidence going into this season."
His Daytona so far: Struggled in the Unlimited and ended up taking out Patrick in the 'big one'. He could only manage 19th out of just 22 cars running in the first Duel so will start 34th.
STEWART-HAAS RACING CHEVROLET
Tony Stewart
Age: 42
Starts: 521
Wins: 48
Average finish: 12.8
Earnings: $112.9m
How will 'Smoke' bounce back from his leg-busting sprint car crash that curtailed last season? He's a natural born racer, and will be chomping at the bit to return to the title-winning form he last displayed in 2011. He expects to be "65 per cent fit" for Sunday's gruelling race.
He says: "Honestly, since my wrecked car landed everything has gone as well as expected. I feel good enough that I'm confident we're not going to have to worry about anything. It's been the slowest off-season I've ever had. I'm ready to get doing something again."
His Daytona so far: Taken out in the Unlimited, but rounded out the top 10 in the first Duel race to qualify 21st, although an engine change in practice will force him to start at the back.
Danica Patrick
Age: 31
Starts: 46
Wins: 0
Average finish: 26.6
Earnings: $4.5m
You'll hear her say she's still learning, but she has over 100 stock car starts under her belt now and needs to prove she deserves a top car. Hugely popular, of course, but her 2013 pole at Daytona proved to be a false dawn, and she's still only managed one top-10 finish in 46 Cup starts.
She says: "I feel better than I did last year, and feel good about where we are with the car."
Her Daytona so far: Involved in the 'big one' late in the Unlimited and suffered an engine failure in practice, forcing her to the back of the 500 starting line-up. Her 13th place in the first Duel would have been good enough for 27th on the grid.
Kevin Harvick
Age: 38
Starts: 466
Wins: 23
Average finish: 14.3
Earnings: $89.2m
'The Closer' has finally cut the apron strings from Richard Childress Racing and joined Stewart's superstar-laden squad. Too many egos? Harvick has a short fuse, so if he's not getting the attention he requires we'll soon know about it.
He says: "I hit 'delete' after Homestead; I've come here expecting to win and race for a championship."
His Daytona so far: Two-time Unlimited winner Harvick stayed out of trouble to finish sixth last Saturday night, and a fantastic second in the first Duel would have been good enough for the top 10 in the 500, before an illegal track bar put him back to 38th.
Kurt Busch
Age: 35
Starts: 471
Wins: 24
Average finish: 17.2
Earnings: $79.6m
Team co-owner Gene Haas dropped a small bombshell on the injured Stewart when he revealed he'd signed Busch for a fourth car while his partner was sidelined. Busch will add further fireworks into the mix but his top-10 points finish with the tiny Furniture Row team in 2013 shows he's one of the best out there on his day.
He says: "It's an exciting time; Gene expects us to win straight away."
His Daytona so far: Failed to avoid the carnage in the Unlimited but rebounded to finish third in the second Duel, and lines up eighth on Sunday.
MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING TOYOTA
Clint Bowyer
Age: 34
Starts: 289
Wins: 8
Average finish: 14.4
Earnings: $49.2m
After a great 2012, last year had a disastrous end when the team was admonished for attempting to fix the outcome of the Chase decider at Richmond.
He says: "We ran good until we got to the Chase, but we didn't win a race all year - that's unacceptable with the whole package we've got here. I've had a hell of a winter, I'm ready to get back to work. Everyone is energised for this season."
His Daytona so far: Will have to start at the rear of the 500 field in a back-up car after a flip on the last lap of the second Duel, although he did manage to cross the finish line in 10th.
Brian Vickers
Age: 30
Starts: 280
Wins: 3
Average finish: 20.3
Earnings: $33.2m
Returns to a full-time ride for the first time since his Red Bull days - when blood clots were first discovered in health checks - in a scaled-back two-car team.
He says: "It feels great to be back after two years, for sure. I'm hungry for this."
His Daytona so far: Only managed 37th in qualifying, but managed to bounce back with a 15th-place finish in the first Duel and a 31st-place start for the 500.
PENSKE RACING FORD
Brad Keselowski
Age: 30
Starts: 161
Wins: 10
Average finish: 16.2
Earnings: $31.9m
To say his title defence didn't go as planned is a massive understatement - missing the Chase was a disaster as Penske switched from Dodge to Ford: His only victory came late-season at Charlotte, so don't rule out the 'Blue Deuce' from bouncing back.
He says: "It's not fun not enjoying the kind of success you anticipate, but it's the cycle of sports. We ended 2013 in a very similar fashion to how we ended 2011, which set us up for a strong title run in 2012, so I'm carrying that optimism into this year."
His Daytona so far: A strong runner-up spot in the Unlimited was followed by late speeding on pitlane penalty in the second Duel and a finish of 24th. That means despite being sixth in qualifying, he starts the 500 from 33rd.
Joey Logano
Age: 23
Starts: 183
Wins: 3
Average finish: 17.8
Earnings: $27.3m
The youngest driver in the 'big-five' teams, he made the Chase last year and scored one win to secure eighth - his best placing in the Sprint Cup thus far and putting Keselowski firmly in the shade.
He says: "I'm excited because we're starting where we left off, with the same people to build on what we finished with."
His Daytona so far: A disappointing run in the first Duel ended in 16th place, and will start the 500 35th despite an original qualifying spot of 12th. Was in the mix for the Unlimited win, though.
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS CHEVROLET
Jimmie Johnson
Age: 38
Starts: 435
Wins: 66
Average finish: 11.6
Earnings: $135.1m
He's NASCAR's answer to Sebastian Vettel. Six titles in the locker, but has a raft of new rule changes - including that new Chase-decider - to conquer. What helps here is that he's got the best crew chief in the business in Chad Knaus, renowned for reacting quickly to change.
He says: "This is a big shake-up, not only for the car but for the way the champion is crowned. I feel regardless of car or points system we'll be a threat and it would be nice to win one or two in this format."
His Daytona so far: The 2013 Daytona 500 winner will start from the back on Sunday after he crashed out of the Unlimited all by himself, and ended the second Duel on fire, literally, in 16th place, having triggered a huge pile-up when he ran low on fuel. He would have started the 500 in a career low 32nd place even before having to swap to his back-up.
Kasey Kahne
Age: 33
Starts: 360
Wins: 16
Average finish: 17.3
Earnings: $61.5m
It's year three with Hendrick, and last year's underwhelming Chase performance needs sweeping under the carpet. He's a regular race winner at this level, but his best points finish has been fourth. His former team boss Ray Evernham's return to Hendrick should also give Kahne a huge boost.
He says: "I understand the place and working with everybody now. I've had a great time testing with the guys throughout the winter, and I'm really looking forward to what we have now."
His Daytona so far: Kahne has failed to finish in the top 20 in his last five attempts at the 500, but his second place finish in the first Duel race is promising and places him fifth on the grid.
Jeff Gordon
Age: 42
Starts: 725
Wins: 88
Average finish: 12.5
Earnings: $137.5m
Has it really been 13 years since he won the title? He's enjoyed eight consecutive top-10 points finishes but another crown continues to elude the Californian. The spectre of retirement has also been raised, to which he says he's "jokingly serious" about it.
He says: "All my trophies say Winston on them, I want a Sprint Cup too. I want that before my career's over."
His Daytona so far: Three-time Daytona 500 winner Gordon was one of many caught up in the big Unlimited crash, but he rebounded with an impressive second in the second Duel race to qualify sixth for the 500.
Dale Earnhardt Jr
Age: 39
Starts: 505
Wins: 19
Average finish: 16.1
Earnings: $81.9m
Pressure to perform: it's all Dale Jr has ever known. He feels the weight of his 'Junior Nation' league of fans, who are as desperate for success as he is. The big news is that his crew chief since 2011, Steve Letarte, is moving on at the end of the season.
He says: "It's a pretty big deal, but we've got this last season together and we're going to enjoy it."
His Daytona so far: Fan favourite Junior was unlucky to be taken out of the Unlimited by Marcus Ambrose, but finished fourth in the first Duel so starts ninth on Sunday.
RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING CHEVROLET
Austin Dillon
Age: 23
Starts: 13
Wins: 0
Average finish: 23.4
Earnings: $1,716,946
Richard Childress's grandson comes into the Cup series as a rookie with great pedigree, having won the Truck championship in 2011 and Nationwide last year. Childress has built an all-star team around Dillon, who will want to compete up front straight away.
He says: "It's a long season. There are a lot of ups and downs, and this is one of the top points, obviously starting off like this, so you want to carry that momentum going forward. But I just have to stay grounded and have fun."
His Daytona so far: The controversial #3 returns to the 500 with the coveted pole spot, the second year in a row a NASCAR rookie has started from the front in the 'Great American Race'. With first on the grid in the bag, he calmly stayed out of trouble in the Duels.
Paul Menard
Age: 33
Starts: 255
Wins: 1
Average finish: 21.4
Earnings: $29,126,066
This is Menard's 10th season at Cup level, and the 34-year-old will be looking to move forward from his usual middle of the table spot. With only one win to his name, Menard is facing a make or break season at RCR.
He says: "This year we have no excuses, we have our best opportunity ever, I feel like we're the most prepared ever."
His Daytona so far: Starts the 500 in the same spot he qualified in originally, 10th, despite a very strong fourth place in his Duel.
Ryan Newman
Age: 36
Starts: 440
Wins: 17
Average finish: 16.4
Earnings: $74,998,151
A consistent Cup series race winner, Newman was unlucky to lose his ride at Stewart-Haas, and will feel hard done by. The 'Rocket Man' faces a difficult season adapting to his new team, but was straight on the pace from practice.
His Daytona so far: Newman managed fifth in qualifying on his RCR team debut, but starts the 500 down in 19th after a ninth-place finish in the first Duel race.
He says: "I have nothing to prove this year from any other year in my entire career, other than the fact of what I want to do and achieving my goals and winning the 500 and the Chase."
FURNITURE ROW CHEVROLET
Martin Truex Jr
Age: 33
Starts: 297
Wins: 2
Average finish: 17.9
Earnings: $42,827,930
Minnow Furniture Row has consistently punched above its weight in recent seasons and pulled off a coup signing by Truex from Waltrip. The 10-year veteran is a regular in the Chase, and will be looking to reach those lofty heights again with his new employer after Kurt Busch's success in this seat last year.
His Daytona so far: A fantastic qualifying lap put Truex on the outside of the front row (and nearly ruined the #3 fairytale) - and that's where he should have stayed. But being caught up in the massive Duel two crash forced him to a back-up car and the tail of the field.
He says: "Hindsight is 20/20. We've got a back-up that's just as good. We'll be fine. It doesn't matter where we start here."
RICHARD PETTY MOTORSPORTS FORD
Marcos Ambrose
Age: 37
Starts: 191
Wins: 2
Average finish: 20.2
Earnings: $25,527,998
The Aussie has his best opportunity to reach the Chase, as the rule changes awarding a driver a guaranteed spot after a win means the team can capitalise on Ambrose's strong point - the road course races. Both of his two Cup wins have come at Watkins Glen.
He says: "I'm really happy with our progress. I guess a lot of teams came down to the test with everything they had, but Doug Yates and everybody at Roush Yates Engines knew they had a little bit left and they came back with some more speed, so I'm really pumped."
His Daytona so far: Seventh out of only nine still running in the Unlimited, having helped Earnhardt into the wall on the way, wasn't a great start for Ambrose, but third in the first Duel against strong competition made amends.
Aric Almirola
Age: 29
Starts: 107
Wins: 0
Average finish: 22.6
Earnings: $14,550,267
The 29-year-old from Tampa, Florida, faces a huge challenge this year. With only 12 top 10 finishes in the last six years, the relative backmarker will be looking to move up the field. There's no better time to advance than amid the rule changes.
He says: "I welcome the pressure because without that pressure that means that we're not expected to run good. We have the resources now and the tools that we need to be a lot more competitive and go out and give ourselves a chance to put that #43 car back in victory lane."
His Daytona so far: Had a phenomenal run in the first Duel, narrowly missing out on a top five in sixth place, so lines up 13th on Sunday.
CHIP GANASSI RACING WITH FELIX SABATES CHEVROLET
Kyle Larson
Age: 21
Starts: 4
Wins: 0
Average finish: 29.2
Earnings: $377,436
One of the most exiting rookies of this year's class, the 2013 Nationwide Series rookie of the year has been described as "an incredible talent" by four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon. The fiery and competitive newcomer will certainly ruffle some feathers in 2014.
He says: "I'm really excited, hopefully I can be consistent and competitive and run up front."
His Daytona so far: NASCAR's most exciting rookie managed seventh in the first Duel, so starts 16th for the 500. His original qualifying lap was only good enough for 24th.
Jamie McMurray
Age: 37
Starts: 402
Wins: 7
Average finish: 19.2
Earnings: $54,685,456
Something of a restrictor plate specialist, McMurray is respected up and down the grid for winning most of NASCAR's premier races. But having never been in the Chase, the 37-year-old still has a big gap on his CV.
He says: "I haven't been involved with a group of people that are as positive as both and with everyone fighting for the same goal as what we have right now."
His Daytona so far: Former 500 winner McMurray hasn't starred so far this year, managing only 38th in qualifying. Some redemption came in the second Duel, as an 11th-place finish raised him to 22nd on the grid for the 500.
2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup calendar Date Location February 23 Daytona 500 March 2 Phoenix March 9 Las Vegas March 16 Bristol March 23 Fontana March 30 Martinsville April 6 Texas April 12 Darlington April 26 Richmond May 4 Talladega May 10 Kansas May 25 Charlotte June 1 Dover June 8 Pocono June 15 Michigan June 22 Sonoma June 28 Kentucky July 5 Daytona July 13 New Hampshire July 27 Indianapolis August 3 Pocono August 10 Watkins Glen August 17 Michigan August 23 Bristol August 31 Atlanta September 6 Richmond Chase calendar Date Location September 14 Chicagoland September 21 New Hampshire September 28 Dover October 5 Kansas October 11 Charlotte October 19 Talladega October 26 Martinsville November 2 Texas November 9 Phoenix November 16 Homestead
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