by M.C. – photo: nascar.com | Winter is over… or at least as far as stock cars are concerned. The all-American competition, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup, is back this Sunday with the legendary Daytona 500, a race some people consider to be the ‘Super Bowl’ of motor-sports. The first race of the season will take place at the Daytona International Speedway marking the start of the 70th edition of NASCAR in the USA and the 47th in its current format.

From the 18th of February right until the 18th of November, there await 36 weeks of nail-biting excitement, spectacular overtakings, unreal crashes and a feast of colour and power. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup is organised in two parts, first comes the regular season which is due to finish on the 9th of September with the Brickyard 400, followed by the playoffs which run up to the 18th of November, day of the final. Only the best four drivers compete at the final which will take place once again at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Old favourites and new challengers?

We shall see if old time favourites prevail, such as current champion Martin Truex Jr. who will have a chance to repeat last years’ victory. There is also Jimmie Johnson who could perpetuate his legend by achieving an eight title. Last year’s playoff competitors (Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski) could also end up claiming the 2018 title. In any case, they will have to measure up against a number of promising freshers such as Daniel Suarez.