THIS BLOG IS BEING SUBMITTED IN REFERENCE TO HOTFOOTLORI'S CONTEST TO SUBMIT A POST ABOUT A DRIVER ONE DOES NOT NORMALLY ROOT FOR, AND SHARE WITH THE READERS WHY YOU BELIEVE THIS DRIVER MAY WIN.

There are a myriad of reasons why any driver wants to win a race on Sunday (or Saturday night), besides the obvious of one of fame and glory. And of course when the event is the marquee event of NASCAR, as the Daytona 500 is, the rewards and fame are that much sweeter. This year is would be an exceptional year to claim the trophy, since 2008 marks the 50th running of the Great American Race.

Typically there are several reasons that motivate a driver to win the race to the checker's each week: Personal satisfaction, Team effort and of course the Sponsor's. Why the sponsor's you ask? Well keeping the sponsor's happy (by being in victory lane of course) pays dividend's to the team to help ensure they can continue racing the rest of the season and stay competitive.

Some personal reason's to motivate Kasey Kahne win the 500:

- WInning the Daytona 500 would be his 8th career victory.  Also  2008 marks the start of his Fifth season in NASCAR.

- He would be the first winner since Derrick Cope in 1990 to hail from the state of Washington.

- Winning the first race of 2008 would end his winless streak extending back into the fall of 2006.

Thoughts on boosting the team morale with a victory in the Daytona 500:

-This would greatly override the haunting dismay of the 2007 Daytona 500, where the team was one of six teams found with illegal modifications during Speedweeks.

-This would be Dodge's first return trip to victory lane in the Daytona 500 since 2002, when Ward Burton won the race.

- Not just winning the Daytona 500...but winning the 50th Anniversary of the Great American Race. Perhaps even an opportunity to be interviewed by his teammate Elliott Sadler on Trackside Live the following week as a guest.

Some fun motivational reasons to keep the sponsor's happy might include:

- Knowing that your race car is faster than those Budweiser Clydesdale's, yet still enjoying the association of a premier sponsor. 

- Staying in shape by avoiding those overly affectionate Allstate girls, trying to get your autograph and more.

- The opportunity to be the newest winner in the Gillette Young Guns, and be the bad guy in the commercials.

-The thrill of making Tony Stewart jealous because McDonald's is one of your sponsor's.

-There are of course many more sponsors for the team...but most importantly always thank them, and be sure not to Dodge any praise for your car manufacturer.

But finally dear reader's whomever does manage to win the race to the checkers and earn the Daytona 500 trophy,  you now have a number of reasons to cheer for the #9 Budweiser Allstate Dodge Charger of Kasey Kahne on Sunday, February 17, 2008.