Under The Hood
First off, lets give the most credit where it is due, to the guys in the engine shop. Anyone will tell you that qualifying at Daytona is more about the car than the driver with most of the pressure landing squarely on the guys that build the motor.
This year the two best Ford engine builders are combining their considerable expertise in Ford engines. Jack Roush and Robert Yates are now collaborating on their motor program. The results? Four of the top five qualifiers, including the entire front row, had Roush/Yates horsepower. These guys know how to make a Ford engine hum.
The Man In The Seat
But even the fastest car can't drive itself. Greg Biffle brings an impressive resume to Daytona: 1998 Truck Series Rookie of the Year, 2000 Truck Series Champion, 2001 BGN Rookie of the Year, 2002 Busch Series Champion and the winner of last July's Daytona race.
Take a guy who is a proven restrictor plate winner and put him behind arguably the best engine in the sport and you've got a potential pole sitter. Can anyone tell me why sports writers are calling his pole winning run "shocking" and "surprising?"
His name may not be on the tip of your tongue when you think of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup stars but this pole run shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone.
