NASCAR's season-opening race, and its biggest of the year, will be run Sunday in Daytona, Florida.

For the third time in the 44 years of stock car racing's Daytona 500, a rookie will be on the pole. Jimmie Johnson has earned that honor, while last season's NASCAR rookie of the year, Kevin Harvick, will start next to him on the front row.

The sentimental favorite may be Dale Earnhardt, Jr., whose legendary father was killed in a last-lap crash during the race last year. The young Earnhardt starts in the fifth position today, right behind the winner last year, Michael Waltrip.

Jeff Gordon won the season points title last season for the fourth time, and will start in the third position. Jordan easily won a qualifying race during the week as he looks for his third Daytona 500 victory.

All five of the leading drivers will be in Chevrolets.

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