We've all done it. It's not like football or baseball, where a keen understanding of strategy significantly enhances your enjoyment. Oh, sure, today you'll hear a bunch of confusing terminology from the TV talking heads about restrictor plates and drafting and aerodynamics. But racing is a lot like eating at Gates. You don't need to know everything that comes with a Presidential Plate to enjoy a short end.
Auto racing is rather simple.
Races are generally won by the man or woman daring enough to put the pedal to the metal the hardest and longest and the man or woman smart enough not to run out of gas with a lap to go. That's all you really need to know. For me, Saturday felt like and looked like a Chiefs game. There are just more of them. Saturday, thousands of motor homes camped in the Daytona International Speedway infield, and race fans tailgated hours before the race and hours afterward.