The time is upon us. The official beginning of racing season…

OK – The ROLEX 24 was the actual beginning. However, as sexy and sleek as the Grand-Am cars are and as fun as that race is to watch there is no escaping that everyone knows what the Daytona 500 is…

The NASCAR opener is the start in the minds of most to get the engines hot and the wheels rolling. So grab your hats (if the drivers still match) and get ready for Daytona to go bright again with the sound of horsepower.

There is a lot to see for this one, too. First and foremost is the new “Gen-6” Sprint Cup car. It’s been tested on the track and the tunnel but our first chance to see it really race will be this weekend for the “Sprint Unlimited”. (formerly the Budweiser Shootout)

The “Unlimited” is a special, invitation/qualify race for eligible drivers based on the previous season pole winners and past “shootout” winners. The “Sprint Unlimited” is not a points race so it is a dash for cash for the drivers and an appetizer for the season. Points will begin to stack soon enough.

NASCAR is also letting fans get into the mix with a number of choices for the “Unlimited”. Fans already went online for some voting on the race entries. On race day, NASCAR is giving away a lot of control to ticket holders. A bold move considering the state of mind of many race fans.

Up for the choosing are the race segments, pit stops and eliminations. The fans are even given the option to choose the outfit for Miss Sprint Cup.

Are we ready to leave these kind of decisions up to the guy who has had a big “3” shaved in his back hair since 1998…? Fans in Daytona have been drinking since Fat Tuesday! We’re liable to see cars running clockwise, pit stops with the manufacturer tool kit under the spare, eliminations based on a poker draw and Miss Sprint Cup in stilettos and fishnets…

OK… That last thing might be all good…

What it really comes down to is racing. We’ll see the “Gen-6” bumper to bumper and side by side. We’ll see the drafting and the passing. We’ll see a greater engagement with fans and we’ll see it all from Daytona!

Next week, the “Budweiser Duals” run off on Thursday. This will be the final shot at start positions for the Daytona 500 on the 24th.

For now, let’s sit back and get ready to watch the drivers take the “Gen-6” out for a drive.

…and how well “Back Hair #3” calls the shots…