As the day of the Daytona 500 dawns, it's gray, misty and windy in Florida. No idea what the weather will be like here, but it's possible we're looking at some rain-related delays. Which would really suck, because so far this Daytona has had both fine races and high drama. And thanks to some unfortunate wrecks and practice problems, some of the leading competitors have been pushed to the back of the pack for the start. So let's look at some of the leading competitors for the Daytona checkers, and let us know where you stand:

Dale Earnhardt Jr.: It's never a good idea to count out Earnhardt at Daytona, so we won't.

Jeff Gordon: Can Gordon be a dark horse? Apparently so. But he's an extremely good bet to break his year-plus winless streak.

Jimmie Johnson: The reigning champ is eager to get 2009 started the same way 2008 ended.

Kyle Busch: After two straight runner-up finishes the last two nights, Kyle is itching to get back in the winner's circle. It's been a whole three days, after all.

Tony Stewart: Smoke was an early favorite until he totaled his Daytona car; now he's starting with his Bud Shootout ride in the back of the field.

Kevin Harvick: Like Stewart, Harvick will start in the back after wrecking this week. Too bad; he was my early pick to win.

Jamie McMurray: Jamie ran extremely well at the end of last season, and his loss-by-a-frosted-tip in the Shootout shows that he'll pick up right where he ended '08.

All right, your turn. Who's your pick for the race? Put yourself on record now so you can gloat when you're right. First person to pick the winner gets a callout in this space on Monday. Go!

Related: 2009 Daytona 500