by Jeff Hammond

Jeff Hammond: The Fords led by Robert Yates Racing and Roush Racing should be strong, but don't sell the Chip Ganassi Racing and Evernham Motorsports cars short because Ray Evernham is very, very sharp when it comes to making a car better. He's got a great group of engineers, and he's got great drivers to give good feedback so the No. 9 and 19 teams will be stronger.

Speed Mail Jeff Hammond
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While I would be surprised if Dodge won the pole, I would not be surprised to see them in victory lane during Speedweeks because that's where a balanced race car will pay off. Sterling Marlin looked extremely strong in the draft during testing. He told me that it was one of the very few times since he won back-to-back Daytona 500's for Morgan-McClure 10 years ago that he could hold his foot flat on the floor for 20 to 25 laps without coming out of the throttle.

And Marlin is ready. Last year was a little bit of an embarrassment for him and that whole 40 crew because Jamie McMurray pretty much stole his thunder. I don't think it's a news flash that Marlin is getting up there in years like some of the other veteran drivers, and I'm sure he's going to start getting more and more pressure to get it done or find somebody else to get in his race car.

With all of those factors rolled into one, Marlin looks like he could very easily be a factor in challenging for his third Daytona 500 win. He knows how to win at Daytona so I think you've got to look at him early on this season.

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FOX race analyst Jeff Hammond led Darrell Waltrip to two of DW's three Winston Cup championships as his crew chief. They also teamed to win the 1989 Daytona 500.

For Jeff Hammond's "Real Men Work in the Pits" magnets, Hollywood Hotel hats and more, check out www.dwstore.com.

For photos and appearances, visit Jeff's web site www.jeffhammond.com.