FanHouse KatieKenseth

David Ragan's first NASCAR victory in 196 starts was the major story of Saturday's Nationwide race, but it definitely wasn't the biggest highlight. As Holly mentioned in her recap, a wild wreck by Matt Kenseth had every spectator in awe at Talladega.

After Kenseth lost control with 12 laps left, the car skidded on its roof, flipped three times and caught fire along the grass. Thankfully he was able to make a quick escape from the car as his pregnant wife, Katie, watched with bated breath.

Sports Illustrated polled NASCAR drivers and the results showed that 29% of them think Clint Bowyer's girlfriend is hotter than their own significant other.

Not surprising. Athena Barber, part-time model and former Bassani Babe, is as full of southern charm as she is natural beauty. She never fails to turn heads at the track with her casually sexy style. No doubt even some of the female NASCAR following would admit to having a girl crush on her. More pics and video.

Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman and Robby Gordon also received votes for their women, making it an eclectic group: Eva Busch, the buxom blonde; Krissie Newman, the girl next door; and former Miss Winston Renee White, the ex-Mrs. Derrike Cope.

I am surprised that Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth didn't get any mentions. Chandra Johnson is at times positively stunning ... and drivers openly admit to drooling over Katie Kenseth.

Ironically, Jeff Gordon's "supermodel" wife, Ingrid Vandebosch, doesn't do much for the rest of the field.

Drivers to Junior: Hands off our Daughters
65% of NASCAR drivers polled said they wouldn't let their daughter date Dale Earnhardt Jr.

TGOM to Drivers, Owners, Crew Chiefs, et. al.: Be on guard. NASCAR's most eligible bachelor is in the market to replace his latest female companion, who recently passed her expiration date.

Daytona Live Blog: Pre-race | Lap 1-100 | 101-150 | 151-200 | Victory Lane

Race: The 49th Annual Daytona 500
Track: Daytona International Speedway
Stats: 2.5 mile tri-oval superspeedway, restrictor plates required
Capacity: 168,000, SOLD OUT

Tune-In: FOX, 3:15PM ET
Keep up: NASCAR.com Trackpass

Defending Series and Race Champion: Jimmie Johnson
Last driver to win back-to-back 500s: Sterling Marlin (1994-95)
Defending Track Champion: Tony Stewart

Grand Marshal: Nicolas Cage
Pre-race entertainment: Kelly Clarkson
National Anthem: Big & Rich
Pace-car driver: Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken
Green-flag waver: Phil Parsons, brother of the late Benny Parsons

Manufacturer's Notes
Chevrolet Monte Carlo - made in Canada
Dodge Charger - made in Canada
Ford Fusion - made in Mexico
Toyota Camry - made in the USA

Observations

• Nicolas Cage's hat
• When Wendi Venturini asked celebrity guest Eli Manning if he'd been starstruck at all in the garage area, I think she meant NASCAR drivers, not Cal Ripken.
• Marriage and impendng fatherhood have given Jeff Gordon a few more grays
• Kelly Clarkson's hair as been extended since yesterday
• Live music always sounds like crap on TV, particularly when there's unnecessary screaming and the singer's voice is hoarse or otherwise strained
• The drivers' wives and girlfriends on pit road: Kim Burton, Eva Busch, Erica Dewey, Katie Kenseth, Connie Montoya, Michelle Gilliland, Lisa Reutimann, Linda Rudd and Elliott's Sadler's new woman
  
• Noticeably absent: David Stremme's recently estranged girlfriend, Whitney Jacobs; Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s girlfriend, Elizabeth Peschock

Is it snack time yet?
Domino's, the Official Pizza of NASCAR Order Online

Staring lineup

Boogity, boogity, boogity! Let's go racin', boys!