Grammy fever took to the field Monday night with the the bright lights and excitement carrying over to the the 58th annual running of the Daytona 500 is this weekend in Daytona, FL. We’ve consulted our experts to bring you riveting details of the race so you’re in the know.
Shake and bake,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Five things you should know about the Daytona 500
- The Daytona 500 kicks off the NASCAR season.
- This is the highest paying race of the season. (Last year's winner took home $1.5 million).
- Only nine pole position starters (i.e. best starting spot) have won the race. This year’s pole setter is 20-year-old Chase Elliott. Chase is the son of Hall of Fame driver Bill Elliott who won Daytona 500 in 1985 and 1987.
- The field (i.e. all the car/drivers in the race) is made up of 40 drivers.
- The race cannot end under a caution flag. The race will be extended to ensure the finish is in regulation.
Fasten your seatbelt and watch the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 21st at Noon (EST) on FOX.
NCAA basketball (College)
- Cruise on down the road. It’s rivalry week in college basketball with the big game happening tonight, Duke vs North Carolina (9 pm EST on ESPN). These rival schools are just eight miles apart via “Tobacco Road.” These teams hold the record for most meetings as ranked opponents in college basketball history (74 times).
NFL (National Football League)
- Big baller. The NFL published Commissioner Roger Goodell’s salary for 2014. Goodell made $34 million in 2014, which is down from $35 million in 2013 and $44 million in 2012.
Overtime
- Taylor Swift may have taken home the big trophy at the Grammys, however Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was the real winner with the hottest date in the joint, singer Ciara.
- The boys proved fashion isn’t simply for the ladies. Grammy presenters and NFL stars Anquan Boldin and Von Miller channeled their inner fashionistas. Miller wore a jacket that would make Elton John proud.
Sideline Stat
- Banker Nathan Schoenfeld was reportedly giving his kids a bath on Monday when he received a message that the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL) needed him the next day as backup goalie due to an injury to their starter goalie. Schoenfeld had worked with the team in the past and played hockey at Arizona State University. He was never needed in the game but he rode the bench with pride.
Coaches’ Corner
- In racing, what’s a caution flag? Racing flags provide an opportunity for NASCAR to communicate with the drivers via a flagman located at the start/finish line. The caution flag is yellow and it warns the drivers to slow down to a predetermined speed. The caution flag is usually out when there is an accident or debris on the track.
