A win at Daytona sets the year off right: Clinching the crown jewel makes a huge statement and, of course, yields a spot in the 16-driver playoff bracket. Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing snagged the pole position for Sunday’s superspeedway race. Fellow Gibbs driver Denny Hamlin clocked the fastest first practice session time on Wednesday.

Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jimmie Johnson all hold the record for most titles won with 7 each. Jimmie Johnson has won the most consecutive championships, with 5 from 2006 to 2010.