While most drivers in the Daytona 500 were assured a spot in the race, eight had to either qualify on time, rely on a champion's provisional, or race their way into the race. Tony Raines, David Stremme, and Trevor Bayne all had qualifying times last Sunday good enough to avoid the pressure of finishing in the proper transfer spots in Thursday's Gatorade Duel races. Dave Blaney and Michael McDowell did not. 

Blaney accrued enough points in the Tommy Baldwin Racing No. 36 Chevy to be in the top 35 at seasons end last year, but Baldwin struck a deal with Stewart-Haas Racing to sell that spot to the new No. 10 team of Danica Patrick, so the popular rookie and big money sponsor Go Daddy could make the race. That left Blaney back at square one, but he was not down and out. As other threats to his Daytona 500 starting spot dropped out, Blaney kept his No. 36 Ollie's Bargain Outlet in perfect position to make the Great American Race. He talks to News/Talk WSB about his strategy for the 500 and the relief of making the show. 

(Hear Blaney's interview: Listen and/or Download )

McDowell also had no assured spot in the 500, but did have a sponsor, K LOVE, and was set with his newly-revamped Phil Parsons Racing No. 98 team to run the full distance in at least the first five races. McDowell's team has largely start-and-parked in every race for the past few seasons. He talks to News/Talk WSB about what being in the 500 means and what the future holds for his small race team. 

(Hear McDowell's interview: Listen and/or Download  ) 

Doug is covering Speedweeks events at Daytona. Turn here for the latest coverage and hear live reports on AM-750 and 95.5FM News/Talk WSB. Follow Doug on Twitter (@DougTurnbull) and get more NASCAR updates from Captain Herb (@CaptainHerbWSB) and Jason Durden (@JasonDurden). Get the full race weekend run down with Captain Herb’s FastCar Newsdesk every week on CaptainHerb.net.