The Daytona 500 is Sunday and SI’s Lars Anderson is breaking down the five hottest topics entering the 2012 Sprint Cup Season, including how Danica Patrick will fare in her 10 Cup events this season. Read the other burning questions below. (Simon Bruty/SI)

ANDERSON: Burning questions for the 2012 Sprint Cup season
MARTIN: The Daytona 500 isn’t necessary for a driver’s legacy
McCARTNEY: Rejuvenated Johnson looking for sixth championship

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• Danica Patrick
• Daytona 500
• NASCAR
• Racing

The closest race in Chase history will be settled this afternoon at Homestead. Will the winner be Carl Edwards or Tony Stewart? While you ponder the matchup, take a second to check out SI.com’s gallery of Sports Figures on South Park. (Michael J. LeBrecht II/1Deuce3 Photography; Josh Holmberg/Icon SMI; Mike McCarn/AP; Fred Vuich/S)

MARTIN: Edwards, Stewart poised for a dramatic finish

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• South Park
• NASCAR
• Tony Stewart
• Carl Edwards
• Jimmie Johnson
• Jeff Gordon
• Danica Patrick
• Dale Earnhardt