
The Daytona 500
The wreck left NASCAR nation somber. Racing continued as usual- as the news that the victims involved were recovering from injuries, and stable at the hospital. The Daytona 500 was finally here. the anticipation was high, how was the new car going to handle with a restrictor plate on the Super Speedway? What we learned - it's a hard car to pass.
Patrick started in front- and was able to hang out in the top ten for the majority of the race. There was a moment where it would be easy to believe that Patrick could win the race.
An early wreck took some of favorites to win out of contention and left them with difficult to repair cars. Kyle Busch tried to push Kasey Kahne, but instead turned and spun Kahne out. Other's collected in the crash were Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears, Juan Pablo Montoya, Kurt and Kyle Busch.
The 500 was mostly uneventful. At one point, the Joe Gibbs Toyota's were the strongest with Matt Kenseth leading, and teammates Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch following. Unfortunately, engine troubles cost Kenseth- and Kyle Busch a victory.
Drivers were not making moves, and no one dared to pass in the final laps- as you would normally see during the Daytona 500! During the white flag lap, Dale Earnhardt Jr. dared to make a move and was coming up to the leader rather quickly- but he didn't have enough time to pass teammate Jimmie Johnson.
Today marked Johnson's second Daytona 500 win- and it's a major milestone for Johnson has been struggling with plate racing.
The season is underway- 35 more weeks to go. It's too soon to predict what can or will not happen- let the surprises come as they come!
Next weekend NASCAR heads to Phoenix, Arizona! Watch on March 2nd, for Johnson will race for Dale Jr's team, JR Motorsports.






