NASCAR racing is finally back with some great racing at Daytona International Speedway. What we saw in the Shootout was a little different than what we usually see. Instead of seeing drafting packs, we saw two-car break aways, getting a whopping 20 miles an hour faster than the other cars, turning about 9500 RPMs, a dangerous number for racecars. The qualifications for the Shootout changed. The top 12 in points, past champions, whoever won a points race at Daytona, and former Rookies of the Year. Here was the line-up:
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2. Tony Stewart
3. Carl Edwards
4. Denny Hamlin
5. Kasey Kahne
6. Bobby Labonte
7. Clint Bowyer
8. Ryan Newman
9. Derrike Cope
10. Michael Waltrip
11. Greg Biffle
12. Jeff Gordon
13. Juan Pablo Montoya
14. Jamie McMurray
15. Jeff Burton
16. Kevin Conway
17. Kurt Busch
18. Kevin Harvick
19. Matt Kenseth
20. Mark Martin
21. Kyle Busch
22. Joey Logano
23. Jimmie Johnson
24. Regan Smith
The night before, Dale Earnhardt Jr. pulled the pole for the Shootout, but was taken out in a wreck in the second segment, along with Carl Edwards, Joey Logano, Regan Smith, Juan Montoya, and Kevin Conway. Kasey was out early with engine troubles. All night we saw two cars draft, getting more RPMs than single cars or cars in a bigger draft. Now, for the big ‘controversy’. last lap, coming to the checkered. Denny Hamlin pushing Ryan Newman. Jamie McMurray pushing Kurt Busch. This is where it gets interesting. Denny Hamlin, going for the win, is forced down below yellow, passes Ryan Newman, crossing the finish line before Kurt Busch. Denny Hamlin wins right? No. Kurt Busch does. Denny Hamlin is black-flagged for illegal pass, crediting him with a 12th place finish. That was Kurt Busch’s first Daytona win.
Results:
1 Kurt Busch
2 Jamie McMurray
3 Ryan Newman
4 Jimmie Johnson
5 Greg Biffle
6 Jeff Gordon
7 Kevin Harvick
8 Jeff Burton
9 Clint Bowyer
10 Bobby Labonte
11 Tony Stewart
12 Denny Hamlin
13 Matt Kenseth
14 Derrike Cope
15 Michael Waltrip
16 Kyle Busch
17 Mark Martin
18 Joey Logano
19 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
20 Juan Montoya
21 Carl Edwards
22 Regan Smith
23 Kevin Conway
24 Kasey Kahne
Now, on to Daytona 500 qualifying. 48 entries. 48 qualifying cars. 96 qualifying laps. 192 tires. 240 miles. Top qualifying speed was given by Dale Earnhardt Jr., turning a lap of 48.364 seconds (186.089 MPH). Jeff Gordon turned a lap of 48.396 seconds (185.966 MPH). Cup Rookie Trevor Bayne, driving the legendary 21 Ford for the Wood Brothers, turned a lap of 185.445 MPH, the third fastest lap. He was good throughout practice, being fourth fastest in the final Daytona 500 qualifying practice, mirroring RCR driver Jeff Burton. The Gatorade Duels are on Thursday to determine the rest of the field.
Line-ups.
Gatorade Duel #1Gatorade Duel #2
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