|| *Comments on the 2011 Daytona 500:* View the most recent comment <#204> | Post a comment <#post> 1. 00andJoe posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:34 pm Rate this comment: (4) (3) Best. 500. Ever. Trevor Bayne wins the Daytona 500 in his first attempt and second career Cup Series start. It is also Bayne's first top five and top ten finish. It will be a CRIME if he doesn't get full-season sponsorship and a ROTY berth. David Gilliland finishes third, giving Front Row Motorsports its best-ever finish, and his first top ten finish since finishing second at Sears Point in 2008. Regan Smith was a threat to win before getting caught up in a mess instigated by Robby Gordon, but came back to finish seventh, a career best and his first career top ten finish. Terry Labonte brings Frankie Stoddard's #32 home in 15th in the team's first start. This is Texas Terry's best Cup Series finish in his last 29 races, since he came home third in the 2006 race at Sears Point Raceway! Steve Wallace finishes 20th in his first career Cup start. Dave Blaney suffers the heartbreak of the race (and wins my honorary Goody's Headache Award) when, after running in the top-15 all day and looking likely to score a top ten in his one-race-sponsored ride, he had to go through the grass to avoid Junior's spinning out at the end of the aforementioned Robby Gordon instigated mess, damaging the left front of the car when going off the pavement of the Inner Loop, winding up finishing 26th after repairs. Andy Lally finishes 33rd after getting caught up in the Big One and making repairs, the best finishing rookie-of-the-year contender. Brian Keselowski was strong in the early going, working his way back to the front from the back at one point and then running as high as fourth after an exchange of pit stops, before getting caught up in the Big One on lap 30, ironically getting tagged (just before getting clear) by fellow rookie contender Andy Lally, and finishing 41st in his first career Cup start. With Bayne (for now) only eligible for BGN points, Carl Edwards is the unofficial points leader with 42, followed by David Gilliland and Bobby Labonte tied with 41, and Kurt Busch and Juan Pablo Montoya tied with 39. Regan Smith, Kyle Busch, Paul Menard, Mark Martin and A.J. Allmendinger round out the unofficial top 10. Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick start their championship runs in holes, the Hendrick boys being tied for 25th, and "Un-Happy" Harvick 37th in points. 2. reffy posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:34 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Trevor Bayne, in only his second cup start, wins the Daytona 500 for the Wood Brothers. 3. reffy posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:34 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Also, the first cup race under NASCAR's new points system. 4. Madison posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:36 pm Rate this comment: (2) (1) Oh. My. God. That's one heluva race and one heluva top 5. Congrats to Bayne. Holy cow. 5. Cooper posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:36 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Instant Classic. I don't need to say a word, the race speaks for itself. 6. Andrew posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:39 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) What an incredible race. 00andJoe summed it all up wonderfully. I know that NASCAR (and most fans) were annoyed with the two-car drafts, but I thought that they actually provided a much-needed change to the entire dynamic of the race. All the old rules were out the window. It also made for a far more exciting event than usual. Congrats to Trevor Bayne and Wood Brothers Racing! It can't be said enough. 7. potatosalad48 posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) So much to talk about. Congrats to Trevor Bayne for winning the Daytona 500 in his 2nd cup start EVER, and 1 day after his birthday, no less, for the Wood Bros., winless for 10 years until today. Also congrats to David Gilliland, Bobby Labonte, Regan Smith, Paul Menard, Bill Elliott and Terry Labonte on their good runs. 2 out of 4 RCR cars blow up and all 4 Hendrick Cars were involved in an accident, although Mark Martin rallied to finish 10th. In all, a great 500 and one of the best races I've ever seen. 8. Mike posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) When Jeff Gordon is willing to sit down and work with you throughout Speedweeks then you have some talent. Trevor has some amazing potential and he showed it today. He deserves a top caliber ride next year. I knew my support for Michael Waltrip wouldn't last. He was just a complete idiot out there today. Overall, this Daytona 500 was one of the best ever. I'm not sure I would put it ahead of the 1998 500 or the 2007 500, but it's up there. Good job NASCAR! 9. 00andJoe posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Addendums to the posted results: - Terry Labonte's team owner was Frank Stoddard/FAS Lane Racing - Steve Wallace's team owner was Rusty Wallace Racing - Dave Blaney's sponsor was Golden Corral - Brian Keselowski's sponsor was Discount Tire 10. JP88 posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:40 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! The Kid pulled it off Congrats Trevor Bayne and the #21 of the famous Wood Brothers... I was shaking, look at the guys in the top-10 going for the win, awesome result and congrats to Bayne...what a finish to an exciting speedweeks 11. JP88 posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Also pretty ironic that Bayne isn't eligible so all 3 winners aren't the point leaders in the respective divisions...Talk about Busch-Whackin' what do you call this? 12. RaceFanX posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Bayne wins his first big three-level NASCAR race and the Woods win their first race since 2001 and first Daytona 500 since 1976 when David Pearson won. The team had a throwback red-and-white with gold numbers paint scheme to mimic their old 1970s car. There was a lot of suspicion in the week leading up to this race that it would be rigged by NASCAR for Dale Earnhardt Jr to win. The fan favorite had a great run but a flat tire and then a crash on the green-white-checker ended any chance of that. Mark Martin was collected in the Big One early in the race but fought back from 3 laps behind to contend for the win and finish in the top-10. Kyle Busch and Juan Pablo Montoya also recovered from spins to finish in the top-10. Kurt Busch comes up just four spots short of being the first racer to win the Bud Shootout, their Gatorade Qualifier and the 500 in the same year. After his early retirement Kevin Harvick left the track and went home. Bidweiser's new racer was home in time for the finish. 13. Anonymous posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) legendary 14. 18fan posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:43 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I cringed for Bayne when Carl Edwards came out of nowhere to be in a position to win. If David Ragan seriously did not know what he did wrong, he is an idiot. It was setting up to be a great finish when Kurt Busch got hit by Tony Stewart and turned Regan Smith and caused a big pileup before failing to capitalize on a great opportunity to win the 500. Kyle Busch got beat up earlier in the race and had a tire rub late but rebounded to finish 8th. Juan Montoya was involved in two wrecks and was in great position at the end. First top 5 for Bobby Labonte since 2009 at Las Vegas and he was a contender all day. 15. Android posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:43 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) The Wood Brothers win the Daytona 500? Unbelievable. Good race. Kyle Busch has matured a ton, and that might spell trouble for the rest of the competition. 16. DieselDan posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:44 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Shocker of a winner. Horrid race. 17. DaleSrFanForever posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:44 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) That is why I keep watching NASCAR, for moments like this. Congrats to Trevor Bayne and the Wood Brothers for pulling off the best feel good story since unknown Jamie McMurray won for Sterling who was injured in 2002. But this isn't just some fairy tale. Trevor earned this victory with smart driving well beyond his 20 years. He pushed ALL DAY without getting anyone sideways. When a situation got dicey, he just calmly backed out, regrouped, and pushed back towards the front. Trevor deserves this Daytona 500, and DAMN it felt good to watch. Kudos to Jack Roush for picking this kid up when MWR let go of him (regrets?) and running him without a sponsor because he recognized the talent and potential. He'll be winning a lot of races for Jack in the future. Hopefully owners saw this and will be willing to give talented kids that haven't had a chance yet similar opportunites. This will help clean out some of the stagnation that has fallen over Cup if it happens. Just amazing though. I haven't felt this good after a Cup race in a long time. Not since Brad's win at Dega two years ago, but that is because I was already on the Kes bandwagon (and still am). This is a bigger deal though. Enjoyed the racing...... when they were actually racing. Hopefully they'll figure it out a little better before the Dega race and there won't be as many cautions. Way too many in this race with people just doing what they have to do. The Daytona 500 shouldn't last almost 4 hours without a single red flag. But the green racing was exciting IMO, and the ending made it all worth it. 18. jlpmghrs posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:45 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "13. Anonymous posted: 02.20.11 - 6:42 pm legendary" That about sums it up. 19. 00andJoe posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:45 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) To be precise: first win for the Wood Brothers since March 2001 at Bristol (Elliott Sadler). 20. Anonymous posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:46 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) Best 500 ever. Wow. 21. Ryan posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Bobby Labonte was sitting pretty there, you just knew he was going to do a sling-shot down the frontstretch, but Edwards and Gilliland ruined that for Labonte and they ruined it for Kurt Busch. Wow!!! And David Ragan has to be kicking himself. Congrats to Trevor Bayne's World!!! Someone buy this kid a drink!!! 22. jlpmghrs posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:47 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "If David Ragan seriously did not know what he did wrong, he is an idiot." To be fair, Kahne clearly did the same thing on Thursday and received no penalty. 23. RaceFanX posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:49 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Cup Series debuts for both Steven Wallace and Brian Keselowski. Both actually ran pretty well although Keselowski's Cinderella story that started earlier this week when he and his brother drafted the #92 Dodge into the race ended all too early in the big one. 24. RaceFanX posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:50 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Someone buy this kid a drink!!!" We can't, he's not 21 (even though that is his car number) 25. Schwab posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Unbelievable race. What else can you say? Wow! Daytona 500 records set in this race: Most cautions Most leaders Most lead changes Trevor Bayne joins Jamie McMurray as the quickest to win in the Cup series in only two starts. Trevor's win was also the 600th win for Ford in the Cup series and the first for the Wood Brothers since Elliott Sadler won at Bristol in March 2001. Bobby Labonte scored his first top 5 finish since Las Vegas in 2009. It was also his 200th career top 10. First time the #22 has raced since Homestead 2008. David Ragan came close to potentially getting his first top 5 finish since Talladega in October 2008. Dale Earnhardt Jr. made his 400th career start. Kevin Harvick has a DNF due to an engine failure for the first time in 152 races. 26. martin-n-rusty posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:53 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) As I said... Don't EVER listen to he doom and gloomers!!! 27. Anonymous posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) How about old Bobby Labonte! Had a shot to win the Daytona 500. I repeat, Bobby Labonte had a GREAT shot to win the 2011 (yes, 2011) Daytona 500. Not a misprint! Shame he couldn't get it done, but at least he helped the feel good story of Trevor Bayne to victory with that great push on the final restart. Welcome back Bobby! Welcome to the big time Bayne! Great race. 28. Anonymous posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Greatest thing since sliced bread...Trevor Bayne? 29. Evan posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:55 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) The person that needs to be kicking himself is David Ragan. Ragan set this up by jumping the start to try and get Bayne to follow him and then once Ragan was out of the picture it was Trevor Bayne who had the fast car and he really drove a flawless race and it was him at the end. You never stop watching for moments like this, and this was a satisfying win for the Wood Brothers who had not won since 2001 with Elliott Sadler. Trevor will get a ride somewhere in Cup and he'll get a full time ride somewhere. A win in the Daytona 500 will make a career great and Bayne is off to a great start. A great race. 30. RaceFanX posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:56 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Welcome back joy among NASCAR fans, we missed you. 31. Smokefan05 posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #20 He can't drink yet. But who cares. This races top 10 isn't your normal top 10: Bayne: (winner winner chicken ****ing dinner) Gilliand: Pulled a Harvick BLab: up front for most of the day Smith: congrats on your first "offical" top 10 Menard: well he didn't do too bad. Maybe being at RCR will get him into VL Honorable mentions: JPM: wrecked (twice) and still came top 10 Robby Gordon: He and the car were goners, but he saved it. (talent anyone?) AJA: Uh where did you come from? Awsome Bill: hey, not bad for an old man. Ragen: Moron. -_- Kyle Busch: Had a car that looked like it was at Martinsville. TLab: Hey good job. :) Smoke: What were you doing????????? 32. Madison posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:59 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #27 I'm also overjoyed to be welcoming back BLab and welcoming to the big time Bayne! Congrats to them. 33. Anonymous posted: 02.20.2011 - 6:59 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Great race. Trevor Bayne raced very smart today. This the biggest opposite out of the Daytona 500 since Derrike Cope's 1990 win. This Daytona 500 had a team that ran its best on an oval Since Ricky Rudd finished 4th at night race at Bristol in 2005 and a driver that won in his 2nd carer cup start. I have a feeling that Trevor will be racing for Jack Roush in cup next year or the year after. I think this win will play a factor in Glen Wood getting elected into the Nascar Hall of Fame in the fall. Bobby Labonte got his first top 5 since Las Vegas in 2009. Bobby also got his best finish since he got 3rd at 2nd Martinsville race in 2006. 34. beligerant posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (2) Sorry to break it to y'all but Trevy boy's win was most likely fixed and decided among the top suits at NASCAR weeks before the cars even started arriving to built up hope and viewership among it's now fleeing target audience. NASCAR and other sports have fixed races and games before. This one ain't no different. 35. Turd Ferguson posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Sponsors: 78-Regan Smith-Furniture Row/Denver Mattress 77-Steve Wallace-5-hour Energy/Aspen Dental 4-Kasey Kahne-Red Bull/Walgreen's 36-Dave Blaney-Golden Corral 83-Brian Vickers-Red Bull/Walgreen's 9-Marcos Ambrose-Stanley/DeWalt Tools 92-Brian Keselowski-Discount Tire 46-J.J. Yeley-AAMCO Transmissions/Red Line Oil 36. Madison posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:02 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #34 Wow... Just wow. 37. Eric posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:03 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Post 33 was me. I am stunned to see the 29 & 31 blow up engines in the same race. I think David Ragan cost himself more than a Daytona 500 win. I think he might have cost himself a job if he runs like he did last 2 years. 38. Anonymous posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Trevor Bayne becomes the second driver to win in his first start in the Daytona 500 with Lee Petty being the only other driver to do it because he won the first Daytona 500. 39. 00andJoe posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #34: Sorry to break it to you, but if you truly believe that, then I should also correct you in the following: the Apollo astronauts really did land on the moon, and there are no CIA black helicopters that are part of the New World Order. 40. jlpmghrs posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "34. beligerant posted: 02.20.11 - 7:01 pm Sorry to break it to y'all but Trevy boy's win was most likely fixed and decided among the top suits at NASCAR weeks before the cars even started arriving to built up hope and viewership among it's now fleeing target audience. NASCAR and other sports have fixed races and games before. This one ain't no different." Some serious trollin' goin' on in here. 41. Bronco posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:06 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Biggest shocker in NASCAR's history, past, present and future. A driver making his 2nd ever start with the weakest manufacturer on superspeedways, wins arguably the most prestigious race in American motorsports. This is bigger than McMurray at Charlotte 2002, Gilliland's Kentucky Busch win and the finish to Talladega 2009 all combined. Michael Waltrip spun Kyle Busch to bring out the first caution, and then triggered the big one when he turned the car he owned, setting up the biggest wreck of the day. Dale Earnhardt Jr's frustrating Speedweeks came to an end after a flat tire put him back in the pack where he got wrecked on the first GWC. This is the third car he crashed in the last week due to getting caught up in crashes not of his own making. He drew the Bud Shootout pole and earned the Cup pole but walked with almost nothing to show for any of it. The good thing is, there won't be any talk of NASCAR fixing the race for him or the black #29 to have won. Dale Jr and Matt Kenseth both didn't have a DNF since Kansas 2009 when they both exited the race with engine problems, and today they both saw their streaks come to and end. Congrats to Regan Smith on his first official top 10 finish, and David Gilliland for beating Conway's 14th place finish at Daytona last July to give FRM their best ever finish. JPM got turned by McMurray, saved it good enough to earn his second straight top 10 in the 500. After being the weakest manufacturer in testing and Speedweeks, Ford's FR9 engine leads to them sweeping the top 3 position. The last that time was in the 2000 Pepsi 400 where they swept the top 5. Of the four drivers that the FOX guys picked to win the race, only Kurt Busch finished in the top 10. Paul Menard gets the best finish for the very strong RCR brigade. I definitely think he's got what it takes to win one this year. 42. RacingRocks57 posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:08 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Now THAT was an exciting race. Weird outcome but the 2 car draft was exciting but it caused way more cautions. Oh well at least they got rid of that junky spoiler last year. CONGRATULATIONS TO TREVOR BAYNE. WINNING IT WHEN HE WAS 5 YEARS YOUNGER THAN GORDON. Oh yeah I thought Harvick would win but blew an engine. :( CANT WAIT FOR JULY! I like Martinsville best though. Once again, exciting and fun to watch race! 43. beligerant posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:09 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) 00andJoe: thanks for the insightful criticism! Now excuse me as I go watch some NASCAR, drink a big glass of high fructose corn syrup juice Coca-Cola, and inject myself with some mercury containing vaccines. 44. Jarrett88fan posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 53rd Daytona 500 The "Survivor Series." If ESPN Classic ever airs Nascar races, this one should be included. All the after mentioned records for the 500 fell. Easily one of the most competitive 500s in history. David Ragan had a Sterling Marlin moment ala 2002 Daytona 500. Its ironic, because this 500 reminded me of the 2002 race with all the bizarre happenings. Hell, Dave Blaney and David Gilliand in S&P cars could have won. Funny how the Fords were practically invisible for Speedweeks and then they show up late. Now, Tony Kornheiser (and Liz Carroll, Washington Post) can go run and tell that... there WAS NO Earnhardt-Nascar fix and this finish WAS NOT scripted for ratings. 45. Ryan posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:13 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Someone buy this kid a drink!!!" We can't, he's not 21 (even though that is his car number) Why I said that, because he wouldn't be able to 46. Madison posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:13 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #43 Then why the **** are you registered on this site? 47. Watto posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:19 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Regan Smith was a threat to win before getting caught up in a mess instigated by Robby Gordon," That was Kurt Busch who got into Regan and sent him into the outside wall. Robby wasn't near the start of that one. 48. Brad posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:23 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) All aboard the Trevor Bayne Train! Simply incredible! Michael Waltrip once again proved that he can't drive worth a lick. Caused 2 wrecks within the first 30 laps. One of which was the big one. You would think a driver who has won 2 Daytona 500s would have better common sense on how to drive at plate tracks. Great runs by Bobby Labonte, Regan Smith, Paul Menard, and David Gilliland. It was also a great run by Dale Jr. He may be back in 2011. The entire race was a big wreckfest. The 2-car drafts were pretty cool to see though. I have a feeling we may see a big change for Talladega. 2011 looks like it's going to be a fun year. Off to Phoenix! 49. RR posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Congrats to Bayne, Wood Bros., etc... Here's what entered my mind: It has been written that silly season won't be as "silly" as in recent years, but those articles were written before a 20-year old Daytona 500 winner emerged in the market. Roush Racing currently has two drivers whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the year, and another driver who is, in essence, racing for his career. One could reasonably assume that Ford would be keen on keeping Bayne with a blue oval sewn on his driver's uniform. Now, Edwards doesn't have as strong a hand going into free agency, and Trevor Bayne is set to be a very wealthy man. 50. Madison posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) And on another note, no start and parks in this race. Many start and parks [Bayne, Gilliland, Elliott, T Labonte, Wallace, Blaney] Had remarkably good races. 51. Willy on Wheels posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) Best Daytona 500 since 1979. Congratulations Trevor Bayne, you truly deserved it. It's great to see an underdog, with a part-time team, who isn't even running for Cup points, in just his 2nd ever Cup race, win the biggest event in all of motorsports. Great ending to one of the wildest races of all time. I think i found a new favorite driver. 52. Jarrett88fan posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:25 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Smoke: What were you doing?????????" I thought the same thing on the last restart... Stewart-Daytona jinx... hell, he held up Mark Martin who was coming up through the carnage. 53. Madison posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:26 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) And also, Carl Edwards' 3rd straight top 2 finish. 54. Darrell posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:32 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES 55. Jarrett88fan posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Wow!!! How about these top-12 point standings... Can we start the (35 race)Chase now? 1 Carl Edwards 42 2 David Gilliland 41 -1 3 Bobby Labonte 41 -1 4 Kurt Busch 40 -2 5 Juan Pablo Montoya 39 -3 6 Regan Smith 38 -4 7 Kyle Busch 37 -5 8 Paul Menard 36 -6 9 Mark Martin 34 -8 10 A.J. Allmendinger 34 -8 11 Bill Elliott 32 -10 12 Tony Stewart 31 -11 56. CHAD posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:33 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) THE BEST DAYTONA 500 57. Watto posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:34 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "Many start and parks [Bayne, Gilliland, Elliott, T Labonte, Wallace, Blaney] Had remarkably good races." The 21 never parks, Gilliland's car doesn't park, Terry Labonte was driving for a new team with people who don't have a history in parking, Wallace's team debuted this race and that organization has never parked. 58. DaleJrFan19 posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:36 pm Rate this comment: (2) (0) For the ages... 59. Madison posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:37 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #57 Yeah, that was a heat of the moment post Still, good race for all of them nonetheless. 60. chris posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:42 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) this is the first time i've been really happy for a Daytona 500 winner, Both Trevor Bayne and the wood brothers really disserve this win. Congrats to Trevor and the wood brothers. 61. Rusty posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:45 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) One of the most thrilling races I've ever seen results in an epic upset. 20 year old Trevor Bayne shocks the world by winning the Daytona 500. The entire race you had no clue who was going to win, nobody really flexed their muscles all that much (Clint Bowyer, Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman, and a few others led a decent amount of laps but they all were going back and forth in the pack). I said during the race that this has a chance to give us an epic upset with a driver you'd never expect winning. Turns out to be Trevor Bayne. He'll be running full time for Roush next year in Cup. Probably replacing the goof who blew away his chance to win a race. 62. Jarrett88fan posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:49 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Past - Famed No. 21 Wood Brothers team known for their longevity in Nascar. Present - Winning the 2011 Daytona 500 and running a part-time schedule this year. Future - Winning with a 20 year old future star driver whose life is altered forever by virtue of taking the checkered flag in the Great American Race. Its almost poetic... the convergence of the past, present and future in one moment in time. 63. Brad posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Since Trevor Bayne is technically running for the Nationwide Title, would'nt he be considered a Cup-Whacker today? LOL! 64. Neal posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:56 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Was that the Daytona 500 or a demolition derby at the county fair? I kept hoping all the drivers would switch to station wagons for the last 10 laps. Congrats to Trevor Bayne. That kid can wheel a car. Thank GOD Roush plucked him away from MWR. Dear Mikey, please retire before you destroy any more of our cars. Signed, 1/3 of the 2011 Daytona 500 Starting Grid. 65. Anonymous posted: 02.20.2011 - 7:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) #57 Gilliland did 11 S&Ps in 2009, Front Row Motorsports were serial S&Pers from 2005-2008, Terry Labonte did one S&P in 2009, and Bill Elliott S&P'd 1 race in 2006 and DNQed for Front Row Motorsports three times between 2006-07, during their start and park era. Other than Bayne and Wallace, everyone else start-and-parked at least once. 66. NewJack posted: 02.20.2011 - 8:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Thinking we saw who'll be in the #6 in 2012. Kind of crazy to see the guy potentially replacing Ragan do something in 2 starts he couldn't in 3 years. 67. 00andJoe posted: 02.20.2011 - 8:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #47: You're right, I'd had it confused with the earlier wreck (lap 168) in my mind which Regan also got a piece of. #64: As much as I like Mikey, I have to agree - he should have retired on the spot in Victory Lane on Friday night. I don't suppose he can take The Onion with him to his fishing cabin on Lake Norman? 68. joey2448 posted: 02.20.2011 - 8:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) when i saw bobby labonte pushing trevor on the final lap, i thought he was gonna pull out off turn four and pass bayne for the win....wouldn't that have been something? 69. 00andJoe posted: 02.20.2011 - 8:06 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #68: He tried! But Carl went low instead of going with him, and Bobby found himself hung out to dry. 70. 18fan posted: 02.20.2011 - 8:06 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) At the beginning of the victory lane interview Krista Voda called Trevor Bayne Travis. Reminded me of Bill Weber at Martinsville calling Ricky Craven Ricky Rudd. 71. RCRandPenskeGuy posted: 02.20.2011 - 8:14 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Man, this was a great race! And so far all the comments show for it. I came into here when there were already 61 comments, and there may have been more while I was reading through the posts. Simply amazing finish. I've always liked Trevor Bayne because of the way he handles himself on and off the track, but he is now officially on my top-5 list of favorite drivers. This kid is going to have a great career in the Cup Series once he ends up in a good, full-time ride. Hell, he'll probably give the Woods enough stability to reach their goal of returning to full-time too. I kept giving Brad Kez (also one of my top-5 favorites) a lot of credit for his Talladega win in '09, but this win is a lot more impressive simply because Trevor didn't need to perform a breakaway move in order to win it. He ran up front a lot during the day, and was able to hold off Carl at the end. When I saw Carl and Gilliland coming, I was really hoping Trevor would throw his best block on Carl, and he did. To me, this is even more of an upset than Jamie Mac winning that Charlotte race in '02. Although Trevor won't get any points for it (although he still gets credit for winning his first race), it was great to see a full-time NW driver who won't be running the full Cup schedule (as of now) snooker a win away from the Cuppers. It's like role reversal. Nice to see David Gilliland, Bobby Labonte, Regan Smith and Paul Menard all end up in the top 10. I'm hoping Bobby can have a decent season, but my gut feeling still tells me Marcos Ambrose left that car for a reason. Let's hope I was wrong. David Ragan earns the Oops award for this race, as he probably would have finished in the top-5 if he hadn't changed lanes before crossing the line on that one restart towards the end. If he continues to be unimpressive, I think Jack's gonna put Bayne in the #6 for next year. Somebody mentioned earlier that Dave Blaney suffered heartbreak today, and I agree 100%. I'd have loved to see him finish in the top 10, and he definitely had a car capable of doing so. 72. New 14&88 Fan posted: 02.20.2011 - 8:17 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) An epic race for the ages, that's all that can be said for this race. ATTABOY TREVOR BAYNE AND THE WOOD BROTHERS!!!!! 73. 18fan posted: 02.20.2011 - 8:27 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I am surprised that nobody mentioned part of the cause of the last wreck was Newman putting himself 4 wide at the time that Robby came back up the track. I feel Newman should get of the blame for that crash. 74. undertaker0024 posted: 02.20.2011 - 8:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I don't even know where to go!!!" --Trevor Bayne as he makes his way to victory lane at Daytona. BEST! QUOTE! EVER! 75. JC posted: 02.20.2011 - 8:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I think this pretty much NASCAR is not rigged, especially for Earnhardt. Everyone that thought Earnhardt had it won thanks to NASCAR fixing it for him are looking like fools now. WAY TO GO TREVOR!!!! 76. Frank posted: 02.20.2011 - 8:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Happy and proud to witness SO MUCH HISTORY from the stands. Hard to say something new but the best thing I read by that time was the tweet by @jaybusbee: Really, really sick of these Nationwide drivers coming over and taking wins away from hardworking Sprint Cup drivers. Think we've watched the best that modern NASCAR can even provide 77. Smiff_99 posted: 02.20.2011 - 9:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) There's nothing to say that hasn't already been said. I was SCREAMING as they came to the line.............simply amazing. This is why I fell in love with NASCAR. 78. rw posted: 02.20.2011 - 9:13 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Wow what a race. I was cheering mad hard for Bobby Labonte to win! Since Jr wrecked :(. Tough break for Brian Keselowski, kid was doing pretty smoothly until that Big One. Steve Wallace had a quiet 20th place finish. Pretty damn good Daytona 500. 79. rw posted: 02.20.2011 - 9:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Props to Trevor Bayne!!! 80. Greg Gruver posted: 02.20.2011 - 9:15 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) ONE OF THE TOP 5 RACES IN NASCAR HISTORY. 81. DaleSrFanForever posted: 02.20.2011 - 9:32 pm Rate this comment: (1) (1) "Greatest thing since sliced bread...Trevor Bayne?" Him and Logano are the same age. Logano has been hyped since he was 15 years old and never faced any career adversity. He is in a 2 time championship car in Cup. He has one win which was a fluke rain win in a race he ran terribly in. Trevor came in as an unknown. He faced major career adversity last year when MWR pulled the rug out from under him, but got picked up by Roush (who is sitting on a gold mine with this kid). He now has a win, in a full length race that he was up front in most of the day. Logano, move over. "Dear Mikey, please retire before you destroy any more of our cars. Signed, 1/3 of the 2011 Daytona 500 Starting Grid." Lol. Great job by Mikey honoring his fallen friend by starting two wrecks in the first 30 laps, including one that took him out. At least when Dale started a wreck, he managed to stay out of it. "Really, really sick of these Nationwide drivers coming over and taking wins away from hardworking Sprint Cup drivers." HA! Love it! "DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES" YES!!!! "This is why I fell in love with NASCAR." Same here. "You would think a driver who has won 2 Daytona 500s would have better common sense on how to drive at plate tracks." Exactly. The thing is, Mikey never really had to race when he was winning, those DEI plate cars were so superior, his only competition was his teammate. When he is in equal equipment, he shows that he really isn't a good drafter. "Welcome back joy among NASCAR fans, we missed you." Ain't that the truth? We are actually all happy. 82. myself posted: 02.20.2011 - 9:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) You people calling this an all-time race haven't seen very many. It don't hold a candle to some of the 70s or 80s races. Michael Waltrip........................you're an embarrassment of a turd! 83. jlpmghrs posted: 02.20.2011 - 9:45 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Leave it to the bitter old fool to piss on the parade! Where've you been, myself?! 84. irony posted: 02.20.2011 - 10:01 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I can't get all that excited over restrictor plate surprises any more but that's just me. The thing about Trevor is that he was up front all week and probably could of won his 150 so it's not a fluke win. Hopefully this will be a good season for Bobby Labonte. Props to Robby Gordon who was near the front most of the day. 85. jensenators posted: 02.20.2011 - 10:13 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) brian keselowski got sponsorship from discount tire. dave blaney got sponsorship from golden corral. 86. b4il3y posted: 02.20.2011 - 10:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I've been watching racing of all forms since I was old enough to know what was going on (1980), and I've been fortunate to see what footage there is of older races. This race ranks in the top 5 of best races ever. Lead changes, wrecks, drama, stupidity, and the WOOD BROTHERS! No one team deserved this more than them. Seeing the Pearson colors back where it belongs has restored my faith in nascar. All we need now is our short tracks, the Rock, and a 2nd race in Darlington and I'll feel like were totally back. NASCAR needed this one, and needed it bad. Seeing Bayne last year in MW cars in Busch, he always raced well and qualified well, considering it was basically Cup with all of the whackers. I hope this is a sign of things to come this season. BTW... I think Joy, Larry Mac, and DW were so shocked they didn't know what to say. The only problem I had the whole time with the announcing was DW pulling too much for Dale Jr. I know him and his dad were good friends and I can understand the sentimentality, but he did it a little too much during the race. Him calling Mikey to the line and Ned calling Dale Jarrett to the line were one thing, it was only for a few laps at the very end, but man he homered him the whole race. Junior isn't my favorite driver but I don't not like him, but it was a little much. I'm so happy to nitpick to find that little something wrong, because everything else was all good. Hope these guys with good runs can back them up when we get to the handling tracks! Cheers! 87. Red posted: 02.20.2011 - 10:54 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) You know what I loved about this race? Nobody was worrying about points, and nobody even mentioned the chase. It was simply 43 men throwing caution to the wind and racing their hearts out for the trophy. LOVED IT! Are you listening, NASCAR? When the focus is on the race, and not the chase, the fans win. 88. Madison posted: 02.20.2011 - 10:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) @87 I've always said: In a NASCAR Season, there are 2 championships. The full season championship, and the Daytona 500 championship. Trevor Bayne is now a Daytona 500 champion. 89. NZ Nascar fan posted: 02.20.2011 - 10:59 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) What ar race! Glad i skipped school for it 90. NASCAR 24/7 posted: 02.20.2011 - 11:22 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I like Mark Martin, but he must be mad at Trevor Bayne. 27 starts without a 500 win, and Bayne goes out there and does it on his first try. Great race and congrats t-Bayne! (some people call him that lol) 91. NASCAR 24/7 posted: 02.20.2011 - 11:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) And post 89 why would you have school on Sunday? 92. Timmy Quivy posted: 02.20.2011 - 11:29 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) @91, b/c it appears as though he is from New Zealand. Date line. I can't really say anything that hasn't been said thus far about the race. The video camerawork though? Fantastic. That Fox X Mo Vision on a high def television was without a doubt the coolest camerawork I've ever seen. 93. 00andJoe posted: 02.20.2011 - 11:49 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #87 - Mike Joy actually did mention the Chase once. ;) In the context of Johnson's coming back out, as I recall. But you do have a good point. #92 - I absolutely agree. Fox's camera work has crossed the line to sheer awesome, and puts what ESPN has to shame. I do need to point out though that ESPN did use a FLIR at a race at Martinsville, at least, back in the early 90s, so that part isn't exactly new. But the false color was, and it was cool nontheless. And the X-Mo does raise the bar tremendously. 94. lugnut posted: 02.21.2011 - 12:40 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) Just hope Bayne isn't the next Derrick Cope. 95. JC posted: 02.21.2011 - 12:58 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) NASCAR 24/7 I doubt Mark is mad at Trevor, in fact he's probably pretty proud of him. I have never heard of Mark getting mad at another driver for accomplishing something he hasnt. 96. Jarrett88fan posted: 02.21.2011 - 1:36 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) DaleSrFanForever - This one is for you. "Dr. Dick Bergren: What happened out there Michael? M. Waltrip: Its hot, and the track is slick...man I just couldn't see the car in front. M. Waltrip: I've been in way too many races this week... so, its obviously not the way we wanted to end this tribute to Dale, Bobby Kennedy and these boys put together a fast NAPA Toyota, but for the folks at home, you can stroll on over to amazon.com and check out the critically acclaimed book, "In the Blink of an Eye." Let's help get it to number 1 on the New York Times Bestsellers list, for Dale. Oh, and I want to say hi to my girls and everybody back home. That's all Dick, back to Darell, Mike and Larry in the booth. Take it away boys!" 97. Rusty posted: 02.21.2011 - 2:17 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Michael Waltrip took out half the field in "The Blink of an Eye." 98. ii posted: 02.21.2011 - 7:19 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Trevor should have chosen to run for points in Cup... ...and Ragan got screwed by a penalty. 99. zuel660 posted: 02.21.2011 - 8:46 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) 1st Daytona 500 win for the Wood Brothers since 1976, & their first win at Daytona since the 1983 Firecracker 400 with Buddy Baker. 100. CarlEdwards99 posted: 02.21.2011 - 8:55 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) awesome to see the year long tribute to the Silver Fox get kicked off like this. Always cool to see the Wood Brothers win again, but to do it in a year where they are honoring one of my all time favorite drivers is awesome. Pearson has been shamefully completely overshadowed by the likes of Earnhardt and Petty (not that those guys don't belong in the conversation, but Pearson should be in the conversation with them, not a after thought), finally he gets his year and what a way to start it. the NASCAR on Fox crew continues to prove to be a bunch of buffoons. Early in the race they reported that the Gibbs cars refused to have radio communication hook ups with other teams drivers. Than later in the race they played a radio back and fourth between Kyle Busch and McMurray. Great reporting! 101. Josh C posted: 02.21.2011 - 9:09 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) good race, wish bobby could have pulled it off. im now a fan of this racing style at 'tona. just not a fan of rookies winning the biggest race in their first try. not saying i don't like the kid he done damn good, and he is someone that i could root for in the future, but i don't like seeing someone win a race of this prestige when legends and past champs with 15-20 and more starts never win it. 102. JakeTV370 posted: 02.21.2011 - 10:58 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) New records for the 500: 1. Most cautions (Previous Record: 11 [1968, 2005 & 2006]) 2. Most Lead Changes (Previous Record: 59 [1974]) 3. Youngest Driver to Win (Previous Record: Jeff Gordon [25 Years, 6 Months, 12 Days]) 103. Jim posted: 02.21.2011 - 11:00 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Record lead changes & cautions, plus a green-white-checker finish. Just amazing that a 20 yr old could handle that much pressure. Maybe now we can find some Motorcraft merchandise on the market. Way to go Trevor !! 104. Tom posted: 02.21.2011 - 3:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) It's good to see Waltrip paying tribute to his friend Earnhardt, by showing how safe the new cars are by starting the big one. 105. Talon64 posted: 02.21.2011 - 5:11 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) "I like Mark Martin, but he must be mad at Trevor Bayne. 27 starts without a 500 win, and Bayne goes out there and does it on his first try. Great race and congrats t-Bayne! (some people call him that lol)" A 20 year old did in his first try what Mark Martin, Tony Stewart, Bobby Labonte, Terry Labonte, Jeff Burton and Kurt Busch haven't been able to do in a combined 117 starts and 10 runner-up finishes in the Daytona 500. Un-f******-believable, I was yelling and clapping my hands until they were red and sore when he took the checkers. Amazing. It's the Wood Brothers' 98th Cup win, 5th Daytona 500 victory and 15th at Daytona overall; 1 of them was a qualifier race when they counted as Cup wins from 1959-1971. Trevor Bayne joins Tiny Lund, AJ Foyt, Cale Yarborough, David Pearson as Daytona 500 winners for the Wood Brothers, and Buddy Baker and Neil Bonnett as Daytona winners overall. 32nd is the worst starting position that the Wood Brothers have ever won the Daytona 500 from; the previous worst was 12th when Tiny Lund won the Wood Brothers' first Daytona 500 in 1963. Kurt Busch gets his 10th top five in 21 Daytona starts. Speedweeks proved he's the best active plate racer not to have a points paying plate win. Regan Smith got his 1st top ten in 96 Cup starts, also the first top 10 for Furniture Row Racing in 128 Cup starts. Andy Lally was the highest finishing ROTY contender in 33rd. 106. Mr. Big posted: 02.21.2011 - 5:27 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Don't know if I can add much, but even though I don't follow NASCAR too closely anymore this was as excited as I've been over a sporting event in recent memory. Incredible finish and one of the biggest upsets (if not THE biggest) in NASCAR history. 107. DaleSrFanForever posted: 02.21.2011 - 6:36 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) "Michael Waltrip took out half the field in "The Blink of an Eye."" HA! I was gonna say something like "He went from hero to zero in The Blink Of An Eye". In the 41 hours between the end of the Truck race and Lap 29 of the Daytona 500, he reminded us why he has never belonged with the big dogs. "It's good to see Waltrip paying tribute to his friend Earnhardt, by showing how safe the new cars are by starting the big one." I shouldn't have, but I laughed when I read that. I hate when people (like Mike Joy) say stuff like "Dale's legacy isn't his racing success but in the safety innovations that came about after his death". Horse shit! That isn't his legacy, that is the legacy of NASCAR's head honchos, the least pro-active people ever. They had three deaths in NASCAR the previous year, one in each Series, and they still didn't do shit. Prior to the '01 Daytona 500 the people who invented the HANS and what would become the soft walls were practically begging NASCAR and it's drivers to adapt safer measures. They scoffed. And Dale never gave a damn about safety. It's what ultimately led to his death. That is just the truth. 108. JP88 posted: 02.21.2011 - 6:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Something that probably will get lost in the big win by Bayne is how about David Gilliland in the Taco Bell Fusion almost pushing Carl to the win and finishing 3rd. Great run by him, a great Plate and Road Course driver. If Front Row Motorsports can build on this and begin to give David half-way decent cars, he could be a top-20 driver...same as Regan Smith. Anyone else think the new points rule will eventually make Trevor's career better. Just think if he was the point leader in the Cup series and decided to change and ended up coming out too early (much like Gilliland being in Cup after 1 NW Win) and then disappear. This system will be good cause I'm sure Trevor is gonna win the NW Title this year. 109. DaleSrFanForever posted: 02.21.2011 - 6:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Thanks JarretFan. That pretty much sums Mikey up. 110. Red posted: 02.21.2011 - 7:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "just not a fan of rookies winning the biggest race in their first try." Glad somebody mentioned this. As Trevor was coming to take the checkered flag, I was 75% excited for him, and 25% cringing for him. On one hand I think he's a great kid and I'm really happy for him. But for his sake I fear that he won't appreciate this win as much as he would if he tried for a decade then finally won it. Now if he goes on to have a great career, winning the 500 early won't matter. But I would hate to think he's already reached his summit and everything else will be anticlimactic for him. Almost like going on an amazing first date and then every subsequent date just doesn't measure up. 111. Talon64 posted: 02.21.2011 - 7:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "This system will be good cause I'm sure Trevor is gonna win the NW Title this year." Roush has said he's committed to running him the full season in NNS but the #16 doesn't have any sponsorship. Hopefully winning the Daytona 500 will change that. And with guys like Elliott Sadler, Aric Almirola, Reed Sorenson and Justin Allgaier going for the championship I never thought Bayne would be a title contender going into the season. But Bayne's NNS season has always seemed irrelevant to me. I cared a lot more about how he would do with the Wood Brothers in Cup and after his big win that's probably a lot of people's view now. BTW, Jamie McMurray also won in Cup before he won in NNS; won at Charlotte on October 13th 2002, then two weeks later on October 26th he got his 1st Nationwide win at Atlanta and backed it up with another one in the next race at Rockingham. I wonder if Bayne has a shot of pulling off the same thing. 112. Eric posted: 02.21.2011 - 8:06 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) DaleSrFanForever, I agree with you that it is bullcrap that people claim Dale Earnhardt Sr's legacy is safety innovations that came about after his death. I have to go one step further than you in terms of racing deaths in 2000. 1999 had a warning signs for the Nascar Body in safety and they ignored them. Jeff Krogh was injured very badly during practice at the 1999 Busch Series DieHard 250 practice at the Milwaukee Mile and I was at the Milwaukee Mile when that crash happened. Jeff was in a coma for a month as a result of the severe head injuries he got from the crash. NASCAR's head honchos ignored Jeff's crash because he wasn't a big name. Jeff's injuries was a preview of what Nascar's head honchos ignored prior to Dale Sr.'s death. 113. 00andJoe posted: 02.21.2011 - 9:22 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Phoenix entry list is out. 45 cars, although it's unfortunatly likely Brian K will have to withdraw. (Mikey could win a lot of brownie points by giving him a car since it's his fault the 92 got torn up. In other news, I have this bridge to sell you, one careful owner...) Skinner in the 32, Cassill in the 60, Bliss in the 64. 114. 00andJoe posted: 02.21.2011 - 9:24 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) addendum: also, Raines in the 37. 115. NASCAR 24/7 posted: 02.21.2011 - 9:29 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) @95 Sorry I misworded that. I meant that Martin was mad that he couldn't do it. Obviously he is proud of Bayne, everyone else is. 116. Madison posted: 02.21.2011 - 9:34 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) @112 Not to mention Dale's neck injury at Atlanta. 117. Bronco posted: 02.21.2011 - 10:29 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Phoenix entry list is out. 45 cars, although it's unfortunatly likely Brian K will have to withdraw. (Mikey could win a lot of brownie points by giving him a car since it's his fault the 92 got torn up" Lol, why should Mikey compensate Brian just because his #92 got torn up? Sure, his team is underfunded but you take that chance of wrecking a car when you decide to go race at a RP track. Should McMurray also compensate Brian for triggering the big one in the Talladega Nationwide race which tore up the #92 with Setzer driving? It's hilarious to listen to Mikey being crucified for his mistake, when no less than four other drivers turned around their teammates during Speedweeks (Kyle Busch, Kvapil, McMurray, Biffle). 118. Madison posted: 02.21.2011 - 10:38 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #117 I agree. So I guess Robby Gordon owes Jr, Newman, and Smith a car each because of a racing accident? haha 119. Smiff_99 posted: 02.21.2011 - 10:53 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) #112-There were quite a few injuries in '99: Earnhardt Jr. also got hurt in a practice crash at Milwaukee (the same weekend as Krogh's crash) Ernie Irvan at Michigan in August of that year (The wreck that ended his career) Andy Santerre at Daytona........Wayne Grubb at Atlanta. Bobby Labonte at Darlington. Oddly enough, all of these incidents were in the Busch Series. 120. Neal posted: 02.21.2011 - 11:15 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) So Bronco hates Keselowski and loves Cornball? Keselowski has more driving ability in his little toe than Mikey "I Lingered Around for 16 Years Accomplishing Jack Sh*t Because I'm DW's Brother" Waltrip. 121. Fisha695 posted: 02.21.2011 - 11:21 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I didn't read through all the comments to see if this was mentioned or not yet but the #21 & #71 are both owned by Richard Petty (for at least the first 5 races due to points swap) and not the Wood Brothers & Kevin Buckler. 122. Eric posted: 02.22.2011 - 12:13 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Smiff_99, I was aware of the injuries of those drivers before post, but these injuries weren't life threatening or head injuries outside of Ernie Irvan. I didn't mention Ernie because it is a tough case to figure out into terms of iffy a safety barrier and his 1994 head injuries. The problem also is figuring in his 1994 Michigan crash into the 1999 crash. It seemed like Ernie was starting to get prone to feeling woozy like his 1998 Dega Crash. Ernie suffered a neck problem, but he complained of being a little Woozy. That meant his 1994 crash made it easier for him to get woozy or get a type of a head injury. What is known now, it very possible that Ernie shouldn't been back a race car in 1999. The studies out there now that if a person suffers a head injury, that person could be more susceptible to another one such as a concussion or worse in Ernie's case. That information was not available in 1995 because a lot of progress has been made with Concussions and head injuries in general. 123. RCRandPenskeGuy posted: 02.22.2011 - 12:20 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) As far as NASCAR safety goes, I agree that they really didn't do shit until after Dale Sr's death. I mean, after the deaths of Petty and Irwin at Loudon all they did was put a restrictor-plate on the track, which resulted in a real snoozer of a race that September (and this is coming from a Jeff Burton fan!) when all 300 laps were led by the race winner and the top 5 pretty much finished where they started. They didn't do anything after Tony Roper's death either. Since Dale Sr was one of NASCAR's biggest names, they felt they had to look into improving safety then. They should have done that years before. 124. Eric posted: 02.22.2011 - 12:22 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) What I meant by " I didn't mention Ernie because it is a tough case to figure out into terms of iffy a safety barrier is "I didn't mention Ernie because it is a tough case to figure out because if because if updated safety equipment would prevented more problems his head after the 1994 crash." 125. RCRandPenskeGuy posted: 02.22.2011 - 12:26 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I should probably clarify that the only exception to the top 5 in that Loudon race was Ricky Rudd, who started 19th and was able to finish in the top 5. All the other top 5 finishers also started in the top 5, so my point still stands. 126. NZ Nascar fan posted: 02.22.2011 - 1:55 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Yeas i'm from New Zealand, next time i skip school is going to be the memorial day double ;) 127. CarlEdwards99 posted: 02.22.2011 - 6:13 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "It seemed like Ernie was starting to get prone to feeling woozy like his 1998 Dega Crash. Ernie suffered a neck problem, but he complained of being a little Woozy. That meant his 1994 crash made it easier for him to get woozy or get a type of a head injury. What is known now, it very possible that Ernie shouldn't been back a race car in 1999. The studies out there now that if a person suffers a head injury, that person could be more susceptible to another one such as a concussion or worse in Ernie's case. That information was not available in 1995 because a lot of progress has been made with Concussions and head injuries in general." interesting stuff. I was recently watching a interview with Rick Mast and he talked about Neil Bonnett's death and mentioned that he didn't think the crash itself looked life threatening and he always wondered if his previous head injuries made him more susceptible. 128. 00andJoe posted: 02.22.2011 - 11:21 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) #117 - That's true, but those other wrecks didn't result in somebody being forced to miss races because somebody else ran out of talent. I like Mikey (even though I hit 'mute' whenever he starts getting diarreha of the jawbone), but he's turning into a bit of a human wrecking ball... #121 - On paper, that's true. But that's the same way that the #27 belongs to TRG Motorsports - on paper for the points, nothing more. #127 - Very likely. The NFL is doing a lot of work on concussions these days, since their QBs keep getting them, and that's pretty much the conclusion they've made: each head injury makes you that much more likely to get hurt again, and worse. And also that a concussion can still be dangerous long after you stop feeling it. 129. DaleSrFanForever posted: 02.22.2011 - 12:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "Anyone else think the new points rule will eventually make Trevor's career better. Just think if he was the point leader in the Cup series and decided to change and ended up coming out too early (much like Gilliland being in Cup after 1 NW Win) and then disappear. This system will be good cause I'm sure Trevor is gonna win the NW Title this year." That is an excelent point. Event hough this was an outstanding run for Trevor and the Woods, they need to stay on schedule. I've always felt drivers need at least two full seasons in NWide before going to Cup if they are going to be consistently good (the Gilliland example is a great one). Plus, he just turned 20. Winning the Daytona 500 will be enough of a life changer, don't totally turn things upside down. Keep him on schedule to learn and grow, then in 2012 he can have maximum impact, hopefully in the #6 car. "It's hilarious to listen to Mikey being crucified for his mistake, when no less than four other drivers turned around their teammates during Speedweeks (Kyle Busch, Kvapil, McMurray, Biffle)." The difference is they didn't do it twice in the first 30 laps. Yes, you are right, with this new style of racing there will be a lot of drivers turning each other. And yes it is just racing. Robby Gordon (somebody I can't stand) spun out Brad K (my favorite active driver). Am I mad at Robby for this? Nope. That is just a product of this racing. But twice in 30 laps? On a weekend "celebrating" the life of one of your friends (really it was all a publicity ploy, but that's another sotry)? At the track you claim to be one of the best at? 130. Smiff_99 posted: 02.22.2011 - 12:53 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Man, that's gotta be the craziest top 10 in points I've seen in a long, long time. Granted, it'll be like that only until after Pheonix this weekend, but still..... David Gilliland....2nd....Bobby Labonte....3rd....Regan Smith....6th....Paul Menard....8th....Allmendinger....10th. That's some crazy shit, right there. 131. Smokefan05 posted: 02.22.2011 - 3:32 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Actually if anyone should be sending money to owners for wrecked racecars is Tony Stewert. His Milk and Donuts move to get in front of Robby cause the 2nd big wreck. Which was really stupid of him too do since Robby had a full head of steam. 132. Anonymous posted: 02.22.2011 - 7:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 00andJoe, The work with concussions actually got their start without the NFL. Chris Nowinski got involved before the NFL did. Chris Nowinski initiated inquiries dead football players, retired football player and a dead wrestler before the NFL got involved starting in 2006. 133. martin-n-rusty posted: 02.22.2011 - 7:16 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) NZ nascar fan, don't you mean "triple" (since Monaco falls on the same day as well this year)? 134. Brad posted: 02.22.2011 - 8:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) This entire website should be designed just like Facebook. You can "Like" or comment on each post lol. 135. Jeff posted: 02.22.2011 - 10:44 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) My text message that I sent to my NASCAR friends went like this: "Holy F@ck" This was at 2:30pm Pacific Time, which was right after the checkered flag. A big atta boy to Trevor on his win. Simply awesome. I am glad he celebrated with his team right after the race and didn't just wait for the "scripted" celebration of Victory Lane. Not that that is the worst kind of celebration, but I do prefer the immediate, spontaneous celebrations more. And no one has said this yet, so I will. It was simply great to see the Daytona 500 be won the glorious sunshine once again after too many years of seeing it won under the lights. I am a Tony fan 1st and want to see him win the Daytona 500 one day. Maybe it will take him 20 years, like it did Dale. Guess that means he wins in 2018, since this was his 13th 500. Jamie is my 2nd driver and I'll still take him winning the 500 under the lights. It was supposed to end during the day, but a couple of pot holes got in the way of that plan. ;) 136. Roger posted: 02.23.2011 - 12:24 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Bill Elliott has never start and parked a car in his career. So that information is way off base. The man had a legit shot to win the race late when he literally pushed by Carl Edwards in the next to last restart but you would only know that if you were following it on Raceview. He would have been a lot better off had the last caution not came out. Mark Martin didn't get going on the last restart and Carl Edwards beat Elliott to the middle and it cost Bill. 137. Talon64 posted: 02.23.2011 - 6:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) In 91 starts since 2004 Bill Elliott's finished 80 of them. So yes, he doesn't start and park. Awesome Bill hasn't had a top ten since the Brickyard 400 in 2004, a span of 87 races. Bill's been close but no cigar with two 11th's and two 12th's (including a 12th in this race). 138. fannie davis posted: 02.23.2011 - 8:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) this was me and my husband jesse's first daytona 500 it was an incredible race 139. 00andJoe posted: 02.24.2011 - 4:21 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Keselowski the Elder will be at Phoenix (with Kasey Kahne's 2008 Charlotte-winning car). However the #64 is expected to withdraw. 140. NZ Nascar fan posted: 02.24.2011 - 11:00 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "NZ nascar fan, don't you mean "triple" (since Monaco falls on the same day as well this year)?" I don't watch computers run around a track. I watch real racing, stock cars 141. 18fan posted: 02.25.2011 - 12:51 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Slowest Daytona 500 in history and one of the slowest Daytona races in history. 142. Smokefan05 posted: 02.25.2011 - 1:41 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "I don't watch computers run around a track." This gets 2 thumbs up from me. LOL 143. myself posted: 02.25.2011 - 9:46 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) #104-LOL, hard! 144. NZ Nascar fan posted: 02.25.2011 - 5:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) "This gets 2 thumbs up from me. LOL" Thanks mate 145. Eric posted: 02.25.2011 - 8:08 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Myself, We all know you hate Dale Sr., based all your posts you made in the past, but you need to grow up. You don't type lol on every post about him though. You even made stuff about what happened to Dale during the 1997 Southern 500 and thought it was funny. 146. Eric posted: 02.25.2011 - 10:10 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) What I meant to say is "You don't have to type lol on every post about him though" You don't type lol on every post about him though". 147. Eric posted: 02.25.2011 - 10:47 pm Rate this comment: (0) (1) My problem with the poster"myself" isn't the fact he dislike Dale Sr. The problems come from him being extreme about and mention it in every post that has people discussing Earnhardt Sr. He had problems people holding 3 fingers for lap 3 as as a tribute to Dale Sr, but the poster Myself also made up the fact Dale Sr. passed out during the 1997 Southern 500 from being drunk and he crashed as a result. Dale Sr. suffered a dizzy spell on that day. There is a lot of info on Dale Sr. that hasn't been let known to the public in terms of 1997 Southern 500 and the 2001 crash. I remember last year reading about the sports media trying to keep what was in Dale Earnhardt's system, but I didn't bookmark it sadly as a source. What I recalled what Dale Sr. had over the counter medication/prescription in system for is used for heart problems based on what I read. Dale Sr's dad did die of heart problems at the young age of 45. The author connected the dots that medication that found in Dale Earnhardt's system was as a result of his block out at the 1997 southern 500. 148. Spen posted: 02.26.2011 - 12:27 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) 18Fan : Actually, the 1960 500 was slower. That's the only one, though. 149. awesomegordonfan posted: 02.26.2011 - 11:18 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) History is made. First time the winner raced in his 1st 500 since...THE first 500 (Lee Petty, 1959) Youngest 500 winner by 5.5 years (Jeff Gordon) 2nd youngest overall winner (Joey Logano, '09, New Hampshire) First time winner didn't get points since the Convertible days. 2nd slowest 500 (1960) First time Wood Brothers won at 500 since '76 (everyone remembers that race) Most lead changes (I think) 2nd consecutive time in 2 races that 500 had multiple GWCs All this 10 years after Earnhardt's death...and the exact date 10 years after is another story. 150. DaleSrFanForever posted: 02.26.2011 - 9:26 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Actually, NASCAR has always waited until a big name gets killed or hurt to make changes. Look at Fireball Roberts' death. Fires were nothing new to stock car racing in 1964. But nobody in the sanctioning body thought "Hmmmm, this could create a problem and kill somebody". Then Fireball Roberts, the sports biggest star at the time, a hard charger that really clicked with fans on and off the track, basically Earnhardt before Earnhardt, got badly burned in the World 600, and died from complications from those burns about a month later. Only then did they mandate the rubber fuel cells which burst much less easily. Another thing: window nets. A few drivers had been killed because their head hit the wall along with their car when they crashed, most notably two time defending champion Joe Weatherly at Riverside in 1964. A window net could have saved him. But they weren't mandated until Richard Petty had a horrific looking wreck and flip at Darlington in 1970 that ended with half of him hanging out of the car as it came to rest on its roof live on Wide World of Sports. Richard ended up with only minor injuries, but there he was on national TV, hanging upside down unconscience, with his arm resting on the track. Only then were window nets mandated. So, unfortunately, this is nothing new. 151. the_man posted: 02.28.2011 - 1:17 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) David Ragan on a 14th place finish: ā??I know what the rules are, I felt like the leader had the start of the race. To win these Cup races you canā??t make any mistakes, and the mistake I made hurt us, but our UPS team did a great job. Iā??m proud of all our UPS guys. A lot of UPS fans should be proud. Itā??ll take us a long time to forget this one, but weā??ll move on to Phoenix and the sooner we can win one, the sooner we can forget it.ā? 152. cjs3872 posted: 05.08.2011 - 7:46 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) With his win in this race, Bayne not only became the second-youngest driver ever to win a cup race (the youngest ever to win a completed cup race), but, in the 100th anniversary of the first-ever 500-mile race (the 1911 Indianapolis 500), he became the youngest driver EVER to win ANY 500-mile automobile race at 20 years and a day old, breaking the previous record set by Kyle Busch at Fontana, CA in Sept. 2005. Sadly, it may be his only big-league NASCAR win due to the effects of his insect bite and his wreck in the Talladega race, which I suspect has something to do with his recent troubles, hope not though. I just hope it doesn't end like what happened to 1972 Indy winner Mark Donohue in 1975. (He was injured in a crash in Austria, and even though I believe he was conscious when he got to the hospital, he died two or three days after that accident.) And I hope I'm dead wrong about his problems being more long-term than most suspect. 153. cjs3872 posted: 05.08.2011 - 8:04 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I forgot to mention in the last post that Donohue's accident occurred on the very same day that Tiny Lund, who had scored his first cup victory (of 5) in the 1963 Daytona 500 for the same team that Bayne won this Daytona 500 for, Wood Brothers Racing, had his fatal crash in the 1975 Talladega 500. But again, I hope Bayne returns to the track ASAP, and makes a productive comeback, and contends for and wins races in the coming years. Also, if the Wood Brothers never win again, this win would mark a complete circuit. The Wood Brothers became known for their pitwork from that 1963 Daytona victory, and have won a record 14 times at Daytona with this win, have won both the World 600 and southern 500 four times each, and were the winning pit crew for Jim Clark at the 1965 Indianapolis 500, so if they never win again, this would be a fitting cap on the history of one of the greatest racing teams ever, and Virginia's greatest professional sports organization. 154. cjs3872 posted: 05.09.2011 - 10:50 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Also, while another post mentioned that Bobby Labonte scored his 200th top 10 with his fourth-place finish, Mark Martin reached another milestone with his 10th-place finish. With that 10th-place finish, Martin set a new modern record and passed Dale Earnhardt, Sr. for third-place on the all-time list with his 429th top-10 finish and could possibly move into second place, passing Bobby Allison's 446 top-10 finishes, although that is becoming more and more unlikely this year, as Hendrick Motorsports is fielding competitve, but slow cars on the high speed tracks for the first part of this season. It must also be mentioned that the tandem style of drafting, while I'm not the biggest fan of it, is better than what they had before, mainly because it has been responsible two changes at Daytona and Talladega that I've wanted to see for years. The first is that it has caused the field to spread out, reducing the chance of, but as seen in the lap 29 crash, not completely eliminating the possibility of the field-decimating crash that involves between one-third and one-half of the field. The other change is that the tandem drafting has almost completely eliminated blocking, something NASCAR should have, but never did enforce its rules on. (They never did penalize anyone for forcing another driver below the yellow line, which is a stupid rule in itself, a rule that actually caused more crashes than it prevented, and continues to cause a boatload of controversy today.) I prefer the RP racing that existed in the early-to-mid 90s, when there was very little blocking until late in the race, and the field did spread out. Now, if they could only make it so the cars could qualify faster, while still keeping the race speeds in check. And by the way, the fastest car did win this race. (Trevor Bayne turned in the fastest lap ever recorded in this race pushing David Ragan on the 196th or 197th lap while catching the leaders at nearly 202 MPH.) 155. cjs3872 posted: 05.17.2011 - 2:14 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Also, the feel-good story of Bayne's win is, to me, so reminiscent of Johnny Rutherford's win in the 1974 Indianapolis 500. For different reasons, the 2010 Daytona 500 was, like the 1973 Indianapolis 500, was race to forget. In the case of the '73 Indy race, it was terrible accidents that left Salt Walther (who scored a NASCAR best finish of 12th in the 1976 Daytona 500, the last one won by the Wood Brothers) with severe burns over most of his body, and cost drivers Art Pollard and Swede Savage (who drove for the Wood Brothers in his only Daytona 500 start in 1969), and crewman Armando Teran his life, as well as three days of rain, which caused the race to run to just two-thirds distance. Meanwhile, the 2010 Daytona 500, while one of the most competitve in history, was also marred by the turn two pothole, which caused the race to be stopped twice for nearly 2 1/2 hours combined. Because of that, the win by Bayne, one of the most popular of the young up-and-coming drivers (who seems to be anti-Busch, Harvick, and other abrasive drivers) was just about as uplifting as Rutherford's 1974 Indy win, as Rutherford is always one of the most popular drivers in the history of auto racing, even today. (Interesting note: Rutherford led 2 laps in the 1974 Daytona 500.) Another connection is that both scored their respective victories for two of the most innovative and long-lasting teams in the history of the sport. Bayne, of course, scored his victory for the Wood Brothers, while rutherford's uplifting 1974 Indy victory came with Team McLaren, which also won the F1 Championship that year with Emerson Fittipaldi (the second in three years). McLaren, like the Wood Brothers (and even more so), continues to thrive today, and may even be planning a comeback to American racing by being a major force in supplying technology for NASCAR's move to fuel injection. (McLaren actually built NASCAR engines for Junior Johnson for a brief time in the mid-'70s.) 156. bigtimeMartinfan posted: 05.22.2011 - 8:53 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Great job for Trevor Bayne He won his first NSCS win before winning in the NNS series And good job for Wood Brothers racing 157. Ryan posted: 07.02.2011 - 6:12 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Although the ending was exciting because of its unpredictability (even though the Wood Brothers have had good cars at plate tracks lately, picking Trevor Bayne to win before the race would've been crazy), the race itself was not that exciting. Had, say, Carl Edwards or Kurt Busch won this race, it would not be as rated highly as everyone seems to think (because these are premier drivers who should win a 500 at some point in their careers). 158. cjs3872 posted: 07.10.2011 - 10:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Yes, bigtimeMartinfan, that is, if he EVER wins in the NNS series. After all, he's now out of restrictor plate race in the NNS this year, and those are the only one he seems to be able to get into a position to win. And Ryan, you say that Carl Edwards and Kurt Busch (who has finished second three times) are premier drivers that should win the Daytona 500 at some point in their careers. I wouldn't be too sure about that. Here's a rundown of a list of premier drivers in NASCAR that never won the Daytona 500, and it's lengthy. Ned Jarrett, Terry and Bobby Labonte, Neil Bonnett, Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin, Donnie Allison, Joe Weatherly, Kurt and Kyle Busch, Jeff Burton, Bobby Isaac, and Harry Gant, not to mention current stars like Kurt and Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne, Denny Hamlin, Greg Biffle, and Tony Stewart . Now certainly some of the current drivers mentioned will eventually win the Daytons 500, but just because they're premier drivers, that doesn't mean that they'll win the biggest race in the sport. And that doesn't even include drivers like David Pearson, Bobby Allison, Buddy Baker, Darrell Waltrip, and, most famously, Dale Earnhardt,Sr. All those drivers had to wait at least 15 attempts and 17 years each to win the Daytona 500. And sometimes the gods will dictate who will win a major event and who will never win that event. As Johnny Rutherford once said about the Indianapolis 500, if she (the IMS) likes you, she'll treat you nicely, but if she doesn't like you, she'll torment you throught your entire career. 159. cjs3872 posted: 07.10.2011 - 10:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Sorry about listing Kurt and Kyle Busch twice in that mention of NASCAR's premiere drivers that never, or have not yet won the Daytona 500. 160. cjs3872 posted: 07.10.2011 - 10:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) I am pleased that my fears about Bayne's health/injuries were not realized. I thought this might be a Tim richmond (due to health) or Mark Donohue (crash at Austria in 1975) situation, but I'm glad to see that he's back on the track and running for top 10s with some top 5s in the Nationwide Series. But I'm still not sure he'll ever win a NNS race, and almost certainly not this year. 161. Ryan posted: 07.28.2011 - 5:10 am Rate this comment: (1) (0) Tony Stewart on the cool down lap after the race... Tony: "Who ended up winning? Martin was no help at all on the re-start!" Spotter: "The 21." Tony: Are you f*cking serious!? I've been in this race 13 times and never won it and that little b@s%ard has raced it once and won! What a joke!" Spotter: Well, Tony you have choked this race away three or four times including once when I passed you, so blame Tony." Tony: Ryan Newman, You're fired!!! 162. Ryan posted: 08.11.2011 - 3:30 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Just noticed something pretty crazy... Ever since 1960 every four years a car that has a number with a 2 or 8 in it has won the Daytona 500 except 1964 when Petty won his first one. We won't hold that against Richard. 1960- Johnson (27) 1964- Petty (43) 1968- Cale (21) 1972- AJ (21) 1976- Pearson (21) 1980- Baker (28) 1984- Cale (28) 1988- B. Allison (12) 1992- Da. Allison (28) 1996- D. Jarrett (88) 2000- D. Jarrett (88) 2004- Dale Jr. (8) 2008- Newman (12) 163. Ryan posted: 08.11.2011 - 3:37 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) In fact 29 out of the 53 Daytona 500 winning cars have either had a 2 or 8 in the car number... 164. 00andJoe posted: 09.11.2011 - 2:18 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The #4 and #83 sponsors should probably just be listed as Red Bull - the Walgreens decals were on the TV panel as the usual "you can get Red Bull at..." deal that has a different retailer on the panel every race. 165. cjs3872 posted: 11.28.2011 - 2:41 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Ryan, based on your theory, the winner of the 2012 Daytona 500 will be one of the following 12 drivers/cars: 2-Brad Keselowski 18-Kyle Busch 20-Joey Logano 21-DRIVER TBA 22-Kurt Busch 24-Jeff Gordon [for a fourth time] 27-Paul Menard 29-Kevin Harvick [for a second time] 42-Juan Montoya [joining Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt as the third to win both the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500] 48-Jimmie Johnson [for a second time] 78-Regan Smith 87-Joe Nemechek 88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr. [for a second time] NOTE: Other drivers and teams with either a "2" or an "8" in their car numbers that we don't know about might join this list. 166. RaceFanX posted: 01.09.2012 - 10:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) This was the only time Rusty Wallace Racing fielded a Cup effort, the team bought the points from Penske's defunct #77 team that Sam Hornish drove to assure a spot in the field but despite being locked in for the next four races as such they attempted none of them. The team and driver Steve Wallace focused on the Nationwide series as always but closed following the 2011 season because of sponsorship issues. This was not only Steve Wallace's Cup debut but his only start of the 2011 season, like the team he attempted no other Cup races that season. At least he picked up a top-20. 167. Daniel posted: 05.21.2012 - 2:55 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) In using top 20/21 from each duel: #60 Todd Bodine, #64 Derrike Cope, #97 Kevin Conway Out using top 20/21 from each duel: #34 David Gilliland, #71 Andy Lally, #77 Steve Wallace 43rd starting spot based on qualifying speed: #20 Joey Logano 168. Robert Nelson posted: 07.12.2012 - 7:20 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Points standings using Formula 1 points, would still have Carl Edwards leading after Daytona, but 3 points instead of 1. Only 9 drivers would get points. 169. Nascar Lead Lap Points posted: 08.02.2014 - 12:27 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Withdrew #57 Norm Benning Norm Benning Racing Norm Benning Chevy The did not make a practice lap all week and where forced to withdrew 170. racefangurl posted: 02.15.2015 - 7:00 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) I saw what cjs said about what happened a few months after this race. I wonder what said user thinks of Trevor racing full-time in the Cup with MS, even if he is asymptomatic, for now. I hope he (Trevor) stays that way. 171. NASCARLover22 posted: 09.07.2015 - 5:36 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Top 10 if the race ended at midway: 1. Martin Truex Jr., finished 19th 2. Carl Edwards, finished 2nd 3. Juan Pablo Montoya, finished 6th 4. Jamie McMurray, finished 18th 5. Robby Gordon, finished 16th 6. Regan Smith, finished 7th 7. Trevor Bayne, finished 1st 8. Kurt Busch, finished 5th 9. Ryan Newman, finished 22nd 10. Joey Logano, finished 23rd 172. 88&4Fan posted: 01.15.2016 - 1:52 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) As fluky as this race was, it is still to this day the last time that the top ten drivers all drove for different teams. In fact, the top THIRTEEN drivers all drove for different teams in this race. Nowadays its a rarity if even the top five are all on different teams. This may never happen again, especially with the charter bullcrap thats probably going to likely start happening. 173. Gordon7timechamp posted: 01.29.2016 - 6:59 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) This is the debut of the ugly AARP car 174. Anthony posted: 02.02.2016 - 12:35 am Rate this comment: (2) (0) Bayne's block on Edwards has longer term implications, it cost Carl a championship 175. GrahamRahalFan2015 posted: 02.02.2016 - 9:31 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) You're actually right, because if Bayne hadn't blocked Edwards, then Edwards would've had a SECOND win, which wouldbe given him 3 more bonus points to start the chase with, and that would've been the difference. 176. Big Mac Fan posted: 02.02.2016 - 10:02 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I think the 2011 Southern 500 was a bigger blunder by Carl than this. 177. Tide1732 posted: 06.11.2017 - 7:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The 216 race streak is over. Ryan Blaney wins at Pocono! 178. Anonymous posted: 11.15.2017 - 6:31 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) 162 - Streak was broken by Kenseth (17), then Hamlin (11) in 2016 179. Corey posted: 11.16.2017 - 8:21 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) @178 The streak is still intact, just change the requirement to having a 1, 2 or an 8. 180. Mile501 posted: 11.16.2017 - 9:36 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) "The streak is still intact, just change the requirement to having a 1, 2 or an 8." That would include over 60% of current Cup teams, including the majority of the top drivers (though not all of them). 181. Mile501 posted: 11.16.2017 - 10:00 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) ...and 31 of 35 races have been won by drivers meeting that criteria. 182. oldschoolracing519 posted: 11.16.2017 - 10:02 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) I think the streak that was reference in @178 is the Wood Brothers winless streak 183. Jolly Mean Giant posted: 06.03.2018 - 1:35 am Rate this comment: (1) (1) First Daytona 500 starts for Trevor Bayne, Only Daytona 500 starts for Steve Wallace, Andy Lally, and Brian Keselowski. Last Daytona 500 start for Bill Elliott (for real this time). 184. James posted: 11.22.2018 - 10:17 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) The radios are awesome and I miss them 185. Alpha Ma posted: 11.23.2018 - 7:40 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Transformers was at the Daytona 500 186. Danish_Pie posted: 03.14.2019 - 7:55 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Only Cup start for Steve Wallace Though he didn't turn a practice lap and was forced to withdraw, last time to date that Norm Benning fielded a Cup entry. 187. RaceFanX posted: 04.23.2019 - 10:26 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) This would end up being Bayne's only NASCAR Sprint Cup series victory BUT WOW, what a way to do it. A victory in the 500 is immortal. It would actually be more than five years before he would score another top-5 finish. 188. RaceFanX posted: 04.23.2019 - 10:39 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) The Wood Brothers' #21 Motorcraft / Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford Fusion that Trevor Bayne won this race driving is now displayed at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan. The car went on display in March 2012 and has been preserved in exactly the condition it was in when it left Daytona, including still being covered with confetti from the victory lane celebration and having the word "Fusion" completely worn off the front bumper after all the tandem drafting Bayne did to get to victory lane. It's displayed with the museum's racing collection that also includes Bill Elliott's record-setting 1987 T-Bird and the GT40 A.J. Foyt and Dan Gurney won with at the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans. 189. racefangurl posted: 04.23.2019 - 12:11 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) It's amazing people are still talking about this race. I thought it was a weird, shocking race that day (2011 Daytona 500 race day) and was my first race watched since the last 2000 race I could watch (CBS and ABC are the channels I could watch racing on as a kid). So, I was disoriented regarding NASCAR, due to not following close, between when I was just 11 and the day of this race. The style of racing was weird to me and the end left me in total shock. 190. Wil posted: 05.06.2019 - 10:57 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Rewatched the end of this race. Can safely say that DW and Larry Mac screaming over Mike Joy's at the finish line was maybe the worst moment in FOX Nascar history. In my opinion the FOX crew was never the same after this moment. DW in particular was inexcusable and unprofessional. Mike Joy's call of the finish was going to be good, too. 191. RaceFanX posted: 05.19.2019 - 4:28 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Carl Edwards' second-place run here was his best in the Daytona 500. He ran the Great American Race 12 times and had four top-10s. 192. Wil posted: 05.19.2019 - 4:40 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) It's rare that elite drivers are bad at the plate tracks, but Carl Edwards was a terrible plate racer. 193. Timothy_Eklund posted: 07.04.2019 - 6:05 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) @189 You ARE the only people still talking about it 194. AJ posted: 08.15.2019 - 6:51 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Casey Mears failed to qualify for this race due to two failed engines during Speedweeks. 195. Gopher88 posted: 01.06.2020 - 5:34 pm Rate this comment: (1) (0) Watching the race, it's amazing how many times the broadcast team mentioned Trevor Bayne throughout their coverage, praising him and focusing on how savvy some of his moves to let off when things became dicey were. It's almost foreshadowing. I know Justin Haley probably wasn't even mentioned until he was leading under the final red flag, and he won that race. Something else I never knew was that Bayne earned it. He was at the front all day long, pushing Ragan, Truex, Robby Gordon, Jeff Gordon and others up front. Really unfortunate that he could never get back to the winner's circle in Cup. 196. SweetRich posted: 07.07.2020 - 6:39 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) The first and only career race for Rusty Wallace Racing in The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. 197. Rich posted: 11.27.2020 - 9:56 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Mike Joy, Larry McReynolds and Darrell Waltrip were the commentators. Dr. Dick Berggren, Steve Byrnes, Matt Yocum and Krista Voda were the pit road reporters. Chris Myers and Jeff Hammond were in the Hollywood hotel. 198. Anthony2 posted: 12.30.2020 - 10:42 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) This the oldest Daytona 500 today in which everyone who was in this race, are still alive. 199. UnderdogFan89 posted: 12.31.2020 - 12:46 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) @198 Does this include DNQ's? If it doesn't, everyone who ran in the 2007 race is alive as of today, but not all DNQ's (RIP James Hylton). 200. NascarLeadLapPoints posted: 12.31.2020 - 12:47 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) 2007? 201. JSPorts posted: 12.31.2020 - 12:47 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) Wouldn't that be 2006? I don't see anyone in that race who isn't alive anymore. John Andretti & Jason Leffler are the only ones I could think of that it might apply to, but neither of them were in that race. 202. Corey posted: 12.31.2020 - 7:40 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) @201 From a race participant standpoint, it is 2006. 2007 also includes all living participants, then 2011 through this years race. The 2008-2010 saw John Andretti run them. As far as I can tell, Jason Leffler only ran the 500 twice. 2001 and 2005. 203. Anthony2 posted: 12.31.2020 - 11:17 pm Rate this comment: (0) (0) Ok. So 2006 then. Ok, thanks for the clarification! 204. Rob posted: 02.18.2021 - 10:47 am Rate this comment: (0) (0) This 500 will now be known as the one that the 2021 winner failed to qualify. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Post a comment:* Your comment may not appear immediately - all comments must be approved by the moderator. Name: Comment: