Daytona 500 Postrace Report

Daytona 500

Daytona (Beach, Fla.) International Speedway

The survivor: Jamie McMurray, a fine driver on restrictor-plate tracks, won NASCAR’s biggest race in his first at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.

Exercise in futility: The race took more six hours from green to checkered flag. Twice the race was halted because the track had to be patched in turns one and two. Three crashes marred an embarrassing first time out for NASCAR’s latest rule changes, allowing three tries at a “green-white-checkered finish.”

The parade of manufacturers: Chevrolets driven by McMurray and Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 1-2. Greg Biffle’s Ford was third. Clint Bowyer’s Chevrolet was fourth and David Reutimann’s Toyota was fifth. The top Dodge driver was Kurt Busch in 23^rd.

Disappointments: Tony Stewart wasn’t a factor and finished 22^nd. Jimmie Johnson wound up 35^th. Kasey Kahne was 30^th.

Notable numbers

            2 – Consecutive point races on restrictor-plate tracks won by McMurray.

            2 – Victories at Daytona by McMurray

            12 – Top-10 finishes at Daytona by Earnhardt Jr., in 21 races.

            21 – Record number of drivers who led at various times.

            52 – Lead changes, the third most ever at Daytona.

Quotable quotes

            “You better watch out for this Earnhardt Ganassi team this year.” – Kevin “Bono” Manion, winning crew chief.

            “Last lap you just don’t have any friends. If I could’ve got one car to help me, I could’ve won.” – Greg Biffle (third).

            “I don’t know. It was kind of a blur. … We just got in the right place at the right time.” – David Reutimann.

            “In hindsight, I didn’t make the best decision on the last lap.” – Clint Bowyer.

            “I really know what happened, but it’s frustrating to come that close and not win it. … Everybody’s a Superman out there.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr. (second).

            “It’s really unbelievable. I’m, like, the biggest weasel ‘cause I’m sitting here crying.” – Jamie McMurray.