The2016 Daytona 500,the 58th running of theevent,was aNASCARSprint Cup Seriesrace held on February 21, 2016, atDaytona International SpeedwayinDaytona Beach, Florida.Contested over 200 laps on the 2.5-mile (4.0 km) asphalt superspeedway, it was the first race of the2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Seriesseason.Denny Hamlinwon the race in a photo finish overMartin Truex Jr.The top-five was rounded out byKyle Busch,Kevin HarvickandCarl Edwards.
| Race details[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Race 1 of 36 in the2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series | |||
 | |||
| Date | February 21, 2016 | ||
| Location | Daytona International SpeedwayinDaytona Beach, Florida | ||
| Course |
Permanent racing facility 2.5 mi (4 km) | ||
| Distance | 200 laps, 500 mi (800 km) | ||
| Weather | Mostly sunny skies with a temperature of 74 °F (23 °C); wind out of the east/southeast at 5 mph (8.0 km/h) | ||
| Average speed | 157.549 mph (253.551 km/h) | ||
| Pole position | |||
| Driver | Hendrick Motorsports | ||
| Time | 45.845 | ||
| Qualifying race winners | |||
| Duel 1 Winner | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Hendrick Motorsports | |
| Duel 2 Winner | Kyle Busch | Joe Gibbs Racing | |
| Most laps led | |||
| Driver | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | |
| Laps | 95 | ||
| Winner | |||
| No. 11 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | |
| Television in the United States | |||
| Network | Fox | ||
| Announcers | Mike Joy,Jeff GordonandDarrell Waltrip | ||
| Nielsen Ratings |
6.1/11 (Overnight)[17] 6.6/12 (Final)[18] 11.4 million viewers[18] | ||
| Radio in the United States | |||
| Radio | MRN | ||
| Booth Announcers | Joe Moore, Jeff Striegle andRusty Wallace | ||
| Turn Announcers | Dave Moody(1 & 2),Mike Bagley(Backstretch) and Kyle Rickey (3 & 4) | ||
Chase Elliottwon the pole for the race and led three laps before crashing out early in the race and finished 37th.Dale Earnhardt Jr.,and Kyle Busch won the Duel races. Unlike Busch, Earnhardt Jr. crashed out with 29 laps to go and finished 36th.
Hamlin led a race-high of 95 laps on his way to winning the race. There were six caution flag periods for 31 laps and 20 lead changes among 15 different drivers.
This was the 27th career victory for Hamlin, first of the season, first at Daytona International Speedway and fifth win at the track forJoe Gibbs Racing.He left Daytona Beach with a five-point lead over Truex Jr.Toyotaleft with an eight-point lead overChevroletin the manufacturer standings.
The Daytona 500 was carried byFox Sportson the broadcastFoxnetwork for the American television audience. The radio broadcast for the race was carried by theMotor Racing NetworkandSirius XMNASCAR Radio.
This event featured guest starWWEwrestlerJohn Cenaas a pace car driver.
This was the first Daytona 500 since 1992 and 1998 not featuring 3-time Daytona 500 winnerJeff GordonandTony Stewarton the starting grid. Gordon retired at the end of 2015 and called the 2016 race from the commentators to stand, and Stewart injured his back while riding adune buggyoutsideSan Diego.Also, this was the last Daytona 500 starts forBobby Labonte,Robert Richardson Jr.,Michael Annett,Brian Vickers,HScott Motorsports,andCarl Edwards.
Report
editBackground
edit
Daytona International Speedwayis arace trackinDaytona Beach, Florida,that is one of sixsuperspeedwaysto holdNASCARraces, the others beingAuto Club Speedway,Indianapolis Motor Speedway,Michigan International Speedway,Pocono RacewayandTalladega Superspeedway.[19]The standard track at Daytona is a four-turn superspeedway that is 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long. The track also features two other layouts that utilize portions of the primary high speedtri-oval,such as a 3.56-mile (5.73 km)sports carcourse and a 2.95-mile (4.75 km) motorcycle course.[20]The track's 180-acre (73 ha) infield includes the 29-acre (12 ha) Lake Lloyd, which has hostedpowerboatracing. The speedway is owned and operated byInternational Speedway Corporation.
The track was built to host racing that was being held by NASCAR founderBill France Sr.at the formerDaytona Beach Road Courseand opened with thefirst Daytona 500 in 1959.[21]The speedway has been renovated three times, with the infield renovated in 2004,[22]and the track repaved in 1978 and 2010.[23]
The Daytona 500 is regarded as the most important and prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar.[24]It is also the series' first race of the year; this phenomenon is virtually unique in sports, which tend to have championships or other major events at the end of the season rather than the start. Since1995,U.S.television ratingsfor the Daytona 500 have been the highest for any auto race of the year, surpassing the traditional leader, theIndianapolis 500which in turn greatly surpasses the Daytona 500 in in-track attendance and international viewing. The2006 Daytona 500attracted the sixth largest average live global TV audience of any sporting event that year with 20 million viewers.[25]
Changes
editRestrictor plate
editFor the events of Speedweeks, the size of the holes in therestrictor plateswas reduced from 29/32nd of an inch to 57/64th of an inch.[26]
Race procedure
editChanges were made to the green-white-checker procedure for this race and all races in 2016 with an "overtime line."[27]The location of this line will vary from track to track, but it'll be located near the middle of the backstretch at most tracks.[28]If the leader passes the line before a caution comes out, the race will end under caution.[29]If a caution comes out before the leader passes the line, the field will be reset to their original spots and another restart will be attempted until a "clean restart" is achieved.[30]These changes are in response to the botched final restart attempt in last October's2015 CampingWorld 500 at TalladegaatTalladega Superspeedway.[31]
Entry list
editThe entry list for the Daytona 500 was released on Friday, February 12, at 12:05 p.m. Eastern time. Forty-four cars were entered for the race.
Following the2015 Ford EcoBoost 400atHomestead-Miami Speedway,a number of drivers attempted to run for a different team than they did in 2015.Chase Elliott,2014 NASCARXfinity Serieschampion and son of 1988 Cup Series championBill Elliott,took over the No. 24Hendrick MotorsportsChevrolet from the retiredJeff Gordon.[32]Clint Bowyertook over the No. 15 (renumbered from No. 51) fromJustin Allgaier.[33]Brian Scotttook over the No. 44 (renumbered from No. 9) fromSam Hornish Jr.[34]Chris Buescher,reigning Xfinity Series champion, took over the No. 34 fromBrett Moffittand various of drivers.[35]Landon Cassilltook over the No. 38 fromDavid Gilliland.[36]David Ragantook over the No. 23 fromJeb Burton,andJ. J. Yeley.Regan Smithtook over the No. 7 fromAlex Bowman.Brian Vickersdrove the No. 14 in place of the injuredTony Stewart.[37]
Practice
editFirst practice (February 13)
editDale Earnhardt Jr.was the fastest in the first practice session with a time of 46.364 seconds and a speed of 194.116 mph (312.399 km/h).[38]
| Pos | No. | Driver | Team | Manufacturer | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 88 | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 46.364 | 194.116 |
| 2 | 22 | Joey Logano | Team Penske | Ford | 46.427 | 193.853 |
| 3 | 20 | Matt Kenseth | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | 46.444 | 193.782 |
| Official first practice results | ||||||
Second practice (February 13)
editJoey Loganowas the fastest in the second practice session with a time of 45.934 seconds and a speed of 195.933 mph (315.324 km/h).[39]
| Pos | No. | Driver | Team | Manufacturer | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | Joey Logano | Team Penske | Ford | 45.934 | 195.933 |
| 2 | 2 | Brad Keselowski | Team Penske | Ford | 45.954 | 195.848 |
| 3 | 21 | Ryan Blaney(R) | Wood Brothers Racing | Ford | 45.966 | 195.797 |
| Official second practice results | ||||||
Qualifying
edit
Qualifying for the Daytona 500 is different from any other race weekend because the starting lineup for the race – except for the two drivers that post the two fastest timed laps in the final round of qualifying – isn't set on qualifying day. It sets the lineup for the two duel races the following Thursday.
Unlike qualifying at non-restrictor plate races, qualifying at Daytona International Speedway andTalladega Superspeedwayconsists of two rounds of cars being sent out one at a time to make a single timed lap. The fastest 12 advance to the final round to run for the pole position.
Chase Elliottscored the pole for the race with a time of 45.845 and a speed of 196.314 mph (315.937 km/h).[40]Elliott became the 6th rookie to win the pole for the Daytona 500 joiningLoy Allen Jr.(1994),Jimmie Johnson(2002),David Gilliland(2007),Danica Patrick(2013), andAustin Dillon(2014). He said that today was "a very, very cool day. I don’t know that this opportunity has sunk in yet, much less sitting on the pole for the Daytona 500. I think the big thing is just the team and the Daytona 500 qualifying is about the team guys and the effort they put into these cars and it’s nothing special I did, it’s really what kind of work they did this off-season to make it happen."[41]
After qualifying seventh and being all but guaranteed into the Daytona 500 based on speed,Ryan Blaneysaid that he "wasn't really too nervous going into today. I knew we had a really fast race car. We just had to do our job and we did it and we just had to lock ourselves in. I really wasn't feeling any different than I do any other day."[42]
Likewise,Matt DiBenedetto– who was also all but guaranteed in on his speed after qualifying 24th – said that he could "sleep well, finally. I was really nervous all night. This is just a testament to the hard work from the guys on my team. Two-hundredths of a second. I'm really thankful, thankful to be racing in my first Daytona 500, most importantly. I'm really thankful and blessed to be here."[43]
Martin Truex Jr.was unable to post a time over aroof flapissue.[44]TheStewart Haas Racingcars ofKevin HarvickandBrian Vickershad their times disqualified after their track bars failed inspection.
Qualifying results
editPractice (post-qualifying)
editThird practice (February 17)
editMichael McDowellwas the fastest in the third practice session with a time of 44.961 and a speed of 200.173 mph (322.147 km/h).[45]
| Pos | No. | Driver | Team | Manufacturer | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 59 | Michael McDowell | Circle Sport – Leavine Family Racing | Chevrolet | 44.961 | 200.173 |
| 2 | 6 | Trevor Bayne | Roush Fenway Racing | Ford | 45.019 | 199.916 |
| 3 | 16 | Greg Biffle | Roush Fenway Racing | Ford | 45.086 | 199.619 |
| Official third practice results | ||||||
Fourth practice (February 17)
editBrian Scottwas the fastest in the fourth practice session with a time of 45.045 and a speed of 199.800 mph (321.547 km/h).[46]Kyle LarsonandMichael Waltripwill start from the rear of the field in their respective Duel races after being involved in a four-car crash in turn 1.[47]
| Pos | No. | Driver | Team | Manufacturer | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 44 | Brian Scott(R) | Richard Petty Motorsports | Ford | 45.045 | 199.800 |
| 2 | 3 | Austin Dillon | Richard Childress Racing | Chevrolet | 45.052 | 199.762 |
| 3 | 18 | Kyle Busch | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | 45.061 | 199.729 |
| Official fourth practice results | ||||||
Fifth practice (February 18)
editJimmie Johnsonwas the fastest in the fifth practice session with a time of 46.619 and a speed of 193.054 mph (310.690 km/h).[48]
| Pos | No. | Driver | Team | Manufacturer | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 48 | Jimmie Johnson | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 46.619 | 193.054 |
| 2 | 44 | Brian Scott(R) | Richard Petty Motorsports | Ford | 47.394 | 189.897 |
| 3 | 43 | Aric Almirola | Richard Petty Motorsports | Ford | 47.394 | 189.897 |
| Official fifth practice results | ||||||
Can-Am Duel
editTheCan-Am Duelsare a pair of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races held in conjunction with the Daytona 500 annually in February at Daytona International Speedway. They consist of two races 60 laps and 150 miles (240 km) in length, which serve as heat races that set the lineup for the Daytona 500. The first race sets the lineup for cars that qualified in odd-numbered positions on pole qualifying day, while the second race sets the lineup for cars that qualified in even-numbered positions. The procedure for qualifying changed from the2015 edition- the Duels now set the lineup for positions 3–38, while positions 39 and 40 are filled by the two "Open" (teams without a charter) cars that set the fastest times in qualifying, but did not lock in a spot in the Duels.
Race 1
editDale Earnhardt Jr.put on a clinic leading 43 of 60 laps on his way to scoring his fifth Can-Am Duel race victory.[49]He said that it was "real special. I try not to make too big a deal, but I was thinking about that. I'm guilty of daydreaming a bit about winning this race tonight because of the date. That's very special to me, and I was glad that nothing bad happened, we didn't tear our car up, because that would have been embarrassing on a day like this."[50]Michael McDowellraced his way into the Daytona 500 whileCole Whittfailed to make the race.[51]He said that there was indeed "a lot going on in the off-season. Obviously there was a lot of unknowns with the charter, what was going to happen with that. There was a time where we felt like we were going to be in a tough spot, you know, that we weren't sure if we were going to be able to compete this year at all, whether an open car or charter car. Luckily we were able to put together the partnership with RCR, that alliance. Switching over to Chevy helped strengthen our position there. With Thrivent Financial and KLOVE and all our partners coming onboard, all our sponsors coming onboard, really partnering with Joe Falk at Circle Sport, allowed us to say…”[51]
Race 2
editKyle Buschled 35 of 60 laps to score his third career Can-Am Duel win.[52]He joked that his "plan was just to have everybody stay single-file and we take the checkered flag, but they didn’t see things the way I did."[53]The race ended under caution after a multi-car wreck on the final lap in turn 1 that collectedJimmie Johnson,Matt KensethandMartin Truex Jr.[54]Jamie McMurraysaid he "was trying to block the 48 (Jimmie Johnson). I had stalled out right when I got to the 18 car (Kyle Busch), and I didn’t think the 48 had much of a run either. It felt like our momentum was about the same. I saw the replay and I still don’t know if he was up to my rear bumper or if it was the air that made his car turn. I’m just not sure.”[55]Johnson said that McMurray "was trying to get underneath the 18 and that didn’t work out, and I creeped up to his outside. He moved up quickly to defend that. I could tell I was going to be taken up into the wall. I tried getting out of there but kind of got into the fence, skipped off the wall and spun out in front of everybody. It was a lot gone wrong, I guess. It’s not like anything was intentional. It’s just a bummer to tear up a car after taking the white flag in a car that we tried so hard to protect and make so fast. There was just a lot gone wrong.”[55]Robert Richardson Jr.transferred into the Daytona 500 whileDavid GillilandandReed Sorensonfailed to make the race.[56]He said that he was "very, very honored to be a part of BK Racing, having another opportunity to run here at the Daytona 500. I’ve been in it once before, but this one is very, very special to me. My wife and I welcomed our brand-new baby boy who was born in early December. Every bit of earnings we get from this race is going to go into a college fund for him. It’s just the good Lord looking down on us and blessing us. Got to give all the glory to Him.”[56]
Starting lineup
edit| Pos | No. | Driver | Team | Manufacturer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24 | Chase Elliott(R) | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | Fastest in pole qualifying |
| 2 | 20 | Matt Kenseth[N 1] | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | Second fastest in pole qualifying |
| 3 | 88 | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | Duel race #1 winner |
| 4 | 18 | Kyle Busch | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | Duel race #2 winner |
| 5 | 22 | Joey Logano | Team Penske | Ford | Second in Duel 1 |
| 6 | 1 | Jamie McMurray | Chip Ganassi Racing | Chevrolet | Second in Duel 2 |
| 7 | 21 | Ryan Blaney(R) | Wood Brothers Racing | Ford | Third in Duel 1 |
| 8 | 41 | Kurt Busch | Stewart-Haas Racing | Chevrolet | Third in Duel 2 |
| 9 | 4 | Kevin Harvick | Stewart-Haas Racing | Chevrolet | Fourth in Duel 1 |
| 10 | 19 | Carl Edwards | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | Fourth in Duel 2 |
| 11 | 11 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | Fifth in Duel 1 |
| 12 | 95 | Ty Dillon(i) | Circle Sport – Leavine Family Racing | Chevrolet | Fifth in Duel 2 |
| 13 | 5 | Kasey Kahne | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | Seventh in Duel 1 |
| 14 | 42 | Kyle Larson | Chip Ganassi Racing | Chevrolet | Sixth in Duel 2 |
| 15 | 16 | Greg Biffle | Roush Fenway Racing | Ford | Eighth in Duel 1 |
| 16 | 10 | Danica Patrick | Stewart-Haas Racing | Chevrolet | Seventh in Duel 2 |
| 17 | 34 | Chris Buescher(R) | Front Row Motorsports | Ford | Ninth in Duel 1 |
| 18 | 14 | Brian Vickers | Stewart-Haas Racing | Chevrolet | Eighth in Duel 2 |
| 19 | 17 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | Roush Fenway Racing | Ford | 10th in Duel 1 |
| 20 | 93 | Matt DiBenedetto | BK Racing | Toyota | Ninth in Duel 2 |
| 21 | 3 | Austin Dillon | Richard Childress Racing | Chevrolet | 11th in Duel 1 |
| 22 | 46 | Michael Annett | HScott Motorsports | Chevrolet | 10th in Duel 2 |
| 23 | 6 | Trevor Bayne | Roush Fenway Racing | Ford | 12th in Duel 1 |
| 24 | 38 | Landon Cassill | Front Row Motorsports | Ford | 11th in Duel 2 |
| 25 | 2 | Brad Keselowski | Team Penske | Ford | 13th in Duel 1 |
| 26 | 48 | Jimmie Johnson[N 1] | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 13th in Duel 2 |
| 27 | 7 | Regan Smith | Tommy Baldwin Racing | Chevrolet | 15th in Duel 1 |
| 28 | 78 | Martin Truex Jr.[N 1] | Furniture Row Racing | Toyota | 14th in Duel 2 |
| 29 | 23 | David Ragan | BK Racing | Toyota | 16th in Duel 1 |
| 30 | 47 | A. J. Allmendinger[N 1] | JTG Daugherty Racing | Chevrolet | 15th in Duel 2 |
| 31 | 15 | Clint Bowyer | HScott Motorsports | Chevrolet | 18th in Duel 1 |
| 32 | 13 | Casey Mears | Germain Racing | Chevrolet | 17th in Duel 2 |
| 33 | 32 | Bobby Labonte | Go FAS Racing | Ford | 19th in Duel 1 |
| 34 | 43 | Aric Almirola | Richard Petty Motorsports | Ford | 19th in Duel 2 |
| 35 | 44 | Brian Scott(R)[N 1] | Richard Petty Motorsports | Ford | 20th in Duel 1 |
| 36 | 83 | Michael Waltrip | BK Racing | Toyota | 20th in Duel 2 |
| 37 | 27 | Paul Menard | Richard Childress Racing | Chevrolet | 21st in Duel 1 |
| 38 | 31 | Ryan Newman | Richard Childress Racing | Chevrolet | 22nd in Duel 2 |
| 39 | 59 | Michael McDowell | Circle Sport – Leavine Family Racing | Chevrolet | Qualifying speed |
| 40 | 26 | Robert Richardson Jr. | BK Racing | Toyota | Qualifying speed |
| Did not qualify | |||||
| 41 | 35 | David Gilliland | Front Row Motorsports | Ford | |
| 42 | 30 | Josh Wise | The Motorsports Group | Chevrolet | |
| 43 | 40 | Reed Sorenson | Premium Motorsports | Chevrolet | |
| 44 | 98 | Cole Whitt | Premium Motorsports | Toyota | |
| Official starting lineup | |||||
Practice (post-Duel)
editSixth practice (February 19)
editJimmie Johnsonwas the fastest in the sixth practice session with a time of 46.372 seconds and a speed of 194.083 mph (312.346 km/h).[58]
| Pos | No. | Driver | Team | Manufacturer | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 48 | Jimmie Johnson | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 46.372 | 194.083 |
| 2 | 11 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | 46.425 | 193.861 |
| 3 | 24 | Chase Elliott(R) | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 46.580 | 193.216 |
| Official sixth practice results | ||||||
Seventh practice (February 19)
editDenny Hamlinwas the fastest in the seventh practice session with a time of 45.077 seconds and a speed of 199.658 mph (321.318 km/h).[59]
| Pos | No. | Driver | Team | Manufacturer | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | 45.077 | 199.658 |
| 2 | 18 | Kyle Busch | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | 45.308 | 198.640 |
| 3 | 78 | Martin Truex Jr. | Furniture Row Racing | Toyota | 45.308 | 198.640 |
| Official seventh practice results | ||||||
Final practice (February 20)
editDale Earnhardt Jr.was the fastest in the final practice session with a time of 45.655 seconds and a speed of 197.131 mph (317.252 km/h).[60]
| Pos | No. | Driver | Team | Manufacturer | Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 88 | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 45.655 | 197.131 |
| 2 | 22 | Joey Logano | Team Penske | Ford | 45.832 | 196.369 |
| 3 | 21 | Ryan Blaney(R) | Wood Brothers Racing | Ford | 45.851 | 196.288 |
| Official final practice results | ||||||
Race
editFirst half
editStart
editUnder clearFloridaskies,Chase Elliottled the field to the green flag at 1:33 p.m. He and teammateDale Earnhardt Jr.jumped ahead ofJoey Loganoto control the field. Earnhardt drove underneath teammate Elliott to take the lead on lap 5. He took to blocking the advance of Logano andDenny Hamlinto hold the lead.Kyle Buschdove underneath Earnhardt going into turn 3 to take the lead on lap 19. The first caution of the race flew the same lap for a two-car wreck on the front stretch. Exiting turn 4, Elliott got loose, came down across the nose ofCarl Edwards,slid down into the grass and destroyed the front of his car.[61]He said that he "got in middle there a couple of laps before and got loose off of (turn) four and just lost it. I hate it. It had been such a fun week and you hate to end the race before it even got started. Just disappointed for everybody. We will just have to look past it and get on for Atlanta. That is the most important thing now. Can't get caught up in what happened today, it is irrelevant now. We'll try and get it fixed and make some laps. Then its on to Atlanta and if we can make some laps we will and move forward from here."[61]Regan Smithalso got turned in the tri-oval. Hamlin exited pit road with the race lead.Michael Waltripwas tagged for his crew being over the wall too soon and restarted the race from the rear of the field.[62]
The race restarted at lap 26. After five laps, Hamlin pulled ahead ofKurt Buschand held the lead unopposed.Jimmie Johnsontried to lead the outside line up towards the front, but it began losing steam and fell back. Eventually, the field jumped to the bottom and ran single-file. The second caution of the race flew on lap 57 for a multi-car wreck on the front stretch. Exiting turn 4,Brian Vickersgot loose, overcorrected, spun up the track, spun back down the track and came to a rest at the entrance of pit road. Trying to avoid hitting Vickers, Edwards got turned into the wall byTrevor Baynewho was trying to avoid hitting him as well. Hamlin andMartin Truex Jr.swapped the lead on pit road. Johnson exited pit road with the lead after taking just right-side tires.[63]
Second quarter
editThe race restarted on lap 62. Johnson and Hamlin ran side-by-side for a number of laps. Eventually, the outside line stalled out and Johnson pulled ahead. It started to regain momentum after Johnson jumped to the top. Kyle Busch drove underneath Johnson in turn 2 to take the lead on lap 79. The third caution of the race flew on lap 92 for a multi-car wreck in turn 2. The wreck involvedMatt DiBenedettoandChris Buescher,who slammed the wall.[64]Bueschersaid it was "exponentially the hardest hit I’ve ever taken. It’s the first time I’ve ever had to be taken to the infield care center. That’s a bummer, but we’re fine.”[64]DiBenedetto said he had "no excuse other than I messed up. It happens. We were clean last year, only involved in one accident in 35 races. I hate to start the year that way, but we’re going to be fine.”[64]He would go on to finish 40th.[65]Hamlin exited pit road with the race lead after taking just right-side tires.[66]Michael Annettwas tagged for his crew being over the wall too soon and restarted the race from the rear of the field.[62]
Second half
editHalfway
editThe race restarted on lap 100. The field started to form into three separate lines of racing. But just as quickly as it formed, it disappeared. Debris in turn 3 brought out the fourth caution of the race on lap 119. The debris came fromGreg Biffle's car. Hamlin exited pit road with the race lead.Aric Almirolawas tagged for an uncontrolled tire and restarted the race from the rear of the field.[63]
The race restarted on lap 124. After making headway towards the front, the outside line fizzled out. It reformed and began moving back up towards the front. Denny Hamlin and the first five cars hit pit road to kick off a cycle of green flag stops. This handed the lead toAustin Dillon.He pitted the next lap and handed the lead toBrad Keselowski.He pitted the next lap and handed the lead to Annett. He pitted the next lap and the lead cycled to Kenseth. Johnson and Patrick were tagged for their crews being over the wall too soon and Waltrip was tagged for an uncontrolled tire. All three were forced to serve a pass-through penalty. Waltrip was black-flagged for not serving the penalty within three laps.[63]
Fourth quarter
edit
The fifth caution of the race flew with 29 laps to go for a single-car wreck in turn 4. Exiting the turn, Earnhardt got loose, turned down the track and slammed the inside wall.[67]He said that he got caught "by surprise there. I was trying to sidedraft the guy beside me. We’ve been working on the balance all day. That was our problem. We underestimated how important handling was going to be today. We had a rocket all week. But in two-car runs and in night races the car handled great. We’ve got to do a little more drafting next time when we come back we’ll be ready for the balance. We were starting to move forward, getting aggressive. Just lost it.”[68]
The race restarted with 25 laps to go. The sixth caution of the race flew with 18 laps to go for a two-car spin on the backstretch. Heading towards turn 3,Greg Bifflegot into the left-rear corner panel of Patrick and sent her spinning through the grass.[69]Her car hopped once through the air and the splitter dug into the ground.[69]Biffle then overcorrected and side-slammed the wall.[69]Patrick said that she was in a position that she "shouldn’t have been in. There is some confusion about whether there actually was a man over the wall too early. We shouldn’t have been racing for thelucky dog.”[69]
The race restarted with 12 laps to go. Kenseth remained comfortably in the lead as the outside line continued to lose momentum. Kenseth had asked over the team radio that, sinceToyotadrivers occupied the top 5 places, they should work as a team until the final lap, at which point they would start racing each other so as to get a team victory and avoid wrecks. When the white flag waved for the final lap,Kevin Harvickin hisChevydrafted up the outside, overtaking the Toyota of Carl Edwards. Denny Hamlin saw the advancing Harvick and jumped to the outside line from 4th to block his advance, was bumped by Harvick on the back straight and drafted all the way to the front past Kyle Busch and Martin Truex and drew alongside his teammate Kenseth. Kenseth came down on Hamlin, got himself loose and fell back to finish 14th. Hamlin and Truex drag raced to the finish line and Hamlin prevailed by 0.010 seconds, the closest in Daytona 500 history.[70]
Post-race
editHamlin said in victory lane that this win "is the best. I mean, it’s just the best. It’s the biggest race of my life. The Daytona 500 is – as a kid what you – this is the pinnacle of our sport and I’m just proud to be here. The last thing I wanted to do was wreck off turn four with my Toyota teammates and none of us win. We had talked about a plan overnight to just work together, work together and I’ve never seen it executed so flawlessly as what we did today.”[71]
After coming up just short, Truex said he "did all I thought I could do. I had the lead. I probably should have run him up a little more, just lost in the last second.… Really proud of everybody. Really proud of the teamwork with the JGR guys. We're team players, and we're in it for the long haul with them. Congrats to Denny. He beat me by a couple of feet.”[72]
After an injury kept Kyle Busch out of the previous year's Daytona 500, he said of his third-place finish that it was "definitely a lot better to be in the race where I’m supposed to be than standing on the sidelines watching across the street. It played out real well. We ran up front most of the day. We were probably the top (Joe Gibbs Racing) running car most of the day, but you have to lead the last laps and I didn’t get a chance to.”[73]
After finishing sixth in his quest to repeat as Daytona 500 champion, Logano said that Harvick "got in front of me and we started moving and then the 11 (Hamlin) saw that and jumped up there and got the push from both of us and then it was a heck of a finish. I don’t like being behind watching it. I want to be involved with it. Overall it is a great start for our Shell Pennzoil team and we kicked off the season with a bunch of great finishes down here in Daytona and we are looking forward to getting to Atlanta."[74]
After going from the lead to 14th on the final lap, Kenseth said that he "wouldn't trade that position for anybody in the whole field. I didn't really think the outside was going to muster up enough run to get it to be honest with you. Somehow, (Hamlin) just got a massive run. Hindsight I probably should have stayed in front of Martin and tried to race him back to the line. It looked like he was going so fast I could get in front of him and get a little boost and I just couldn't."[75]
Race results
edit| Pos | Grid | No. | Driver | Team | Manufacturer | Laps | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | 11 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | 200 | 45 |
| 2 | 28 | 78 | Martin Truex Jr. | Furniture Row Racing | Toyota | 200 | 40 |
| 3 | 4 | 18 | Kyle Busch | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | 200 | 39 |
| 4 | 9 | 4 | Kevin Harvick | Stewart-Haas Racing | Chevrolet | 200 | 37 |
| 5 | 10 | 19 | Carl Edwards | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | 200 | 36 |
| 6 | 5 | 22 | Joey Logano | Team Penske | Ford | 200 | 35 |
| 7 | 14 | 42 | Kyle Larson | Chip Ganassi Racing | Chevrolet | 200 | 34 |
| 8 | 27 | 7 | Regan Smith | Tommy Baldwin Racing | Chevrolet | 200 | 33 |
| 9 | 21 | 3 | Austin Dillon | Richard Childress Racing | Chevrolet | 200 | 33 |
| 10 | 8 | 41 | Kurt Busch | Stewart-Haas Racing | Chevrolet | 200 | 31 |
| 11 | 38 | 31 | Ryan Newman | Richard Childress Racing | Chevrolet | 200 | 31 |
| 12 | 34 | 43 | Aric Almirola | Richard Petty Motorsports | Ford | 200 | 29 |
| 13 | 13 | 5 | Kasey Kahne | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 200 | 28 |
| 14 | 2 | 20 | Matt Kenseth | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | 200 | 28 |
| 15 | 39 | 59 | Michael McDowell | Circle Sport – Leavine Family Racing | Chevrolet | 200 | 26 |
| 16 | 26 | 48 | Jimmie Johnson | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 200 | 26 |
| 17 | 6 | 1 | Jamie McMurray | Chip Ganassi Racing | Chevrolet | 200 | 24 |
| 18 | 37 | 27 | Paul Menard | Richard Childress Racing | Chevrolet | 200 | 23 |
| 19 | 7 | 21 | Ryan Blaney(R) | Wood Brothers Racing | Ford | 200 | 22 |
| 20 | 25 | 2 | Brad Keselowski | Team Penske | Ford | 200 | 22 |
| 21 | 30 | 47 | A. J. Allmendinger | JTG Daugherty Racing | Chevrolet | 200 | 20 |
| 22 | 19 | 17 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | Roush Fenway Racing | Ford | 200 | 19 |
| 23 | 24 | 38 | Landon Cassill | Front Row Motorsports | Ford | 200 | 18 |
| 24 | 35 | 44 | Brian Scott(R) | Richard Petty Motorsports | Ford | 200 | 18 |
| 25 | 12 | 95 | Ty Dillon(i) | Circle Sport – Leavine Family Racing | Chevrolet | 200 | 0 |
| 26 | 18 | 14 | Brian Vickers | Stewart-Haas Racing | Chevrolet | 200 | 15 |
| 27 | 22 | 46 | Michael Annett | HScott Motorsports | Chevrolet | 200 | 15 |
| 28 | 23 | 6 | Trevor Bayne | Roush Fenway Racing | Ford | 200 | 13 |
| 29 | 29 | 23 | David Ragan | BK Racing | Toyota | 200 | 13 |
| 30 | 36 | 83 | Michael Waltrip | BK Racing | Toyota | 200 | 12 |
| 31 | 33 | 32 | Bobby Labonte | Go FAS Racing | Ford | 200 | 11 |
| 32 | 32 | 13 | Casey Mears | Germain Racing | Chevrolet | 199 | 9 |
| 33 | 31 | 15 | Clint Bowyer | HScott Motorsports | Chevrolet | 199 | 8 |
| 34 | 15 | 16 | Greg Biffle | Roush Fenway Racing | Ford | 198 | 7 |
| 35 | 16 | 10 | Danica Patrick | Stewart-Haas Racing | Chevrolet | 184 | 6 |
| 36 | 3 | 88 | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 169 | 6 |
| 37 | 1 | 24 | Chase Elliott(R) | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 160 | 5 |
| 38 | 40 | 26 | Robert Richardson Jr. | BK Racing | Toyota | 135 | 3 |
| 39 | 17 | 34 | Chris Buescher(R) | Front Row Motorsports | Ford | 91 | 2 |
| 40 | 20 | 93 | Matt DiBenedetto | BK Racing | Toyota | 91 | 1 |
| Official Daytona 500 results | |||||||
Race statistics
edit- 20 lead changes among 15 different drivers
- 6 cautions for 31 laps
- Time of race: 3 hours, 10 minutes, 25 seconds
- Average speed: 157.549 mph (253.551 km/h)
- Difference between 1st and 2nd: 0.01 seconds
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Race awards
edit- Coors LightPole Award:Chase Elliott(45.845, 196.314 mph (315.937 km/h))
- American EthanolGreen Flag Restart Award:Paul Menard
- Duralast Brakes"Bake In The Race" Award:Kyle Busch
- Ingersoll RandPower Move:Michael McDowell(16 positions)
- MAHLEClevite Engine Builder of the Race:Toyota Racing Development,#11
- Mobil 1Driver of the Race:Denny Hamlin(139.1 driver rating)
- MoogSteering and Suspension Problem Solver of The Race:Carl Edwards(crew chiefDave Rogers(0.239 seconds))
- NASCARSprint CupLeader Bonus:No winner: rolls over to $20,000 at next event
- Sherwin-WilliamsFastest Lap:A. J. Allmendinger
- SunocoRookie of The Race:Ryan Blaney
Media
editTelevision
editSince2001– with the exception of2002,2004and2006– theDaytona 500has been carried byFoxin the United States. The booth crew consisted of longtimeNASCARlap-by-lap announcerMike Joy,three-time Daytona 500 championJeff Gordon,and1989 racewinnerDarrell Waltrip.Pit road was manned byJamie Little,Chris Neville,Vince WelchandMatt Yocum.
| FoxTelevision | |
|---|---|
| Booth announcers | Pit reporters |
| Lap-by-lap:Mike Joy Color-commentator:Jeff Gordon Color commentator:Darrell Waltrip |
Jamie Little Chris Neville Vince Welch Matt Yocum |
Radio
editThe race was broadcast on radio by theMotor Racing Network– which has covered the Daytona 500 since1970– and simulcast onSirius XM NASCAR Radio.The booth crew consisted of longtime announcer Joe Moore, Jeff Striegle and 1989 Sprint Cup Series championRusty Wallace.Longtime turn announcer – and prodigy of MRN co-founderKen Squier–Dave Moodywas the lead turn announcer. He called the Daytona 500 from atop the Sunoco tower outside the exit of turn 2 when the field was racing through turns 1 and 2.Mike Bagleyworked the backstretch for the Daytona 500 from a spotter's stand on the inside of the track. Kyle Rickey called the Daytona 500 when the field was racing through turns 3 and 4 from the Sunoco tower outside the exit of turn 4. On pit road, MRN was manned by lead pit reporter andNASCAR Hall of FameExecutive Director Winston Kelley. He was joined on pit road by Steve Post and Alex Hayden.
| MRNRadio | ||
|---|---|---|
| Booth announcers | Turn announcers | Pit reporters |
| Lead announcer:Joe Moore Announcer:Jeff Striegle Announcer:Rusty Wallace |
Turns 1 & 2:Dave Moody Backstretch:Mike Bagley Turns 3 & 4:Kyle Rickey |
Alex Hayden Winston Kelley Steve Post |
Standings after the race
edit
|
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Notes
edit- ^abcdeMatt Kenseth,Jimmie Johnson,Martin Truex Jr.,A. J. AllmendingerandBrian Scottstarted from the rear of the field after going to a backup car post-qualifying.[57]
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