NASCAR - Daytona 500

The 55th running of the Daytona 500. February 24, 2013. Danica Patrick makes history twice. The first woman to be on the pole for the Daytona 500. And leading the 90th, she became the first woman to lead a green flag lap.  She proved to all it just wasn't a fluke that she earned that pole position, staying up front all day, she showed how she can run with the big boys. Finishing a respectable 8th she should be proud, she is going to be scrutinized all season, being the first woman to show she can drive a car very, very fast. Go Danica!!! keep it going...

The Generation 6 cars made their debut in the Great American Race today. Nice to look at good the see the personalities of the different manufactures come out, but as far as the racing part goes, the race was pretty boring, everyone was running single file for most of the race. The top line seemed to work the best and that's where everyone stayed. Two "big" ones took out a few favorite contenders, including Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick. Brad Keslowski was "injured" a bit in the first wreck, but put the car back together with 200 mile an hour tape, never losing a lap. Between lap 179 and 190, Keslowski and Johnson actually raced side by side with two lines racing each other, the best part of the race. A caution on lap 190, for debris showed Jimmie Johnson in the lead, giving Johnson the outside lane on the restart

Congratulations Jimmie Johnson !!!

With just 8 laps to go, Brad got in the outside line and everyone stayed there until the last lap, when Dale Earnhardt Jr. running 4th, went for it.
Jimmy Johnson held off Dale Earnhardt Jr. to win his 2nd Daytona 500 in his 400th start, joining 5 others in the history of nascar to win in their 401st0th start.
Dale Earnhardt - 1992 - Charlotte, NC
Dave Marcis - 1982 - Richmond, VA
David Pearson - 1973 - Dover, DE
Richard Petty - 1968 - Asheville, NC
Lee Petty - 1960 - Pittsburg, PA

Top Ten Recap:
1. Jimmie Johnson - started 9th
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - started 19th
3. Mark Martin - started 14th
4. Brad Keslowski - started 15th
5. Ryan Newman - started 34th
6. Greg Biffle - started 5th
7. Regan Smith - started 40th
8. Danica Patrick - started 1st
9. Michael McDowell - started 38th
10. J.J. Yeley - started 41

Race for the Chase:
1. Jimmies Johnson - finished 1st
2. Dale Earnhardt - finished 2nd
3. Mark Martin - finished 3rd
4. Brad Keslowski - finished 4th
5. Ryan Newman - finished 5th
6. Greg Biffle - finished 6th
7. Danica Patrick - finished 8th
8. Michael McDowell - finished 9th
9. J.J. Yeley - finished 10th
10. Clint Bowyer - finished 11th
11. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. - finished 12th
12. Aric Almirola - finished 13th

In case you don't know Regan Smith is running for points in the Nationwide Series, that is why his 7th place finish is not recorded in the Race for the Chase.

Need more racing guys, there is a reason they are called races, you are suppose to race not just follow the leader around the track. Let's up the Generation 6 cars are more racey at Phoenix.

Miraculously all the spectators that were injured in the horrendous crash in the Nationwide Race have been reported to all be in stable condition. Our thoughts and prayers are with them for a speedy recovery.

Next Race: - Phoenix International Raceway - Subway Fresh Fit 500 - March 3, 2013 - 3pm est.

Have a Wonderful Week
Take Care
Barbara



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