All Michael McDowell had to do was lead one lap. The biggest one of his life.
The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series kicked off its season once again from the heart of Florida: Daytona Beach. This time it was an unlikely winner visiting Victory Lane as Michael McDowell came away with the win. To get there though, we had to go through wrecks, rain, and a decisive yellow flag.
Raindrops Keep Falling in my Head
Troubles came in pouring for some as Bubba Wallace’s 23 Camry failed pre-race inspection and had to make his way to the rear of the field. The same can be said about pole-sitter, Trevor Bayne. Nonetheless, they made it to the green flag and the Daytona 500 went underway. Things rolled along smoothly until dirty air decided to do its thing.
A few pushes and wiggles at the front saw Aric Almirola’s number 10 car get pushed into Alex Bowman’s 48 Camaro at the 14th lap. Both Bowman and Almirola turned into wrecking balls on wheels and ended up taking 16 cars along with them. Those wrecked did their best lawnmower impression going through the infield grass with speed and no style at all. Next thing pouring was rain, heavy rain, that is. The race was brought to a halt as lightning struck 3 near Daytona. Water didn’t take long to show up, neither did the red flag.
A Chatty New Owner
Among the most talkative during the rain delay was world-famous music producer and co-owner of Track House racing, Pitbull. He had a few words to say about his partnership with Mexican driver Daniel Suarez. When asked about his driver’s performance he said he was “Very excited” as Suarez was having “A great race until what happened.” Suarez was among those swiped but the massive early wreck.
Back to Racing
The 2021 Daytona 500 resumed after almost six hours of waiting. Fans came back to the stands as damaged vehicles started making quick repairs to comply with safety regulations. It was a fairly smooth ride to the long-awaited end of the first stage. Wallace made a big push for the front in the final laps, nonetheless, Denny Hamlin held on to win the Playoff point. Toyota, despite being outnumbered, looked strong as four of their five cars sit in the top 10.
Halfway Trough at Last
Stage two went much more smoothly. Toyota kept dominating the pack with Kyle Busch, Hamlin, and Erik Jones leading the pack. Single file racing finally settled in and drafting was once again the name of the game. Racing at Daytona is a team sport and that was evident looking at the Japanese manufacturer. The entire top three dived into the pits with 24 laps to go. Chevys did the same a couple of laps later.
More importantly, we reached the halfway point with the 100th lap in the second stage. Thus, making the race “Official”. Come rain (Again) or shine, things would end that very same night, no Monday night racing. Same battle, same outcome, Hamlin finished on top of Wallace to take home his second Playoff point of the night.
In the Blink of an Eye
The FedEx Camry didn’t let his foot off the gas leading almost half the race early on the final stage. He was forced to let go of the lead after a pit stop cycle sent him to the 11th spot. Drivers raced in the pack for most of the stage, it all seemed set for Joey Logano to win his first Daytona 500. Teammate Brad Keselowski however, had other ideas. Keselowski went for a run on the inside but went a little too far turning his teammate sideways and wiping most of the top 10.
Another look at the big wreck on the last lap of the #DAYTONA500.
All drivers have climbed out of their cars. pic.twitter.com/UmRtWoJ5YA
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 15, 2021
It was Michael McDowell, running third, who took the win on a yellow flag finish. McDowell, a 14 year Cup Series veteran got the first win of his career at the grandest stage of them all. All he had to do was lead one lap.
What’s Next?
NASCAR will stay put at The World Center of Racing, this time, however, they will venture inside it as they’re scheduled to race at the Daytona Road Course next week.
Featured Image: Getty Images
