DAYTONA 500 – Either Checkers or Wreckers!

Denny Hamblin wins the 61st running of the Great American Race.

DAYTONA, FLORIDA – February 17, 2019 – Anthony Holbrook – Bluegrass Sports Nation

Denny Hamblin, a 38 year old Resident of Chester Field Va., Hamblin collected his 2^nd Harley J. Earl Trophy and 32^nd NASCAR Monster Energy Series Career Victory.

Competitive racing was observed, as winners of each Stage prevailed, setting up for a thrilling Daytona 500 finish.

Stage 1

With 35 laps remaining in Stage 1, Kyle Bush Driver of the #18 Toyota captured the point and held off competition to claim victory.

 Stage 2

Stage 2 Daytona 500 winner was awarded to Ryan Blaney #12 Ford, who nosed out 2019  Daytona 500 Pole Sitter William Byron Driver of the #24 Hendrick Chevrolet Camaro.

The following race laps displayed clean and respectful driving until the final lap of 10.

With 10 laps to go, Toyota Driver Kyle Bush and Toyota Teammate Denny Hamblin, running parallel, continued to pace the field.  A Menard/Dbenedetto Bump-Draft incident, brought out the Red Flag.  Due to a multi car accident, the race would be delayed 23 minutes until the cleanup of sheet metal carnage was complete.

After the 1st Red Flag delay, Kyle Bush drove the lead and Denny Hamblin securing 2^nd spot.  As Drivers were jockeying for position in familiar Turn 3, Clint Bowyer Driver of the #14 Ford had an alteration with Chase Elliot Driver of the #9 Chevrolet, collecting multiple contenders, bringing out the Big One.  The massive accident brought out an additional 2^nd red flag delay consisting of 14 minutes and forced the Daytona 500 race to be decided into Overtime.

With of 101 thousand in attendance and the millions viewing, anticipating the unveiling of the 2019 Stock Cars Super Bowl Winner; they too, were not to be disappointed.

In the final Over-Time session, Denny Hamblin decided to choose the upper lane on the restart.  A questionable call indeed, but found to be beneficial in the end.  The final laps was brought to green with Denny Hamblin Toyota securing the point and Teammate Kyle Bush Toyota following.   As aggressive driving formulated behind the leaders, the contenders were singularly eliminated, while Denny Hamblin secured is 2^nd convent Daytona 500 victory. Joe Gibbs Toyota Teammate Kyle Bush finished second in a valiant effort.

2019 Daytona 500 results below:

1. D. Hamblin  #11
2. K. Bush  #18
3. E. Jones  #20
4. J. Logano  #22
5. M. McDowell #34
6. T. Dillon #3
7. K. Larson #42
8. R. Preece #47
9. J. Johnson #47
10. R.Chastain #15
11. A. Bowman #88
12. B. Keselowski #2
13. R.Stenhouse #17
14. R. Newman #14
15. P. Klingerman #96
16. A. Dillon #3
17. C. Elliott #9
18. C.Lajoie #32
19. B.J. McLeod #51
20. C.B0wyer #14
21. W.Byron #24
22. J. McMurray #40
23. B.Gaughan #62
24. L.Cassill #00
25. K.Bush #1
26. K.Harvick #4
27. T.Reddick #31
28. M.DiBenedetto #95
29. P.Menard #21
30. D.Ragan #38
31. R.Blaney #12
32. A.Almirola #10
33. D.Suarez #41
34. D.Hemric #8
35. M.Truex Jr. #19
36. M.Tifft #36
37. C.Buescher #37
38. D.Wallace Jr. #43
39. C.Ware #52
40. C.Mears#27

Special Patronage was displayed throughout the day to celebrate the Life of J.D. Gibbs, son of Team Owner Joe Gibbs, whose son passed in January.  Only fitting for an emotional win to a Future Hall of Famer -Coach Joe Gibbs and the Toyota family.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race No. #2 travels due North, for the Folds of Honor Quik Trip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Sunday  February 24^{th @} 2:00 p.m. est.