2009 Daytona 500 Recap
Posted by GEORGE February 18, 2009 9:29:17 AM
Matt Kenseth literally stole the show, as he took the lead on the lap that counted the most, right before the rains came to Daytona. It was a much-needed win for Kenseth. He had not won a race since 2007.
Staying out of trouble was key, and Matt did a masterful job of working his way through the field late in the race. The 2009 Daytona 500 was a sellout event, which was a boost for NASCAR and a great way to start the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.
Rain spoiled what would have been another dramatic finish for the Daytona 500, and many fans felt that NASCAR called the race too early. But the track was lost to moisture, and radar indicated that the earliest the race would have continued was around 11:00 PM. It was the right call, but it was anti-climactic.
Many drivers became a little testy during the race, resulting in unnessary accidents and ill feelings that will undoubtedly carry into races to come. Brian Vickers and Dale Earnhardt Jr caused a multi-car crash in the Daytona 500.
Joey Logano received a true baptism into Sprint Cup Racing, finishing dead last in the race. Logano's experience from last year will help him this season, but it was obvious that the rookie driver was struggling on the track. This is to be expected, and not just because he is a rookie. It takes a few races to match the equipment to the driver.
Congratulations to Jack Roush for picking-up his first Daytona 500 win! Roush has done great things for NASCAR, and we're glad to see him get the win.
For you soap TV enthusiasts, Jeff Burton will make a cameo appearance on General Hospital in mid-March on ABC. I am not much of a soap TV fan, but I may have to watch that episode, although I'm having trouble imagining Jeff Burton as an actor.
There are 47 cars on the preliminary entry list for this weekend's Auto Club Speedway race in California, and there are 46 cars on the list for the Nationwide race at the same track. This is a good sign which I believe will carry through the 2009 NASCAR season.
Right on George!
Posted by: Enid | 21 February 2009 at 05:30 AM