Austin Dillon clears the wreckage to win the Daytona 500
By George Diaz
Reporting from daytona beach, fla. — 
The time stamp was etched in tears of joy and pain, a throwback number and the memory of a NASCAR icon and ties that bind forevermore.
Austin Dillon strolled into Daytona’s victory circle 20 years ago as a 7-year-old smitten by all the confetti and champagne and hugs to celebrate a man called Dale Earnhardt.
That champion was his grandfather’s best friend, and a man who drove granddaddy’s car really fast.
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“I was just having fun collecting hats and crawling on the trophy,” Dillon said.
Two decades later, the world is celebrating the rise of Austin Dillon as a speed-racer and the winner of the 60th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday afternoon.
The pain comes with the memory that Earnhardt died on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. Dillon burned a “3” into the infield on his victory spin to honor a man who is family, and always will be.
“I know he’s smiling down on us in victory,” said Richard Childress, Dillon’s grandfather and Earnhardt’s car owner.
The victory will also include the controversial context of Dillon making a move on Aric Almirola on the last lap, getting to Almirola’s bumper and knocking him out of the way.
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates with a burnout after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Ford, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jerry Markland / Getty Images)
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Austin Dillon celebrates after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 Cup series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Terry Renna) (Terry Renna / AP)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane with his fiancee Whitney Ward after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Paul Menard, driver of the #21 OmnicraftAutoParts/QuickLaneTire&Auto Ford, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jerry Markland / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, races Ryan Newman, driver of the #31 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Chevrolet, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jerry Markland / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Bass Pro Shops/5-hour Energy Toyota, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Robert Laberge / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane with his fiancee Whitney Ward after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, brother Ty Dillon, driver of the #13 GEICO Chevrolet, and team owner Richard Childress celebrate in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, brother Ty Dillon, driver of the #13 GEICO Chevrolet, and team owner Richard Childress in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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Austin Dillon heads for the finish line to win the NASCAR Daytona 500 Cup series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Terry Renna) (Terry Renna / AP)
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Austin Dillon waves the checkered flag from the window of his car after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux / AP)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Peak Ford, leads Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Ford, and Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jerry Markland / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, races during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jerry Markland / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, and crew celebrate winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane with his fiancee Whitney Ward after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane with his grandfather and team owner, Richard Childress and fiancee Whitney Ward after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane with his fiancee Whitney Ward after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates with a burnout after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
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Austin Dillon celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 Cup series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) (Chuck Burton / AP)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates with champagne in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Robert Laberge / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane with his brother Ty Dillon, driver of the #13 GEICO Chevrolet, after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane with his brother Ty Dillon, driver of the #13 GEICO Chevrolet, after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates with a burnout after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, and crew celebrate winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates with a burnout after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, drives into Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Robert Laberge / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, races Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jerry Markland / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, and Aric Almirola, driver of the #10 Smithfield Ford, lead the field in the final restart during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, drives into Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Robert Laberge / Getty Images)
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Austin Dillon gets a kiss from his wife, Whitney in Victory lane after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 Cup series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Terry Renna) (Terry Renna / AP)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates with champagne in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Robert Laberge / Getty Images)
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Austin Dillon gets a kiss from his wife, Whitney in Victory lane after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 Cup series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Terry Renna) (Terry Renna / AP)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: A detailed view of the top of the car of Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, after his victory in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Robert Laberge / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, poses with the winner’s decal in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Peak Ford, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates with champagne in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Robert Laberge / Getty Images)
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Car owner Richard Childress celebrates moments after his grandson Austin Dillon crossed the finish line to win the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux / AP)
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Austin Dillon, center, celebrates with his team and his grandfather, Richard Childress, left, in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 Cup series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Terry Renna) (Terry Renna / AP)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Cars race during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, celebrates with champagne in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Robert Laberge / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Peak Ford, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jerry Markland / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Kasey Kahne, driver of the #95 Procore Chevrolet, races during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Peak Ford, leads Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Robert Laberge / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 DOW Chevrolet, races during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, races Danica Patrick, driver of the #7 GoDaddy Chevrolet, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Chris Buescher, driver of the #37 Kleenex Chevrolet, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Daniel Suarez, driver of the #19 ARRIS Toyota, races Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s for Pros Chevrolet, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
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Danica Patrick, wearing a green suit, is helped to an awaiting ambulance after being involved in a multi-car accident during the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) (Phelan M. Ebenhack / AP)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Darrell Wallace Jr., driver of the #43 Click n’ Close Chevrolet, pits during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
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Danica Patrick speaks with the media after leaving the infield care center after being involved in a crash during the NASCAR Daytona 500 Cup series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) (Chuck Burton / AP)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Jamie McMurray, driver of the #1 McDonald’s/Cessna Chevrolet, races during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
67/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Danica Patrick, driver of the #7 GoDaddy Chevrolet, walks from the infield care center after being involved in an on-track incident the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
68/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Jeffrey Earnhardt, driver of the #00 VRX Simulators Chevrolet, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
69/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, races Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Ford, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
70/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Clint Bowyer, driver of the #14 Rush Truck Centers Ford, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
71/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #47 Kroger ClickList Chevrolet, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
72/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: William Byron, driver of the #24 AXALTA Chevrolet, races during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
73/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, races during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
74/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Peak Ford, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
75/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Gray Gaulding, driver of the #23 Toyota, leads Justin Marks, driver of the #51 HARRY’S Chevrolet, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
76/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, races during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sarah Crabill / Getty Images)
77/99
Chase Elliott (9), Kasey Kahne (95) and Danica Patrick (7) crash during the NASCAR Daytona 500 Cup series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike Troxell) (Mike Troxell / AP)
78/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, has an on track incident with Kasey Kahne, driver of the #95 Procore Chevrolet, and Danica Patrick, driver of the #7 GoDaddy Chevrolet, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
79/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: The car of Daniel Suarez, driver of the #19 ARRIS Toyota, is towed into the garage after an on track incident during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
80/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Daniel Suarez, driver of the #19 ARRIS Toyota, William Byron, driver of the #24 AXALTA Chevrolet, Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s for Pros Chevrolet, and Erik Jones, driver of the #20 DeWalt Toyota, have an on track incident during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
81/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Daniel Suarez, driver of the #19 ARRIS Toyota, William Byron, driver of the #24 AXALTA Chevrolet, Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s for Pros Chevrolet, and Erik Jones, driver of the #20 DeWalt Toyota, have an on track incident during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
82/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Crew members work on the car of Daniel Suarez, driver of the #19 ARRIS Toyota, in the garage after an on track incident during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
83/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Daniel Suarez, driver of the #19 ARRIS Toyota, William Byron, driver of the #24 AXALTA Chevrolet, Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s for Pros Chevrolet, and Erik Jones, driver of the #20 DeWalt Toyota, have an on track incident during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
84/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Ford, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Robert Laberge / Getty Images)
85/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, and Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, lead the field the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
86/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Bass Pro Shops/5-hour Energy Toyota, Erik Jones, driver of the #20 DeWalt Toyota, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #17 Fastenal Ford, lead a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Robert Laberge / Getty Images)
87/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Ford, races Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jerry Markland / Getty Images)
88/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s for Pros Chevrolet, is involved in an on-track incident with several other cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
89/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s for Pros Chevrolet, is involved in an on-track incident with several other cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
90/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s for Pros Chevrolet, is involved in an on-track incident with several other cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
91/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Crew members work on the car of Erik Jones, driver of the #20 DeWalt Toyota, in the garage after an on track incident during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)
92/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Cars race during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Robert Laberge / Getty Images)
93/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Daniel Suarez, driver of the #19 ARRIS Toyota, William Byron, driver of the #24 AXALTA Chevrolet, Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s for Pros Chevrolet, and Erik Jones, driver of the #20 DeWalt Toyota, have an on track incident during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
94/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Cars race during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
95/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, and Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, lead the field the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
96/99
Kyle Larson (42), Martin Truex Jr. (78), Michael McDowell (34), Daniel Suarez (19), Jimmie Johnson (48), Kevin Harvick (4), Erik Jones (20), William Byron (24) and Chase Elliott (9) make their way through Turn 3 during a multi-car collision in the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) (Phelan M. Ebenhack / AP)
97/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Haas Automation/Monster Energy Ford, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
98/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Peyton Manning and his son, Marshall, during the drivers meeting for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Robert Laberge / Getty Images)
99/99
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s for Pros Chevrolet, is involved in an on-track incident with several other cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Brian Lawdermilk / Getty Images)
Dillon only led that last lap, but it was the only one that mattered. Darrell “Bubba” Wallace was second, followed by Denny Hamlin. Ryan Blaney led a race-high 118 laps but finished seventh.
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“I guess I could have lifted and gave it to him,” Dillon said of Almirola. “That was my other option. Give up the Daytona 500 ring that I’m wearing. I’m glad he’s not mad. If he needs to do it to me at Talladega to make people feel good, I have a Daytona 500 championship, trophy, ring, whatever.
“I got the 3 back in Victory Lane at Daytona. It feels pretty good.”
Not so much for Almirola, who handled the disappointment with a gentlemanly perspective.
“It was the last lap and we’re all trying to win the Daytona 500,” he said. “It’s the biggest race of the year and it’s a career-changing race, so we were just racing really aggressively.”
Dillon, 27, has traveled a demanding path since 2013 when, with the Earnhardt’s family blessings, he took on the No. 3 in the Cup series.
It was a long journey for the Childress and Earnhardt family. Childress was so despondent and devastated after Earnhardt’s death that he stood on the deck of Bill France Jr.’s dock in Daytona ready to walk away from the sport.
Then he recalled a hunting trip to New Mexico with Earnhardt in the 1980s, and Earnhardt’s cantankerous voice came to life.
They were climbing a mountain. Their horses were bridle-less. Dale’s horse started slipping and started rearing up, back toward Childress, who had no choice but to jump off the mountain. The horse went flying with him, but they were both fortunate they were caught in a cluster of trees.
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They were laughing about it later that night over a few adult beverages. Earnhardt called it the “great horse wreck.” And then things got serious.
“You know, Dale, if I got killed on the mountain today you’d have to race Phoenix,” Childress said.
Earnhardt looked Childress in the eye and said: “If it ever happens to me, you’d better race.”
They have kept racing, Childress with his team and his grandsons, Austin and Ty. Dale Earnhardt Jr. kept racing until the end of the 2017 season when multiple concussions forced him to walk away before things got fuzzy permanently.
Dale Jr. came back Sunday as the grand marshal for the race, reflecting on his father’s death, saying that he has made his peace with Daytona. He chooses to embrace this place for all the good things that have happened here.
Childress said he fell in love with the place in 1965 when he came to Daytona and slept in a tent off Nova Road. The love was broken in 2001, ever so briefly, but it came back just as quickly.
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There were magical sparks once again Sunday, with the ending scripted by a kid who made an aggressive move reminiscent of a NASCAR legend named Earnhardt.
“The Intimidator” would approve.
UPDATES:
6:35 p.m.: This articles has been updated with more details and quotes.
This article was originally published at 3:50 p.m.
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