Daytona Weekend Wrap-up

Nascar touched down in Daytona this Independence Day weekend, and set off some fireworks of it's own. The weekend was full of joy, frustration, and carnage. No driver was safe from the old monster that Daytona became this weekend. This was the last race weekend on the old pavement, and it went out with a bang. From Nationwide to Cup, rookie to veteran, Daytona seemed to have a "take no prisoner" attitude this weekend.

Nationwide series craziness began in the first practice when, after hitting lead bricks that had fallen from Mark Green's car, Reed Sorenson's tire flew off, and onto Stephen Wallace's car, hitting the A-post on the front of the window. Heavy penalties are expected to be handed down on the #49 Jay Robinson Racing Chevy, the car Mark Green was driving.

Through the caranage and mahem, there was a bigger story being laid out. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was driving the #3 Wrangler Chevy. He was bringing the 3 back to Daytona. This had the possibility to be either the best, or worst thing Junior could do. It would be the best if he would win, taking the 3 back to Victory Lane, and in turn taking himself there, somewhere he hasn't been since 2008. It could also be the worst thing he does, if he were to wreck, or just flat out lose, he would have essentially of brought the 3 back for nothing. Luckily, it turned out to be the best. Junior piloted the #3 Wrangler Chevy into Victory Lane, in a moment that brought out many emotions to everyone involved. From the excitement of seeing Junior finally win a race, to the bittersweet feeling of seeing the 3 in victory lane again, and possibly the final time.

The Coke Zero 400 Saturday night had more of a "battle" feeling than a race. The battle was to simply finish the race.No one was immune to the mayhem, as even Kyle Busch, leading at the time, making a simple pass on Juan Pablo Montoya, cut across the nose too early and sent himself head first into the wall, ending his night. In the "Big One", which might even be an understatement in this case, twenty cars were collected, including Four Time himself, Jimmie Johnson. Kevin Harvick survived the chaos, winning the race and beating second place finisher Kasey Kahne. Third place was Jeff Gordon, fourth place went to Dale Earnhardt Jr, and Jeff Burton finished 5th. Other notable finishes are Mike Bliss (9th), Scott Speed (10th), Steve Park (13th), and Kevin Conway (14th).

As mentioned earlier, this was the last time a race will be held on the old pavement, as they will immediately begin work on the new surface. I want to hear from you, what was your favorite moment on the "old" Daytona?