5 Points to Ponder: Something to Talk About, Daytona 500 Edition
After a challenging couple of years for NASCAR, the one unmistakable feeling as the green flag flew this past Sunday (Feb. 20) was that stock car racing was back.
Cup Series
Entry List: 2022 WISE Power 400
After sporting a full field for the season-opening Daytona 500, the NASCAR Cup Series will feature just the 36 charted teams at Auto Club Speedway this weekend.
Stock Car Scoop: What Did We Learn from the 2022 Daytona 500?
The 2022 Daytona 500 did not disappoint, an action-packed race ending with a rookie in victory lane. Austin Cindric took the checkered flag in just his eighth career NASCAR Cup Series start, capping off a wild finish in which he held off Bubba Wallace by just 0.036 seconds at the line. It was a far cry from rookie teammate Harrison Burton’s afternoon, flipping over on the backstretch in the day’s most serious incident as aggression produced several bump drafts gone wrong.
After the Next Gen’s debut in full-field, top-speed competition, what were the takeaways from the Great American Race? Stock Car Scoop hosts Bryan Nolen and Adam Cheek discuss their thoughts on everything surrounding Sunday’s (Feb. 20) NASCAR Super Bowl.
Thinkin’ Out Loud: Austin Cindric Snags 2022 Daytona 500 Victory
Austin Cindric won his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race in only his eighth career start and second in the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20 by barely nipping out 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace by a nose. Following him to the line were Chase Briscoe, Ryan Blaney and Aric Almirola, who earned a top-five finish in his last Daytona 500 as a full-time driver.
Cindric is the first rookie to win the Daytona 500 since Trevor Bayne in 2011.
The Underdog House: David Ragan, Michael McDowell Pay the Price For Good Daytona Performances
With several underdogs looking to capitalize on a golden opportunity in the 2022 Daytona 500, it was the defending champion who led the way once the checkered flag waved on the 64th Great American Race.
Michael McDowell proved just how special Daytona could be last year, reminding fans anyone in the field has a shot to take home the Harley J. Earl Trophy. The reigning winner started his effort to become only the second back-to-back 500 champion this century from the sixth position. He endured to earn a top-10 finish, winding up seventh for his best result since Circuit of the Americas last May.
The Big 6: Questions Answered After the 2022 Daytona 500
Many drivers go a lifetime without winning NASCAR’s biggest race, but it took Austin Cindric just eight starts to put that notch on his belt. Cindric powered to the front on the final restart and blocked his way to the win as chaos erupted behind him.
Up to Speed: Brad Keselowski & Austin Cindric Battle at Daytona
One year ago, Brad Keselowski’s frustration was visible.
As the final laps of the Daytona 500 ticked away, Keselowski made a bold move to set himself up for a last-lap pass for the lead on his Team Penske teammate Joey Logano. But when Logano blocked Keselowski’s path forward, Keselowski got hit from behind by Michael McDowell, triggering a frightening crash that knocked out both Penske cars. McDowell went on to win the race, leaving Keselowski without a Harley J. Earl Trophy for at least one more year.
Austin Cindric Arrives With Daytona 500 Win: ‘We’ve Come a Long Way’
Austin Cindric’s final pit stop couldn’t have been worse.
With Daytona International Speedway’s frontstretch lights illuminating them, the pit crew for Team Penske’s No. 2 Ford was slow and lacked coordination.
They also didn’t even bother to put on safety equipment. One even wore a backpack.
Aric Almirola: ‘I’ll Want This One Back For Sure’
Aric Almirola knew this Daytona 500 was going to be different.
The 64th annual Great American Race may be his last, the three-time Cup Series race winner having announced his retirement from full-time NASCAR racing after what will be 11 complete seasons. Pre-race, he was soaking in every moment with family members, close sponsor representatives and others.
Post-race, he was wishing he had one more shot.
Bubba Wallace Left Wanting More After Daytona 500 Runner-Up: ‘I Thought We Had It’
Four years ago, Bubba Wallace had tears in his eyes following a runner-up finish in the Daytona 500.
This time around, those same tears welled in his eyes following an identical result. But the only thing that was reminiscent of 2018 was the finishing position. Everything else had changed.