As often the case, many drivers were unsuccessful in completing the 60th running of the Daytona 500 unscathed. The first race of the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season was a thriller for all, agonizing for many, and memorable for one.
After contact with Aric Almirola on the backstretch on the final lap, Austin Dillon stretched his lead and became a first-time Daytona 500 Champion. While the Welcome, North Carolina native and his Richard Childress Racing team had plenty to smile about, many others were left to wonder what may have been.
The 200 lap race at Daytona International Speedway wasted no time in collecting a majority of the competitors in major crashes, contributed by aggressive driving near the end of the first and second stage races.
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A Class: Brad Keselowski – 32% Started / 5 Points
The driver of the Discount Tire Ford Fusion stirred a big one entering Turn 3 near the end of the second segment. This ended a promising Speedweeks for the 2012 NASCAR Champion. Keselowski finished 32nd.
B Class: Chase Elliott – 38% Started / 7 Points
A favorite to win the Daytona 500 early, the Dawsonville, Georgia driver was also involved in the Lap 101 crash which ended his day early. The 2nd generation driver finished 33rd.
C Class: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – 37% Started / 15 Points
Stenhouse Jr. made a miraculous save in front of the first big wreck at the end of the first stage. However, his luck would fade as he was collected in a late-race crash. Stenhouse Jr. finished 29th.
D Class: Kasey Kahne – 22% / 3 Points
Kasey Kahne’s debut for Levine Family Racing was one to be forgotten. The driver of the 95 failed to make an impression early and was collected in the same crash as Keselowski and Elliott. Kahne finished 34th.
