Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spoiler Alert: Despite the elements, Daytona 500 finally finishes [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/spoiler-alert-despite-the-elements-daytona-500-finally-finishe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/spoiler-alert-despite-the-elements-daytona-500-finally-finishe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/spoiler-alert-despite-the-elements-daytona-500-finally-finishe/#commentsFiled under:



It would seem Gaia herself did not want the 54th running of the Daytona 500 to take place. After being delayed more than 24 hours by water falling from the sky in the form of rain, fire threatened to end the race early with just 40 laps to go when Juan Pablo Montoya slammed his car into a jet dryer truck under caution. Watch the video of the incident after the jump.

The jet dry truck, which is basically a heavy duty pickup with a helicopter jet engine attached, burst into flames on impact, spilling hundreds of gallons of burning jet fuel and diesel onto the raceway. Fortunately, both Montoya and the driver of the jet dryer truck were not seriously hurt, but the burning fuel threatened to end the Daytona 500 after 160 laps.

Twitter had a field day with the incident. The account @NASCARJetDryer tweeted "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated..., #imaight!" Brad Keselowski tweeted his view of the fire from behind the wheel of his No. 2 Miller Light Dodge Charger on an iPhone, which he actually had with him in the car. Fortunately the entire field was parked under a red flag at the time. Our favorite tweet came from @SpeedSportLife, which commented on the direction Montoya took to hit the jet dryer truck: "See what happens NASCAR drivers turn right???"

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: Despite the elements, Daytona 500 finally finishes [w/video]

Spoiler Alert: Despite the elements, Daytona 500 finally finishes [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 01:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad keselowskidave blaneydaytona 500firejet dry truckjuan pablo montoyamatt kensethTue, 28 Feb 2012 01:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20181170/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/28/spoiler-alert-despite-the-elements-daytona-500-finally-finishe/20181170/article-detail.xml 20181170 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/140099474-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/140099474-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Rain delays Daytona 500 again, will start at 7PM]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/rain-delays-daytona-500-again-will-start-at-7pm/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/rain-delays-daytona-500-again-will-start-at-7pm/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/rain-delays-daytona-500-again-will-start-at-7pm/#commentsFiled under:



NASCAR officials have once again decided to delay the start of the Daytona 500, and their Sprint Cup season, on account of rain, this time pushing the contest back from noon today to 7PM EST. Steady rain is called for in the region through 6PM, which should give NASCAR about an hour to dry off the track. If everything goes according to plan, you'll be able to watch the race on FOX beginning at 7PM EST. Unfortunately, we've heard reports on Twitter that WWE superstar John Cena will not be there to wave the green flag as planned; he had to fly to Portland, Oregon for a taping of Monday Night RAW. We know, you're crushed.

Rain delays Daytona 500 again, will start at 7PM originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daytona 500john cenanascarrain delayMon, 27 Feb 2012 10:37:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20180506/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/27/rain-delays-daytona-500-again-will-start-at-7pm/20180506/article-detail.xml 20180506 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/weather-map-daytona-beach-florida_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/weather-map-daytona-beach-florida.jpg <![CDATA[Daytona 500 postponed until Monday on account of rain]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/daytona-500-postponed-until-monday-on-account-of-rain/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/daytona-500-postponed-until-monday-on-account-of-rain/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/daytona-500-postponed-until-monday-on-account-of-rain/#commentsFiled under:



NASCAR officials have made the call to postpone the Daytona 500 until Monday, February 27 at 12:00PM EST on account of rain. This marks the first time that the 53-year-old race has been pushed back a day due to weather. The start of the race today was delayed by heavy rains, and while the weather did clear up long enough for track officials to break out their extensive fleet of track-drying trucks, the window didn't stay open long enough to run The Great American race. Carl Edwards will start on the pole when the race begins at noon tomorrow. Joining him and the rest of the field will be Danica Patrick, who garnered most of the attention the week prior to the race. This year's season opening race also marks the long-awaited debut of electronic fuel injection to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Daytona 500 postponed until Monday on account of rain originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carl edwardsdanica patrickdaytona 500nascarrain delaySun, 26 Feb 2012 17:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20179987/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/26/daytona-500-postponed-until-monday-on-account-of-rain/20179987/article-detail.xml 20179987 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/daytona-500-rain-delay_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/daytona-500-rain-delay.jpg <![CDATA[Danica Patrick walks away from big crack-up in Daytona]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/danica-patrick-walks-away-from-big-crack-up-in-daytona/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/danica-patrick-walks-away-from-big-crack-up-in-daytona/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/danica-patrick-walks-away-from-big-crack-up-in-daytona/#commentsFiled under: ,



If "rubbin is racin'!", an incident during the Gatorade Duel races to determine starting spots for this weekend's Daytona 500 NASCAR race also proves that rubbin' is wreckin'. With just two corners to go, Danica Patrick was running near tenth place down on the inside of a tightly packed field. Above her, Jaime McMurray bumped Aric Almirola, who then bumped Patrick and sent her careening into the infield wall at about 200 miles per hour.

Patrick emerged on her own and was declared fine. Her No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet wasn't: it was totaled, and by having to use the backup she'll start at the back of the pack for the Daytona 500. Patrick was philosophical about it, though, and provided one of the best descriptions of meeting a wall at the double-ton: "kind of hug it in and let it rip." According to USA Today, before the incident, Patrick had run a solid race and stayed out of trouble. Despite the incident (which wasn't her fault), the way Patrick ran the race gained her some respect among others in the field.

There are two videos of the crash after the jump, the first is better quality, the second includes Patrick's comments after the incident.

Continue reading Danica Patrick walks away from big crack-up in Daytona

Danica Patrick walks away from big crack-up in Daytona originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danicadanica patrickdanica patrick accidentdanica patrick crashdaytonadaytona 500gatorade duelsnascarvideowreckFri, 24 Feb 2012 09:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20178823/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/24/danica-patrick-walks-away-from-big-crack-up-in-daytona/20178823/article-detail.xml 20178823 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/patrickcrashdaytona_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/patrickcrashdaytona.jpg <![CDATA[PSA: Danica Patrick prefers being called "pretty" rather than "sexy"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/psa-danica-patrick-prefers-being-called-pretty-rather-than-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/psa-danica-patrick-prefers-being-called-pretty-rather-than-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/psa-danica-patrick-prefers-being-called-pretty-rather-than-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Danica Patrick Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

As Danica Patrick prepares for her first NASCAR Sprint Cup race next weekend in the Daytona 500, she's apparently taking advantage of the publicity to try to remediate her image. After seven years of promoting her attractiveness with nearly equal billing to her race driving acumen, Patrick has asked the media to quit calling her "sexy."

According to USA Today, Patrick said "If there is a pretty girl, (reporters) don't know how to describe her other than being sexy. It has such a negative connotation to it ... Why can't there be other words for it? Why does it have to be somewhat negatively twisted?"

Patrick was featured in the 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and has appeared in racy ads for her sponsor GoDaddy.com that also played up her looks. She has also made several "sexiest" lists, including one compiled by Victoria's Secret and two by FHM magazine.

Patrick's big break came in her first Indy 500 appearance, when she became the first woman to lead the race. She finished fourth that year, in the same position she qualified. Patrick raced in the Indy Racing League for seven years, while also competing in ARCA and NASCAR's Nationwide Series in 2010 and 2011 in preparation for this year's transition to Sprint Cup.

PSA: Danica Patrick prefers being called "pretty" rather than "sexy" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danicadanica patrickdaytona 500godaddyindianapolis 500motorsportsnascarnascar sprint cupsexysports illustratedsports illustrated swimsuit issueTue, 21 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20175902/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/21/psa-danica-patrick-prefers-being-called-pretty-rather-than-s/20175902/article-detail.xml 20175902 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/28-danica-09-si-swimsuit-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/28-danica-09-si-swimsuit-opt.jpg <![CDATA[A.J. Foyt hospitalized]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/a-j-foyt-hospitalized/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/a-j-foyt-hospitalized/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/a-j-foyt-hospitalized/#commentsFiled under: , ,

AJ FoytLegendary driver A.J. Foyt has been hospitalized after suffering complications from knee surgery. The 77-year-old Foyt had the surgery two weeks ago and was slated to serve as the grand marshal for the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Jackie Stewart stepped in to handle those duties in Foyt's place this weekend.

According to a spokeswoman, the driver had been up and walking around after the surgery, but had developed an infection this week. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Foyt expressed his remorse for missing the Rolex, saying, "I feel so bad that I let everyone down."

Meanwhile, Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said that the track and everyone involved with the race wishes Foyt a quick recovery.

Foyt is a towering figure in racing circles. He remains the only driver in history to win the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500, the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We wish him a speedy recovery. Click past the break for a quick statement regarding his hospitalization.

Continue reading A.J. Foyt hospitalized

A.J. Foyt hospitalized originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of daytona24 hours of le mansajaj foytcomplicationsdaytonadaytona 500foytindianapolis 500knee surgeryrolex 24 at daytonasurgerySun, 29 Jan 2012 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159339/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/29/a-j-foyt-hospitalized/20159339/article-detail.xml 20159339 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/aj-foyt-portrait-07-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/aj-foyt-portrait-07-250.jpg <![CDATA[Danica Patrick making NASCAR Sprint Cup debut at Daytona 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/danica-patrick-making-nascar-sprint-cup-debut-at-daytona-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/danica-patrick-making-nascar-sprint-cup-debut-at-daytona-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/danica-patrick-making-nascar-sprint-cup-debut-at-daytona-500/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Danica Patrick

It's official, ladies and gents: IndyCar starlet Danica Patrick is moving up to the big leagues in NASCAR. The official announcement came in over the weekend that Patrick will be making her Spring Cup debut at no less lofty a race than the Daytona 500 come February 26, where she'll be driving for Stewart-Haas Racing.

The move to America's premier closed-wheel series comes after several lower-level stock car races in the ARCA and Nationwide series, efforts that saw Danica leading five times at the Subway Jalapeno 250 back in July.

In starting the Daytona 500, Danica will be only the third woman to contest the iconic race, joining the likes of Janet Guthrie (who finished 12th in 1977 and 11th in 1980) and Shawna Robinson (24th in 2002). You'll find more details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Danica Patrick making NASCAR Sprint Cup debut at Daytona 500

Danica Patrick making NASCAR Sprint Cup debut at Daytona 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danicadanica patrickdaytonadaytona 500daytona international speedwaynascarpatricksprint cupstewart-haasstewart-haas racingMon, 07 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20099852/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/07/danica-patrick-making-nascar-sprint-cup-debut-at-daytona-500/20099852/article-detail.xml 20099852 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/117879659_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/117879659.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Toyota Camry chosen as Daytona 500 pace car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/2012-toyota-camry-chosen-as-daytona-500-pace-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/2012-toyota-camry-chosen-as-daytona-500-pace-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/2012-toyota-camry-chosen-as-daytona-500-pace-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Toyota Camry Daytona 500 Pace Car

While Toyota competes with Ford, Chevy and Dodge on this country's NASCAR tracks, the pace cars leading them around have remained defiantly American - at least at Daytona, anyway. In the 50 years they've been running the Daytona 500, only once has the pace car been an import: the Porsche 914 that paced the race in 1971.

Apart from that one exception, it's been all Detroit - Pontiacs mostly, but also Buicks, Chevrolets, Dodges, Plymouths and Fords. But just as Toyota has rubbed and bumped its way up the field over the past decade plus of competition, it's now got one of its own up at the front as the official pace car for next year's race.

That's right. When the 2012 Daytona 500 kicks off the Sprint Cup season come February, it'll be the new 2012 Toyota Camry setting the pace. And while some may bemoan the use of an "import" for the task, Toyota would argue that nothing could be more American. After all, the Camry has been built in America (first in Georgetown, Kentucky, and now in Lafayette, Indiana) for 25 years now. And for 13 of the past 14 years, it's been the top selling car in America. So maybe, just maybe, the Toyota Camry has earned the honor.

Continue reading 2012 Toyota Camry chosen as Daytona 500 pace car

2012 Toyota Camry chosen as Daytona 500 pace car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota camrycamrycamry pace cardaytona 500nascarpace cartoyotatoyota camryTue, 23 Aug 2011 15:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20024902/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/23/2012-toyota-camry-chosen-as-daytona-500-pace-car/20024902/article-detail.xml 20024902 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web2012camrypacecar001_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web2012camrypacecar001.jpg <![CDATA[Meat eaters, meet the Big Taste Grille]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/10/meat-eaters-meet-the-big-taste-grille/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/10/meat-eaters-meet-the-big-taste-grille/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/10/meat-eaters-meet-the-big-taste-grille/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Big Taste Grill

This, ladies and gentlemen, is the world's largest barbecue on wheels, the Johnsonville Sausage Big Taste grill. It's been travelling the country since 1995, hitting up events like the Superbowl and Daytona 500, and turning ton after ton of pork into delicious, juicy bratwurst.

Not only does it rove the land dishing out grilled delicacies at every turn, the Big Taste Grill is a rolling fund raiser for a host of charity organizations. According to Johnsonville, they've used it to raise more than $3 million since its inception.

And with that... it's high time for some tasty beer brats, don't you think?

[Source: Big Taste Grill via USA Today Image: Big Taste Grill]

Meat eaters, meet the Big Taste Grille originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big tastebig taste grilldaytona 500giant grillgrilljohnsonvillejohnsonville bratsworlds largest grilleThu, 10 Mar 2011 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19874087/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/10/meat-eaters-meet-the-big-taste-grille/19874087/article-detail.xml 19874087 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/big-taste-grill_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/big-taste-grill.jpg <![CDATA[Spoiler Alert: Daytona 500 winner makes history]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/spoiler-alert-daytona-500-winner-makes-history/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/spoiler-alert-daytona-500-winner-makes-history/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/spoiler-alert-daytona-500-winner-makes-history/#commentsFiled under:

2011 Daytona 500

If you're saving your 2011 Daytona 500 viewing experience for a later date, you'll want to go ahead and skip this post all together.

Still with us? This year marked the 53rd running of the biggest race in NASCAR, and thanks to a completely re-paved track, the event saw a record 74 lead changes between 22 drivers. The new sticky asphalt also led to plenty of side-by-side racing with more than a few pile ups as a result. But all of that carnage happened to open the door for one very unlikely winner.

Wood Brothers Racing took home the checkered flag for the first time since 1976 with 20 year-old Knoxville, Tennessee native Trevor Bayne behind the wheel. Never heard of him? We aren't surprised. This Daytona 500 only marked his second Sprint Cup series start. Bayne led the last six laps and successfully fought off a last-minute rush by Carl Edwards to take home the $1.46 million purse and become the youngest-ever winner of the Daytona 500. While Bayne was only scheduled to run five races with Wood Brothers this year, this win just might change his schedule.

[Source: ESPN | Image: Glenn Smith/AP Photo]

Spoiler Alert: Daytona 500 winner makes history originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 daytona 500daytona 500nascarstock car racingtrevor baynewood brothers racingMon, 21 Feb 2011 10:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19852917/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/21/spoiler-alert-daytona-500-winner-makes-history/19852917/article-detail.xml 19852917 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/nascardaytona500autoracing.c4e5ec335ccd4a45a8a968bdfe5c554f_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/nascardaytona500autoracing.c4e5ec335ccd4a45a8a968bdfe5c554f.jpg <![CDATA[NASCAR marks 10-year anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's death at Daytona 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/18/nascar-marks-10-year-annivesary-of-dale-earnhardts-death-at-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/18/nascar-marks-10-year-annivesary-of-dale-earnhardts-death-at-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/18/nascar-marks-10-year-annivesary-of-dale-earnhardts-death-at-day/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dale Earnhardt Senior

It was 10 years ago today that racing legend Dale Earnhardt Senior died while competing at the Daytona 500. It's no secret that not every motorsports afficianado is a fan of the NASCAR scene, but there's no denying the outright skill and presence that racers bring to the game both on and off the track. Nowhere was that more evident than with Earnhardt, who sprang from a long-line of circle track racers. Even if series fans rooted for a different driver, they respected Earnhardt for his down-to-earth nature and old-school approach to racing. When Earnhardt was behind the wheel, it was clear he wasn't there to make friends or play nice. He was there to win.

While Earnhardt's death was a tragedy on many levels, we can't help but feel that NASCAR lost more than an icon when he passed. Today's field is populated by overly polished, nameless media machines that lack the heart and human emotion that the old-timers brought to the table. Maybe that's why we just can't bring ourselves to flop down in front of the TV for 500 laps anymore.

For an excellent (and tear-jerking) retrospective on The Intimidator's fatal accident, check out Dale Earnhardt's Last Ride from ESPN.

[Sources: Yahoo Sports, Kansas City Star, USA Today | Image: Bruce Ackerman/AP]

NASCAR marks 10-year anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's death at Daytona 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2001 daytona 500dale earnhardtdale earnhardt seniordale earnhardt srDale Earnhardt Sr.dale+earnhardts+deathdaleearnhardtsdeathdaytona 500earnhardtnascarFri, 18 Feb 2011 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19849861/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/18/nascar-marks-10-year-annivesary-of-dale-earnhardts-death-at-day/19849861/article-detail.xml 19849861 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/dale-earnhardt-senior_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/dale-earnhardt-senior.jpg <![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: Lead changes galore mark 2010 Daytona 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/15/spoiler-alert-lead-changes-galore-mark-2010-daytona-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/15/spoiler-alert-lead-changes-galore-mark-2010-daytona-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/15/spoiler-alert-lead-changes-galore-mark-2010-daytona-500/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Daytona 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After three hours, 47 minutes and 16 seconds of racing that saw 52 lead changes among 21 different drivers over a record 520 miles of Daytona 500 racing, Jamie McMurray emerged the winner. McMurray, piloting the Ganassi-Earnhardt-Sabates Racing No. 1 Chevrolet, led only the final two laps of the race, which is a record low for a Daytona 500 winner.
It's unreal... It's just unbelievable. I can't explain it. To be where I was last year (unemployed and without a team) and to have Chip [Ganassi] and Felix [Sabates] take a chance on me... It means a lot to me and what a way to pay them back... It's just very emotional.
For those keeping track, this was the 33-year-old McMurray's fourth career Cup win, and he narrowly beat out Dale Earnhardt Jr by just .119 seconds after passing him for the lead on lap 206. The rest of the top five was rounded out by Greg Biffle, Clint Bowyer and David Reutimann.

Click past the break for more action from this weekend's race at Daytona International Speedway.


Gallery: 2010 Daytona 500


[Images: Getty]

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: Lead changes galore mark 2010 Daytona 500

SPOILER ALERT: Lead changes galore mark 2010 Daytona 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 daytona2010 daytona 5002010Daytona2010Daytona500Dale EarnhardtDale Earnhardt JrDale Earnhardt Jr.DaleEarnhardtDaleEarnhardtJrDaleEarnhardtJr.daytonadaytona 2010daytona 500Daytona International SpeedwayDaytona2010Daytona500DaytonaInternationalSpeedwayJamie McMurrayJamieMcmurraynascarMon, 15 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19358708/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/15/spoiler-alert-lead-changes-galore-mark-2010-daytona-500/19358708/article-detail.xml 19358708 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/01-2010-daytona-500-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/01-2010-daytona-500-630op.jpg <![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: Danica Patrick impresses in stock car debut, confirms NASCAR debut in Daytona]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/08/danica-patrick-impresses-in-stock-car-debut-conf/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/08/danica-patrick-impresses-in-stock-car-debut-conf/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/08/danica-patrick-impresses-in-stock-car-debut-conf/#commentsFiled under:



Danica qualified 12th for her first NASCAR race, the ARCA Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 held at Daytona Raceway. After a lot of bumping, a few runs through the infield, a skid or two, a race stoppage, a lot of time in the pits and a lot of running on the outside line, she finished the race in sixth.

Ironically her biggest off came courtesy of the also-new-to-NASCAR Nelson Piquet, Jr.. He qualified seventh and climbed up to sixth at one point, but bumped Danica and sent her down to 24th when she rejoined after having her car repaired. Piquet would find more ways to get in trouble before the chequered flag and finish in 27th.

Patrick was lauded by her entire team and a few others as well. It is said that part of the reason she spent so much time on the outside line was being nervous about such close racing, but sixth place is still sixth place. Based on that performance, the only female driver ever to win an IRL race confirmed that she will make her official NASCAR debut next weekend in the Nationwide Series race - that's the race just before the Daytona 500. There she'll get much more intense instruction that "rubbing is racing."

[Source: Fox Sports, Sports Illustrated | Image: Sam Greenwood/Getty]

SPOILER ALERT: Danica Patrick impresses in stock car debut, confirms NASCAR debut in Daytona originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danica patrickDanicaPatrickdaytonadaytona 500Daytona500nascarnationwideNationwide SeriesNationwideSeriesNelson Piquet Jr.NelsonPiquetJr.Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19348321/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/08/danica-patrick-impresses-in-stock-car-debut-conf/19348321/article-detail.xml 19348321 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/gyi0059512463opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/gyi0059512463opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford to produce limited run of Daytona 500 Mustang pace cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/19/ford-to-produce-limited-run-of-daytona-500-mustang-pace-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/19/ford-to-produce-limited-run-of-daytona-500-mustang-pace-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/19/ford-to-produce-limited-run-of-daytona-500-mustang-pace-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Ford Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yesterday, word came in that the 2011 Ford Mustang GT would be the official pace car for the 2010 Daytona 500. It's the first time that Ford's pony car will perform the field pacing duties for " The Great American Race" and the first time in 40 years for a Blue Oval product.

While we initially reported that just one Mustang pace car would be built, Ford announced today that they will produce a limited run of just 50 cars to be sold to the public. Each will feature a Daytona 500 paint scheme, specially painted wheels, a unique interior, and several parts from the Ford Racing catalog including the suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers. For those interested in the real thing, Ford will be auctioning off the actual pace car at Barrett-Jackson later this week. As has become custom, all proceeds of the sale above the car's MSRP will be donated to charity. In this case, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will benefit from the generous bidders. Hit the jump for the press release or check out the new high-res photos in the gallery below.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford to produce limited run of Daytona 500 Mustang pace cars

Ford to produce limited run of Daytona 500 Mustang pace cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Daytona 500 Pace Car2010Daytona500PaceCar2011 Ford Mustang2011 Ford Mustang GT2011FordMustang2011FordMustangGtauctionbarret-jacksonBarrett-JacksonBarrett-Jackson 2010Barrett-jackson2010Daytona 500Daytona 500 Mustang Pace CarDaytona 500 Pace CarDaytona500Daytona500MustangPaceCarDaytona500PaceCarFordjuvenile diabetesJuvenile Diabetes Research FoundationJuvenileDiabetesJuvenileDiabetesResearchFoundationMustangTue, 19 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19322369/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/19/ford-to-produce-limited-run-of-daytona-500-mustang-pace-cars/19322369/article-detail.xml 19322369 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/2011mustanggtpacecarlead._thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/2011mustanggtpacecarlead..jpg <![CDATA[Report: 2011 Mustang GT to pace Daytona 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/report-2011-mustang-gt-to-pace-daytona-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/report-2011-mustang-gt-to-pace-daytona-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/report-2011-mustang-gt-to-pace-daytona-500/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

According to the pony car lovers over at Mustang Heaven, a Ford will pace the Daytona 500 for the first time since the Torino GT convertible did the deed way back in 1970. As you may have surmised, the actual pace car will be a 2011 Ford Mustang GT, equipped with the long-awaited 5.0-liter V8 engine with 412 horsepower. Last year, the honor went to the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

As befitting such a car, the Mustang will get a special Daytona Red paint scheme with blue and white LeMans stripes - classic American racing colors. Ford Racing suspension upgrades including a strut tower brace, upgraded mufflers, unique painted wheels and an interior featuring lighted sill plates round out the pace car-specific details.

Want one? Well, that might be a bit tough. Ford plans to build just one example, which will be offered up for auction at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona on Saturday, January 23rd. We don't imagine it will be cheap, and all proceeds above MSRP will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The new owner will see his or her actual car pacing the Daytona 500 on February 14th.

[Source: Mustang Heaven]

Report: 2011 Mustang GT to pace Daytona 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 ford mustang2011 ford mustang 5.02011 Ford Mustang GT2011FordMustang2011FordMustang5.02011FordMustangGtdaytonadaytona 500daytona 500 pace carDaytona500Daytona500PaceCarfordford mustangFordMustangMustangmustang 5.0mustang daytonamustang daytona 500mustang gtmustang pace carMustang5.0MustangDaytonaMustangDaytona500MustangGtMustangPaceCarMon, 18 Jan 2010 07:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19319082/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/18/report-2011-mustang-gt-to-pace-daytona-500/19319082/article-detail.xml 19319082 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/mustang-daytona-500-pace_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/mustang-daytona-500-pace.jpg <![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: Daytona 500 rain-soaked results]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/spoiler-alert-daytona-500-rain-soaked-results/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/spoiler-alert-daytona-500-rain-soaked-results/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/spoiler-alert-daytona-500-rain-soaked-results/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Daytona 500

As we mentioned yesterday, the Autoblog team watches a lot of motorsports, but NASCAR isn't usually one of them. None of us found ourselves in front of the TV for yesterday's running of the Daytona 500, the sport's biggest race and inaugural contest to kick off the season. From what we're told, we didn't miss too much. There were left turns (lots of them), crashes and the race was cut short with 48 laps left to go on account of rain. Who was out front when the rains came? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: 2009 Daytona 500


[Source: New York Times | Photos: Getty Images]

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: Daytona 500 rain-soaked results

SPOILER ALERT: Daytona 500 rain-soaked results originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daytona 500Daytona500matt kensethMattKensethMon, 16 Feb 2009 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1461278/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/02/16/spoiler-alert-daytona-500-rain-soaked-results/1461278/article-detail.xml 1461278 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/001_09daytona500_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/001_09daytona500_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Daytona 500 Open Thread]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/15/daytona-500-open-thread/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/15/daytona-500-open-thread/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/15/daytona-500-open-thread/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's not much of a secret that many of us here at Autoblog don't follow NASCAR very closely. That said, we don't presume the same of you guys and gals in Readerland. So, if you're presently tuned in to the race and want to chat about the proceedings amongst yourselves, head on down to the comment section below. As always, we'll have a wrap-up post on the race either later tonight or sometime tomorrow. Keep it civil and enjoy the race.

Daytona 500 Open Thread originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Daytona 5002009Daytona500daytona 500Daytona500Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1461077/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/02/15/daytona-500-open-thread/1461077/article-detail.xml 1461077 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/daytona_duels09_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/daytona_duels09.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Camaro Daytona 500 Pace Car unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/chevy-camaro-daytona-500-pace-car-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/chevy-camaro-daytona-500-pace-car-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/chevy-camaro-daytona-500-pace-car-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Daytona 500 has been paced by Corvettes the last two years in a row, but there's a new breed of performance car in the bowtie barn; thy name is Camaro. This past weekend Chevy's modern muscle car was officially announced as the pace vehicle for the 51st running of the famous Daytona 500, replacing its big bro' and becoming the first Camaro to earn the honor since 1969 and only the third overall. The pace car will be an SS model brandishing a 426-hp 6.2L V8 and special Cyber Grey (and Orange) paint scheme developed by PPG. It will also be outfitted with a fully integrated strobe system to help light the way for dozens of NASCAR cars that will be following its every left turn. Thanks for the tip, Tim!

Gallery: 51st Daytona 500 Pace Car: Chevy Camaro SS


[Source: Camaro5]

Continue reading Chevy Camaro Daytona 500 Pace Car unveiled

Chevy Camaro Daytona 500 Pace Car unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camaro daytona 500 pace carCamaroDaytona500PaceCarchevy camaroChevyCamarodaytona 500daytona 500 pace carDaytona500Daytona500PaceCarMon, 09 Feb 2009 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1454028/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/02/09/chevy-camaro-daytona-500-pace-car-unveiled/1454028/article-detail.xml 1454028 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/camaropace_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/camaropace_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Event Alert: February Calendar of Automotive Events]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/31/event-alert-february-calendar-of-automotive-events/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/31/event-alert-february-calendar-of-automotive-events/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/31/event-alert-february-calendar-of-automotive-events/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


This year's Chicago Auto Show should be even bigger than last year despite dropouts
Thanks to your suggestions, we added a Google Calendar after the jump so you can bookmark it and constantly receive updates as we add them. We appreciate all of your input and hope you find our calendar a useful tool. We also appreciate your comments listing events we might have overlooked or that are just near-and-dear to your hearts. Event cancellation notices are also greatly appreciated.

Highlights for February include the Chicago Auto Show, which we will be covering obsessively from McCormick Place; the kickoff of the NASCAR and NHRA seasons with the Daytona 500 and the Winternationals, respectively; and the RetroMobile show in Paris. There's plenty of other fun stuff scheduled all over the country and indeed around the world.

As always, we want to give a shout-out to our two favorite sources; The New York Times automotive calendar for national and international stuff, and for local stuff here in Southern California, our buddy Dave Lindsay's SoCalCarCulture pages. Dave's photographic coverage of these local events is fantastic. So check out the February event calendar we put together for you after the jump and start adding to it. Happy Groundhog Day and Valentine's Day to everyone as well!

Continue reading Event Alert: February Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: February Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive calendarAutomotiveCalendarchicago auto showChicagoAutoShowdaytona 500Daytona500event alertEventAlertmotorsports calendarMotorsportsCalendarretromobilewinternationalsSat, 31 Jan 2009 16:08:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1442065/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/31/event-alert-february-calendar-of-automotive-events/1442065/article-detail.xml 1442065 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/chicago_challenger_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/chicago_challenger.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Camaro to be Official Pace Car of the Daytona 500?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/chevy-camaro-named-official-pace-car-of-the-daytona-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/chevy-camaro-named-official-pace-car-of-the-daytona-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/chevy-camaro-named-official-pace-car-of-the-daytona-500/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The folks over at Camaro5 have just posted a snapshot of a local print ad showing the 2009 Daytona 500 Pace Car. As you can probably guess from the name of the forum, the pace car will be the 2010 Chevy Camaro. Although the ad shows a stock V6 RS, we're guessing it might look a little spiffier when it takes to the track. The V6 could stay - after all, it packs a V8-like 300 horsepower. Either way, there are doubtlessly some graphics in the works along with the usual slate of safety add-ons.

Hopefully, the decals will end up looking nicer than the Corvette Competition Sport package vinyls. We'd be curious to see something distinct like a white convertible with orange stripes and a black and orange houndstooth interior. Chevrolet will undoubtedly offer a pace car edition of the production Camaro eventually to commemorate the event. In any case, we should know for sure by February 15, the date of Daytona 500. Click on the image or the source link below to read more of the scuttlebutt and sample some reader-generated speculative renderings as well. Thanks for the tips, Brian and Justin!

[Source: Camaro5]

Chevy Camaro to be Official Pace Car of the Daytona 500? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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