Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is a two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, and he’s also been called “Wrecky” by his competitors on national television.
Now you can call him a Daytona 500 champion.
Stenhouse was declared the winner of the 65th running of the Great American Race Sunday night (Feb. 19). The veteran was the leader as one final Big One ended the second overtime period. It’s his third career win overall and second at Daytona International Speedway. Stenhouse also snapped a lengthy winless streak with his career making victory.
The win also snapped JTG Daugherty Racing’s streak that dated back to 2014 at Watkins Glen International. Additionally, the driver of the No. 47 secured a spot in the playoffs, barring more than 16 regular-season winners.
“Yeah, I think this whole off-season Mike [Kelley, crew chief] just preached how much we all believed in each other,” Stenhouse said post-race. “They left me a note in the car that said they believe in me and to go get the job done tonight. I made a few mistakes. We were able to battle back.
“This Kroger Continental team worked really, really hard in off-season, great pit stops, Hendrick engines. Glad a Chevy won.
“Man, this is unbelievable. This was the site of my last win back in 2017. We’ve worked really hard. We had a couple shots last year to get a win and fell short. It was a tough season, but man, we got it done, Daytona 500.”
While Stenhouse was celebrating, heartbreak could only be felt for Kyle Busch. Busch suffered a speeding penalty on lap 108 and wasn’t able to make it back up to the front until the very late stages. The driver of the No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro looked to be in control right up until Daniel Suarez brought out the caution with two to go. In the ensuing melee, Busch lost teammate Austin Dillon in the first big crash in overtime and was caught up in the race-ending crash. Busch finished 18th for his trouble, and will have to try again next February.
Heartbreak also found the defending series champion coming up just short of a second Daytona 500 win. Joey Logano struggled with the handling of his race car for most of the day, but was a major player in the closing stages. Logano was Busch’s chief rival for the win when Suarez crashed and was right there with Stenhouse when both overtimes took place. Logano has finished in the top five four times in the 500 after finishing runner up tonight.
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