DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Jimmie Johnson has won his second Daytona 500, racing past defending NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski on the final restart, while Danica Patrick finished eighth.
Johnson wasn't challenged over the final six laps Sunday, adding another 500 title to go with his 2006 victory.
This time crew chief Chad Knaus can enjoy it — he was suspended by NASCAR for the first victory.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. made a late move to finish second, but didn't challenge his Hendrick Motorsports teammate for the victory. Mark Martin was third.
Patrick was third on the final lap, but faded in the flurry of late action. She became the first woman in history to lead laps in the Daytona 500, though, with her three laps out front.
The season opened less than 24 hours after
at least 33 people were injured when a car flew into the fence during a
NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway, sending a tire and large
pieces of debris sailing into the stands.
The final-lap accident Saturday marred the second-tier Nationwide Series
race on the eve of a spectacle often called the Super Bowl of
motorsports. Late into the night, track workers were scrambling to
repair a huge section of fence that separates fans from the high-speed
track.
Fourteen fans were treated on site and 14 others were taken to hospitals.
Local officials said 19 people were taken to neighboring hospitals,
including two who were in critical but stable condition.
