It has happened again. For the second week in a row, NASCAR has a first-time winner. Chase Elliott‘s streak has been broken. Christopher Bell shocked everyone and won the O’Reilly Parts 253 at Daytona. It was an action-packed day that will not soon be forgotten.
Stage 1
Trouble struck on the very first lap of the race. The Daytona 500 champion over ran turn number one and this would result in him going from 2nd to last. Kyle Busch also had trouble as he blew a front left tire causing him to fall back early. 15 laps later Chase Elliott dominated as he won stage number one.
Stage 2
11 laps into stage number two Ross Chastain crashed coming out of turn number six. This would end his day as he finished with a 39th place finish. Following this incident, Denny Hamlin would win Stage number two. It is his 3rd stage win in the last two weeks.
The Final Stage
Trouble for the leader with 32 laps remaining Kurt Busch went through the grass at the kink but NASCAR stayed green. 30 laps remaining Brad Keselowski spun out at the entrance to the infield after being hit by Kurt Busch. This did not lead to a caution.
Tyler Reddick has major issues with 12 to go when his car burst into flames. Thankfully Tyler Reddick was ok after the fire. The started when Reddick went to the outside lane at turn one making it four wide. This led to him running into the grass hitting the sign. It is unclear how the car went on fire but regardless it was heartbreaking as he finished 38th.
Soon after they went back green with 10 to go when Martin Truex Jr spun around and a few others were forced to scramble but no caution. With 8 laps remaining Kyle Larson crashed in turn six when he hit the tire wall when the right rear tire blew. Then as they reached the start-finish line Kyle Busch crashed. Kyle Busch smacked the wall but made it to pit road with no caution.
Six laps remaining the streak comes to a close when Chase Elliott was battling Brad Keselowski for the 4th position and he spun out in turn 6. No caution was thrown.
In the last two laps, Joey Logano and Christopher Bell battled for the win. They exchanged positions several times. Coming out of the final chicane it was official as Christopher Bell won his first-ever race. In 38 career starts he won his fist after nearly blowing the motor he managed to pull off the upset.
Outlook
After NASCAR’s 2nd race at the Daytona road course, there was no shortage of excitement. Stages coming down to the wire, a streak on the line, and a first career win. Chase Elliott’s streak ended at four races but he will get a chance to redeem himself next weekend after a tough 21st place finish.
Next week NASCAR makes a trip south of Daytona to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Dixie Vodka 400. The race will start at 3:30 and it will be seen on FOX for the 3rd straight race in Florida.
