Bayne wins Daytona 500

Trevor Bayne became the youngest Daytona 500 winner in the history of “The Great American” race, capping off his 20th birthday weekend in style.

Bayne, with a push from Carl Edwards, won his first Sprint Cup race in only his second career Cup start. His only other start was the fall race at Texas last season.

“I keep thinking I’m dreaming I really do,” Bayne said in Victory Lane.

The day was a record setter in Daytona. This year’s edition of the sport’s biggest race featured a race record 15 cautions, breaking the previous record of 11. The race also featured 74 lead changes among 22 different leaders.

Bayne, driving for the Wood Brothers in the No. 21 car, was so excited after the win he didn’t know where to go to find victory lane. But he was almost dumbfounded by the win.

“This is unbelievable,” he said. “How cool is it to see the Wood Brothers back in victory lane?”

Glen and Len Wood haven’t been in victory lane at the Daytona 500 since 1976 when David Pearson won the sport’s “Super Bowl.” In fact, it’s been ten seasons since the Wood Brothers last won a race.

Bayne’s car looked identically like Pearson’s car, and it did the same thing. Win.
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More thoughts on Daytona to come later this evening or tomorrow. It was an exciting finish and another oh-so close for Tony Stewart and Mark Martin. Maybe we’ll hear from them tomorrow. Until then, enjoy your Sunday evening.