DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - When it was announced that Matt DiBenedetto and Leavine Family Racing would be aligned with Joe Gibbs Racing for 2019, many felt it would mean the Toyota team would be much stronger in the new season.
But likely few thought they would be so fast right out of the box.
After starting Sunday’s 61st annual Daytona 500 in the ninth starting spot, DiBenedetto would keep the No. 95 Toyota in the hunt all day, running in the top five and top ten, along with leading 49 laps on the day.
He was in the mix to contend for the win when it all came to an end after contact from Paul Menard sent DiBenedetto’s car spinning, setting off a multi-car crash that eliminated the Grass Valley, California driver from the race.
In the end, his 28th place finish doesn’t tell the whole tale of his race.
DiBenedetto said it was “unbelievable” how fast his car was.
“I’ve never had a piece under me like that, so that’s amazing,” he said. “I have really great teammates. I’ve got to give them a lot of credit helping me dealing with all of the questions I ask. Kyle Busch is obviously a great one to lean on and I’ve been bugging him. So, it’s heartbreaking but it’s really neat to lead that many laps, have that many things going and I’m so appreciative to all of my fans. I’ve had so much support it’s overwhelming. They’ve been a big part of getting me to where I am. I’m just appreciative for this opportunity.”
Of the accident, DiBenedetto said it was “just a racing deals.”
“Nothing intentional,” he said. I have a great relationship with Paul (Menard). I think he was trying to sneak to my outside but wasn’t quite there and when he bumped me it just clipped my right rear and turned me in the wall. Just a racing deal. Nothing we can do about it. We had one hell of a day going. I’ll tell you that. The car was fast and I’m so darn thankful that Toyota, Procore my sponsor, Leavine Family Racing – I don’t know if everyone understands how big of a chance they took on taking me and I will be forever thankful. I have an amazing crew chief with Mike Wheeler and great people around me. We showed what we are here to do so we accomplished a lot. Led the most laps, had a fast race car so I’m thankful for that, but I’m not going to lie I’m pretty heartbroken.”
DiBenedetto was quick to point to the positives of the strong 500 run.
“I’m heartbroken, but there’s a lot of positives that we came and put these cars together quick. Had a lot of changes with this team and we came out and led the most laps and were flying in our Toyota Camry today. A lot of momentum going into the season even though it kind of ended pretty heartbreaking.”
Ryan Preece Goes To School At Daytona
On a day that saw the field of 40 cars whittled down to just 14 on the lead lap at the end, rookie driver Ryan Preece showed the skills of a veteran.
Time and again, Preece would find himself in the middle of a mess, including a couple of the multi-car crashes that plagued the final laps of Sunday’s Daytona 500.
Each time, the former NASCAR Modified Tour kept his cool, piloting his No. 47 Chevrolet safely through.
In the end, he would record an eighth place finish. All in his very first start in the “Great American Race.”
In fact, he had an even shot at scoring the victory in the final start in overtime.
“I got taken to school, to be honest with you,” Preece said. “A lot of learning to be had, for sure. Today was a big learning day. But a really good friend of mine told me a goal is to finish. And I did just that. So, my first finish at Daytona, a top 10 for JTG and Kroger and what more could you ask for?”
Preece said the last few laps of the 500 was intense.
“It’s something I’ve never been a part of. So, I have a lot of learning to do, for sure,” he said. “Today was the type of day that you just wanted to race around these guys and not be erratic and not do anything stupid and hopefully when we go to Talladega or come back to Daytona, I can get a little bit more help. But, all in all, it’s really great for this Kroger Camaro. I’m looking forward to Atlanta next week.”
Another Rough Daytona Outing For Elliott
Chase Elliott came into Sunday’s Daytona 500 hoping to come away with a strong start to the 2019 season.
In the end, he went home to Dawsonville, Georgia with a damaged race car and his second straight DNF in the “Great American Race.”
Elliott was caught up in the final crash of the night, triggered when Clint Bowyer attempted a three-wide pass on the backstretch with two laps to go.
After attempting to repair the No. 9 Chevrolet, NASCAR’s damage vehicle clock ran out, ending Elliott’s night with a 17th place finish in the garage.
He said didn’t see what happened.
“I think Clint (Bowyer) was just sliding up the track and I was in the outside lane, I really had no other option other than just to hit him,” Elliott said. “I had a huge run, I just didn’t have anywhere to go with it. We crashed I think four or five times, finally finished us off. It’s crazy what these things come down to and just survival, it’s crazy.”
Elliott will now head for next week’s race at his home track, Atlanta Motor Speedway, looking to rebound.
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