Dale Jr. Wins at Daytona, Austin Dillon Walks Away from Scary Crash

Originally written for CLNS Radio. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. won a wet and wild Coke Zero 400 from the Daytona International Speedway early Monday morning.

Earnhardt had the strongest car all race, leading 96 of 161 laps and pulling away on every restart late in the race.  Earnhardt said it was a testament to the motors and cars that Hendrick Motorsports builds.

“All the guys back at the shop, they put together such good cars,” Earnhardt said.  “This car is the one we won Talladega with.  It’s going to get retired one of these days, hopefully we get to keep using it.”

Earnhardt’s win, however, was overshadowed by a scary last-lap accident once the cars had passed the finish line.  Denny Hamlin turned sideways and made contact with Austin Dillon.  Dillon’s car was sent airborne, tearing down the catchfence before landing on its roof.

The remains of Dillon's car. (Photo courtesy FOX Sports)

Dillon’s engine came to rest in the middle of the frontstretch grass, while his car came to rest at the end of pit road.  13 fans were examined following the race in the area where debris from Dillon’s car flew, with four fans treated on site and another taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

Earnhardt, who lost his father at Daytona in 2001, said he was thankful that Dillon was able to walk away from the crash.

“That scared the hell out of me, I’ll be honest with you.  I saw the whole thing happen…that was terrifying to watch.  You know a wreck like that’s got the potential for someone to get injured…I’m just so thankful that all of the drivers are okay.”

Dillon, who was treated and released from the infield care center, said he had a bruised tailbone and bruised forearm.

“It’s part of this racing,” Dillon said.  “Everyone is pushing as hard as they can…it’s just a wad.  Ice up and go to Kentucky.”

Unofficial results:

1. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

2. Jimmie Johnson

3. Denny Hamlin

4. Kevin Harvick

5. Kurt Busch

6. Jeff Gordon

7. Austin Dillon

8. Ryan Newman

9. Trevor Bayne

10. Clint Bowyer

11. Casey Mears

12. David Ragan

13. Landon Cassill

14. Tony Stewart

15. Jamie McMurray

16. Paul Menard

17. Kyle Busch

18. Justin Allgaier

19. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

20. Greg Biffle

21. AJ Allmendinger

22. Joey Logano

23. Matt Kenseth

24. Alex Bowman

25. Cole Whitt

26. Matt DiBenedetto

27. Brett Moffitt

28. Brendan Gaughan

29. Brad Keselowski

30. Sam Hornish Jr.

31. Josh Wise

32. Kasey Kahne

33. J.J. Yeley

34. Aric Almirola

35. Danica Patrick

36. Jeb Burton

37. Michael Annett

38. Martin Truex Jr.

39. Kyle Larson

40. David Gilliland

41. Carl Edwards

42. Brian Scott

43. Bobby Labonte

Photo courtesy Robert Laberge