Harvick Denies Mark Martin
Kevin Harvick Denied Mark Martin of his first Daytona 500 win
When it comes to winning the NASCAR Nextel Cup championship, or the Daytona 500, it just does not seem meant to be for 48-year old veteran driver Mark Martin.
When the white flag waved Sunday evening, it was Mark Martin leading the Great American Race, in the catbird seat, and destined for his first Daytona 500 triumph. And then comes Kevin Harvick, out of nowhere, getting pushed by Martin’s former Roush Racing teammate Matt Kenseth. As Harvick pulled alongside the veteran driver, Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Busch, running just car lengths in behind Martin, lost control and made contact with Kenseth. Hence, the melee ensued.
Despite the multi-car crash, NASCAR did not immediately display the caution, and Harvick edged Martin at the finish line, denying the veteran once again.
"I knew when I got out of the car I wasn't going to be the good guy (after passing Mark Martin)," Harvick said. " But that's just the way it works. Somebody has to win and somebody has to lose. And fortunately today was our day to win."
Conversely, Mark Martin leaves Daytona downtrodden similar to how he left the track ten years ago. It was his first race driving for Ginn Racing, and it was his best shot at conquering the 2.5-mile superspeedway since 1997, when he dominated the race by leading the most laps. Martin was leading when he allowed the eventual race winner Jeff Gordon back on the lead lap. Martin would eventually fade to a 7th place finish.
This defeat probably stings a little more considering that his career his in the final chapter.
"I didn't ask for a win in the Daytona 500, I asked for a chance and I let it slip through my fingers…No one wants to see a grown man cry and I'm not going to cry," said the browbeaten veteran.
Chances are that neither Martin nor Harvick would have been in the position to vie for the victory if it were not for the fact the three of the race’s fastest drivers prematurely retired from the race.
Kurt Busch led a race high 95-laps and Tony Stewart battled from a speeding penalty on pit road to reassume the lead. Stewart’s car wiggled just a tad, and Busch was unable to avoid contact with the two-time champion. Ultimately, both Busch and Stewart’s cars were mangled.
But neither driver emerged from the wreckage with fury. In fact, Kurt Busch reverently took full responsibility for the accident.
"I bumped (Stewart) and we were both taken out of the Daytona 500 on my mistake," the 2004 Nextel Cup champion said. "We got bottled up and I made the first mistake. I apologize to (Stewart). I know that doesn't help any."
Stewart’s rejoinder was less cantankerous than expected. "All of a sudden it took off on me. I haven't seen it on film, so I am not sure what happened. . . . I'm not blaming anybody because I just haven't seen what happened. I need to watch it before I make any judgments."
After the two former champions headed to the garage, Busch’s Penske Racing teammate Ryan Newman arguably had the car to beat. On long runs, Newman often found himself in the top five. But a busted radiator spoiled any hopes of a much-needed victory for the 12-team.
Quote of the week
Clint Bowyer on finishing the Daytona 500 upside down.
"I flipped over and then here comes the mud. I tell you, if much more mud had come in I'm not sure I would have been able to get out."
Next week’s race- Fontana California
Last year’s winner- Matt Kenseth
This year’s projected winner- Kasey Kahne
