Kurt Busch made a beautiful pass on the final lap at Daytona International Speedway to win his first Daytona 500.
The Daytona 500 started off calmly but ended in chaotic fashion over the last two stages at Daytona International Speedway. Somehow surviving the many waves of crashes on the track, Kurt Busch put himself in good shape on the final lap after he made a beautiful pass in front of Kyle Larson to take the lead.
The winning move for @KurtBusch! #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/n3Qayp165Q
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 26, 2017
This win for Kurt Busch was a long time coming for both him and the Stewart-Haas Racing team. Sunday’s late-race pass earn Busch his first career Daytona 500 win in 18 tries. It’s also Stewart-Haas Racing’s first Daytona 500 victory as a team. Both of these accomplishments made hands-on owner Tony Stewart very pleased. Busch’s spotter, who had a tough task all day keeping the car out of danger, was pumped when they crossed the finish line first.
Bet it feels pretty sweet as a #DAYTONA500 winning owner, right @TonyStewart? pic.twitter.com/E7bVhpljl3
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 26, 2017
Oh yeah, @TonyOldman41 is PUMPED! #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/7lqQKmlpRZ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 26, 2017
Sunday’s win was just the beginning for Busch. He did the traditional victory lap and burned some rubber on a Daytona International Speedway track that saw a lot of wear and tear from the crashes today. After that, Busch headed to pit row to celebrate the big win with his team.
Grabbing that 🏁 like never before for @KurtBusch!#DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/7zraCFexOP
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 26, 2017
Teamwork. #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/kR6BSl3mqA
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 26, 2017
BURN IT DOWN, @KurtBusch! #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/KimkcZxG8r
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 26, 2017
Pure emotion. What a finish.#DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/gr4KCw9XfG
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 26, 2017
In the first official race of the season, Busch took home the gold. He earned a big win along with championship and playoff points. Essentially his win on Sunday guarantees him a spot in the playoff races at the conclusion of the season. Yet Busch’s Stewart-Haas Racing team won’t get content as they head to Atlanta for next week’s race.
Next: Daytona 500: Dale Jr. crashes out at Daytona
Coincidentally, Busch is sponsored by Monster Energy who became the main Cup Series sponsor in the offseason. Monster Energy officials earned a double win with one of their drivers winning and the Daytona 500 being a must-watch race on Sunday. In celebration of his big win, Busch took a big chug of a Monster Energy drink.
Finally making it to the #DAYTONA500 Victory Lane tastes pretty sweet, right @KurtBusch? pic.twitter.com/UgZLJMbatR
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 26, 2017
Busch earned arguably his biggest win of his career. He and the No. 41 team workd well throughout the race. Communication and teamwork are key to success in NASCAR and that was evident by Busch’s team on Sunday.