DAYTONA BEACH, Florida – One of the sentimental favorites to win Sunday’s coveted Daytona 500 was eliminated in Lap 41 crash in “The Great American Race.”
“As long as we were two wide, then when it got three wide that particular lap it got away from me, and I got out of the gas and couldn’t even get the front end caught up when I got out of the gas,” explained Stewart. “I’m not sure if Ryan (Blaney) wasn’t there, I still was going to hit the fence.”
Seventh place starter Tony Stewart slipped and lost control of his No. 14 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet exiting Turn 4 and pounded the outside wall, collecting Ryan Blaney in the process. Behind the accident, Matt Kenseth also hit the wall after being hit from behind by Michael Waltrip.
Additionally, Clint Bowyer, Brad Keselowski and Jamie McMurray received minimal damage in the second caution flag of the race.
The four major causalities pitted for repairs while Stewart eventually had to go to the garage for additional repairs. Matt Kenseth initially lost two laps for repairs to his No. 20 Toyota Camry, but lost a third on the racetrack.
Halfway into the Daytona 500, Stewart was still behind the wall and listed in 42nd position.
The Stewart-Haas Racing driver entered Sunday’s season-opener refreshed after a forgettable 2014, which was mirrored with personal and professional setbacks. In pre-season appearances, Stewart seemed to reminisce the “Smoke” of old his with appearance and demeanor.
Stewart is now 0 for 17 in winning the Harley J. Earl trophy. He has finished 35th or worse in five of those 17 attempts.
The two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion returned to the race on Lap 108 to collect vital championship points, but parked his car some laps later and finished 42nd.
“It was fast enough to stay with the pack there,” said Stewart. “I actually just stayed with MIke Wallace to help my buddy out there. We ran as many laps as we could that would get us….we couldn’t run any more laps and gain anything. It’s the biggest race of the year and the last thing you want to do is stay out there and have something else happen to get in the middle of something. Let’s just let those guys have their day.”
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
