Yesterday, Trevor Bayne left his teens behind with his 20th birthday. Today, he won the Daytona 500 in a surprise that has NASCAR excited and thrilled.  Bayne held off Carl Edwards to win the legendary race.

The long lasting image I will remember from the day is of Bayne celebrating on top of his car in victory lane with his HANS safety device still around his neck.  A teammate quickly removed it, but it was a poignant reminder of how far the sport has come since Dale Earnhardt’s tragic death at the track 10 years ago.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. wrecked on the last lap after his car was hit in the side. He hit the wall hard twice, at an angle that was eerily similar to the one that ended his father’s life back in 2001.

View 2011 Daytona 500 Full Results

[image: nascar.com]