Ryan Newman survives; Hamlin wins Daytona

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By John Schutt

NASCAR Cup Series, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla., Monday, Feb. 17.

The race was delayed approximately 23 hours due to rain and was started in the afternoon.

On the final lap of the race Ryan Newman was in the lead until he was bumped from behind by Ryan Blaney. Newman crashed into the wall and a driver collided with Newman’s vehicle which sent Newman airborne. He crashed upside-down and slid towards the infield. Denny Hamlin avoided the melee and took the victory in a photo finish, just ahead of Blaney. Following were Chris Buescher in third place, David Regan in fourth, and Kevin Harvick in fifth.

Ricky Stenhouse started on the pole in a new Chevrolet for only 22 laps Sunday, until the race was delayed because of rain.

The only actions during the first phase was when William Byron spun out and his vehicle slid towards the inside wall. The first phase was won by Chase Elliott.

The second stage was between drivers Elliott, Kyle Busch, and Hamlin, with Hamlin taking the second stage victory.

After the second stage ended and with many cars in the pits, a crew member for Elliott left a gas can in the vehicle while Elliott drove off. The can fell out and ended up in Truex, Jr.’s grill when exiting the pits. Harvick entered the pits before they were open and with those two infractions, Elliott and Harvick had to start at the rear for the restart.

In the third stage, accidents started with 27 laps to go. Joey Logano was leading and an accident involving Jimmie Johnson, Jones, Stenhouse, Jr., occurred.

A red flag accident occurred when Logano pushed Aric Almirilo and Brad Keselowski and the three spun out and took other cars with them.

Under a green white checker for the finish Hamlin won in a photo finish ahead of Blaney.

As of Tuesday morning Ryan Newman, from South Bend Ind., is still in hospital in serious condition. His doctors have indicated that his injuries are not life-threatening.

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