2012 Budweiser Shootout - Daytona Wrap-Up

(Photo is property of Sports Illustrated)

(Photo is property of ESPN)

The yearly kickoff to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the Budweiser Shootout, was this past weekend officially starting the 2012 season. This race saw the return of the big packs that everyone use to love because of the cars inability to cool down. This also led to the return of "The Big One".

The race started out as any Daytona Race should with the big pack rolling into turn 1. However, come lap 9, the lack of familiarity with pack driving was showing as David Regan nudged Paul Menard to start a nice car accident. A later wreck with two to go would find Jeff Gordon sliding on his drivers door for over 1000 feet before performing a few barrel roles and settling on the roof of the car. Luckily Gordon is okay mainly due to the new safer cars and safety enhancements around the track in addition to the HANS device. This was Gordon's first time on his roof and the accident happened as a result of pushing Kyle Busch in the back and checking up into Kurt Busch.

Kyle Busch performed amazingly in his first race with Mars. Inc. back on the car following his truck series shenanigans last season. He had two incredible saves to keep the car in one piece throughout the race and managed to beat Tony Stewart to the finish line by just inches. He referenced his wild ride in Victory Lane saying "I don't know how many times I spun out, but I didn't spin out, you know?" he smiled."

Hopefully the skill and tranquility displayed by both Busch brothers is not just a smoke and mirror show and will continue throughout the season.

On to the Daytona 500 this Sunday, February 26.