The Daytona International Speedway gave NASCAR drivers a very early taste of the challenges in the Daytona 500.
A massive wreck involved as many as 16 driver, just 14 laps into the day. Pole-sitter Alex Bowman, Daniel Suarez, Ryan Blaney and Erik Jones were among those whose night ended that early after the wreck.
Aric Almirola, who was involved in the contact that started the wreck, was absolutely gutted after his day ended that early. He was frustrated that the pushing and shoving were happening that early into the race.
He detailed the contact with C. Bell and how everything went downhill for so many drivers in just a matter of seconds
. “We were just getting pushed too hard too early. It’s a long, long race,” Almirola ststed.
The drivers who were involved in the “Big Wreck” were: Martin Truex Jr., Erik Jones, Jamie McMurray, Alex Bowman, Matt DiBenedetto, Tyler Reddick, Aric Almirola, Chris Buescher, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Ryan Newman, Christopher Bell, Kurt Busch, David Ragan, Anthony Alfredo and Daniel Suarez.
Released from care center and out of race: Cope, Almirola, Ragan, Blaney, Suarez, Jones, Bowman, Newman #nascar @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 14, 2021
One driver that Chase Elliott would like to race against
Well mom always said if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Can’t wait for the road course next week.
— Erik Jones (@Erik_Jones) February 14, 2021
After the wreck unfolded, a strike of lightning within a few miles of the Daytona International Speedway force the race to be paused.
THE (really) BIG ONE! Wow.#DAYTONA500 | #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/YdlQPeWaVg
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 14, 2021