(Michael L. Levitt)
On this 02/17, Denny Hamlin celebrates his two victories in NASCAR's most important opening race, the Daytona 500.
There are three wins in the Daytona 500, 2016, 2019 and 2020, the last two being on the 17th.
In 2019, Hamlin won with a victory margin of 138 thousandths over Kyle Busch, who was looking for his first Daytona 500. Hamlin repeated the feat last year, when he crossed the finish line in yellow flag overtime, caused by the scary accident involving Ryan Newman.
Winning a Daytona 500 is already difficult, as it is a race where almost everyone has the chance, but winning twice in a row is an even bigger feat. In the 62 editions, only three drivers managed, Richard Petty in 1973 and 1974, Cale Yarborough in 1983 and 1984 and Hamlin in 19 and 20.
Another curious fact is that Toyota has three wins in the Daytona 500, all of which are from Denny Hamlin.
We prepared the two videos of Denny Hamlin's last lap in 2019 and 2020.
2019 Daytona 500
2020 Daytona 500