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250 is the first race of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway
and as of 2004 was held under the lights. Winners include Mike Wallace
, Joe Ruttman
, Robert Pressley
, Rick Crawford, Carl Edwards
, Bobby Hamilton
, Mark Martin
, Jack Sprague
, Todd Bodine
, Timothy Peters
and Michael Waltrip
.
The Camping World Truck Series does not run restrictor plate
s, devices used by the Nationwide Series & Sprint Cup cars to reduce horsepower & slow the cars down at Daytona and Talladega
. However, a restrictor in the space, a "spacer plate", and aerodynamic disadvantages in the trucks compensate for the lack of a restrictor plate.
The inaugural running of the race in 2000 featured one of the most horrific wrecks in NASCAR history. Just past the halfway point of the race, Kurt Busch
's truck made contact with Rob Morgan, turning him into Geoff Bodine
's truck, sending Bodine careening airborne into the wall and catch fence just past the start-finish line. Bodine's truck burst into flames and flipped at least 10 times before coming to a stop toward Turn 1, causing a major wreck involving 14 trucks. Despite serious injuries, Bodine survived & raced again later that year in May at Richmond
. Although this race is largely overshadowed by this wreck, it was truly exciting as Mike Wallace made the last lap pass on Joe Ruttman for the inaugural victory.
In 2001, Joe Ruttman was the first driver to win starting from pole position. He also won the pole the year before. Rookie Ricky Hendrick finished in second.
The 2003 race featured an exciting 3 wide finish on the final lap between Rick Crawford, defending Daytona winner Robert Pressley
, and that year's eventual champion Travis Kvapil
where the margin of victory was 0.027 seconds.
In early 2004, they announced that the race would move from Friday afternoon to Friday night and be run under the lights. Carl Edwards would go on to win the race and Travis Kvapil (In the #24 Toyota) finished second. Toyota's first truck race.
In the 2005 race, Kerry Earnhardt started from the pole, but finished in 35th due to an accident. Bobby Hamilton won from the 36th starting position, the farthest starting position for a driver to win.
Despite the 2006 General Motors sponsorship of the race, a Chevrolet has never won at Daytona; in 2006, the best finish for a Silverado was 13th. The overall best finish for Chevrolet was second place three times by Ricky Hendrick (2001),Travis Kvapil(2003) and Elliott Sadler(2011).
In 2007, another 3 wide finish between Travis Kvapil
, Johnny Benson
, and Jack Sprague
who won the race; the margin of victory was 0.031 seconds (second closest finish). Sprague was the third driver to win from the pole.
The 2009 race was the first under the new sponsorship of Camping World. Todd Bodine won becoming the first driver to win back-to-back season opening truck races at the Daytona International Speedway; Kyle Busch
finished second in both races. Also, Todd Bodine won the 2009 race without a sponsor. Six days after the race, fifth place finisher Ron Hornaday
was docked 25 points and owner DeLana Harvick was docked 25 owner points as a penalty for illegal shocks used in the race. Crew chief Rick Ren was placed on probation and fined $5,000 because of the violations.
The 2011 running was held on the tenth anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's death in the 2001 Daytona 500. Michael Waltrip, who won that infamous 500, pulled off a slingshot last lap pass on Elliott Sadler to win his first ever Camping World Truck race in a #15 truck, just like his Cup car number, and his brother Darrell in the broadcast booth once again. It would be one of the most emotional truck events in series history. Michael also became the 22nd driver to win in all of NASCAR's top 3 divisions (he also has 11 Nationwide wins and 4 Sprint Cup wins). However his truck failed post-race inspection because the right side of spoiler snapped, likewise the team was penalized, but kept the win since Waltrip was not running for points, under NASCAR's new rule of choosing one series to go for a championship.
NextEra Energy Resources
NextEra Energy Resources is an wholesale electricity supplier based in Juno Beach, Florida. It is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc. , a Fortune 200 company. Prior to 2009, NextEra Energy Resources was known as FPL Energy....
250 is the first race of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, Grand-Am and Motocross...
and as of 2004 was held under the lights. Winners include Mike Wallace
Mike Wallace (NASCAR)
Mike Wallace is a NASCAR race car driver born in Fenton, Missouri. He currently drives the #01 Chevrolet for JD Motorsports in the Nationwide Series. He is a younger brother to Rusty Wallace, older brother to Kenny Wallace, and uncle to Steve Wallace...
, Joe Ruttman
Joe Ruttman
Joe Ruttman , is an American former racecar driver. He currently lives in Franklin, Tenn. He actively competed in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series, and Camping World Truck Series and is a 13 time winner in the Truck Series, the seventh most wins by any driver in the Truck...
, Robert Pressley
Robert Pressley
Robert Pressley is a former NASCAR driver who is now the promoter at Kingsport Speedway.-Beginnings:...
, Rick Crawford, Carl Edwards
Carl Edwards
Carl Michael Edwards, II is a NASCAR driver. He currently drives the #99 Fastenal/Aflac Ford Fusion in the Sprint Cup Series and the #60 Ford in the Nationwide Series for Roush Fenway Racing...
, Bobby Hamilton
Bobby Hamilton
Charles Robert Hamilton, Sr. was a driver and owner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series circuit and the winner of the 2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship. Hamilton owned Bobby Hamilton Racing, which fielded three entries in each NCWTS event...
, Mark Martin
Mark Martin
Mark Martin may refer to:* Mark Martin , American racecar driver* Mark Martin , American cartoonist* Mark Martin , American judge* Mark Martin , British murderer...
, Jack Sprague
Jack Sprague
Jack Sprague is a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver. He is currently a free agent. Sprague has finished in the top-ten in the points standings almost every year he has raced in the trucks, and won three championships in 1997, 1999, and 2001 while driving for Hendrick Motorsports.-...
, Todd Bodine
Todd Bodine
Todd Bodine is a NASCAR driver. Todd is the younger brother of former racers Geoff Bodine and Brett Bodine. Bodine is known for his bald head, which has given him the nickname The Onion...
, Timothy Peters
Timothy Peters
Timothy Peters is an American NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race car driver. He currently drives the No. 17 K&N Engineering, Inc. Toyota for Red Horse Racing. He is a former member of the Bobby Hamilton Racing and Richard Childress Racing driver development programs.-Racing career:He began his...
and Michael Waltrip
Michael Waltrip
Michael Curtis Waltrip is a semi-former professional race car driver, co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, and a published author. He is the younger brother of three-time NASCAR champion and racing commentator Darrell Waltrip. Waltrip is a two-time winner of the Daytona 500; having won the race in...
.
The Camping World Truck Series does not run restrictor plate
Restrictor plate
A restrictor plate or air restrictor is a device installed at the intake of an engine to limit its power. This kind of system is occasionally used in road vehicles for insurance purposes, but mainly in automobile racing, to limit top speed and thus increase safety, to provide equal level of...
s, devices used by the Nationwide Series & Sprint Cup cars to reduce horsepower & slow the cars down at Daytona and Talladega
Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega Superspeedway is a motorsports complex located north of Talladega, Alabama, United States. It is located on the former Anniston Air Force Base just outside the small city of Lincoln. It was constructed by International Speedway Corporation, a business controlled by the France Family, in...
. However, a restrictor in the space, a "spacer plate", and aerodynamic disadvantages in the trucks compensate for the lack of a restrictor plate.
The inaugural running of the race in 2000 featured one of the most horrific wrecks in NASCAR history. Just past the halfway point of the race, Kurt Busch
Kurt Busch
Kurt Thomas Busch is an American NASCAR and NHRA driver. He drives the No. 22 Shell Oil Company/Pennzoil Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and will race on an "opportunity permitting" basis in the Pro Stock division of NHRA...
's truck made contact with Rob Morgan, turning him into Geoff Bodine
Geoff Bodine
Geoffrey Eli Bodine is an American motorsport driver and bobsled builder. He is the oldest of the three Bodine brothers . Bodine currently lives in Cornelius, North Carolina....
's truck, sending Bodine careening airborne into the wall and catch fence just past the start-finish line. Bodine's truck burst into flames and flipped at least 10 times before coming to a stop toward Turn 1, causing a major wreck involving 14 trucks. Despite serious injuries, Bodine survived & raced again later that year in May at Richmond
Richmond International Raceway
Richmond International Raceway is a 3/4-mile , D-shaped, asphalt race track located just outside Richmond, Virginia in Henrico County. It hosts the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series...
. Although this race is largely overshadowed by this wreck, it was truly exciting as Mike Wallace made the last lap pass on Joe Ruttman for the inaugural victory.
In 2001, Joe Ruttman was the first driver to win starting from pole position. He also won the pole the year before. Rookie Ricky Hendrick finished in second.
The 2003 race featured an exciting 3 wide finish on the final lap between Rick Crawford, defending Daytona winner Robert Pressley
Robert Pressley
Robert Pressley is a former NASCAR driver who is now the promoter at Kingsport Speedway.-Beginnings:...
, and that year's eventual champion Travis Kvapil
Travis Kvapil
Travis Kvapil is an American race car driver. He currently drives for Front Row Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.-Early career:...
where the margin of victory was 0.027 seconds.
In early 2004, they announced that the race would move from Friday afternoon to Friday night and be run under the lights. Carl Edwards would go on to win the race and Travis Kvapil (In the #24 Toyota) finished second. Toyota's first truck race.
In the 2005 race, Kerry Earnhardt started from the pole, but finished in 35th due to an accident. Bobby Hamilton won from the 36th starting position, the farthest starting position for a driver to win.
Despite the 2006 General Motors sponsorship of the race, a Chevrolet has never won at Daytona; in 2006, the best finish for a Silverado was 13th. The overall best finish for Chevrolet was second place three times by Ricky Hendrick (2001),Travis Kvapil(2003) and Elliott Sadler(2011).
In 2007, another 3 wide finish between Travis Kvapil
Travis Kvapil
Travis Kvapil is an American race car driver. He currently drives for Front Row Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.-Early career:...
, Johnny Benson
Johnny Benson
Jonathan Benson, Jr. is an American NASCAR driver and the son of former Michigan modified driver John Benson, Sr...
, and Jack Sprague
Jack Sprague
Jack Sprague is a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver. He is currently a free agent. Sprague has finished in the top-ten in the points standings almost every year he has raced in the trucks, and won three championships in 1997, 1999, and 2001 while driving for Hendrick Motorsports.-...
who won the race; the margin of victory was 0.031 seconds (second closest finish). Sprague was the third driver to win from the pole.
The 2009 race was the first under the new sponsorship of Camping World. Todd Bodine won becoming the first driver to win back-to-back season opening truck races at the Daytona International Speedway; Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch
Kyle Thomas Busch, is an American NASCAR driver and team owner. He currently drives the No. 18 Mars/Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Sprint Cup Series, the No. 18 Z-Line Designs/NOS Energy Drink Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs in the Nationwide Series, and the No...
finished second in both races. Also, Todd Bodine won the 2009 race without a sponsor. Six days after the race, fifth place finisher Ron Hornaday
Ron Hornaday
Ronald Hornaday, Jr. is a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver. He is the father of former NASCAR driver Ronnie Hornaday, and son of the late Ron Hornaday, Sr., a two-time Winston West Champion. Adding on to the family legacy, Ron is a four-time champion in the Truck Series, his most recent...
was docked 25 points and owner DeLana Harvick was docked 25 owner points as a penalty for illegal shocks used in the race. Crew chief Rick Ren was placed on probation and fined $5,000 because of the violations.
The 2011 running was held on the tenth anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's death in the 2001 Daytona 500. Michael Waltrip, who won that infamous 500, pulled off a slingshot last lap pass on Elliott Sadler to win his first ever Camping World Truck race in a #15 truck, just like his Cup car number, and his brother Darrell in the broadcast booth once again. It would be one of the most emotional truck events in series history. Michael also became the 22nd driver to win in all of NASCAR's top 3 divisions (he also has 11 Nationwide wins and 4 Sprint Cup wins). However his truck failed post-race inspection because the right side of spoiler snapped, likewise the team was penalized, but kept the win since Waltrip was not running for points, under NASCAR's new rule of choosing one series to go for a championship.
Past winners
| Year | Date | Driver | Manufacturer | Race Distance | Race Time | Average Speed (mph) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laps | Miles (km) | ||||||
| 2000 | February 18 | Mike Wallace Mike Wallace Michael Wallace may refer to:*Mike Wallace , television correspondent**The Mike Wallace Interview, his TV series*Mike Wallace , American historian... |
Ford | 100 | 250 (402.336) | 1:55:00 | 130.152 |
| 2001 | February 16 | Joe Ruttman Joe Ruttman Joe Ruttman , is an American former racecar driver. He currently lives in Franklin, Tenn. He actively competed in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series, and Camping World Truck Series and is a 13 time winner in the Truck Series, the seventh most wins by any driver in the Truck... |
Dodge Dodge Dodge is a United States-based brand of automobiles, minivans, and sport utility vehicles, manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Group LLC in more than 60 different countries and territories worldwide.... |
104* | 260 (418.429) | 2:00:33 | 129.407 |
| 2002 | February 15 | Robert Pressley Robert Pressley Robert Pressley is a former NASCAR driver who is now the promoter at Kingsport Speedway.-Beginnings:... |
Dodge Dodge Dodge is a United States-based brand of automobiles, minivans, and sport utility vehicles, manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Group LLC in more than 60 different countries and territories worldwide.... |
100 | 250 (402.336) | 1:47:03 | 140.121 |
| 2003 | February 14 | Rick Crawford | Ford | 106* | 265 (426.476) | 2:04:34 | 127.642 |
| 2004 | February 13 | Carl Edwards Carl Edwards Carl Michael Edwards, II is a NASCAR driver. He currently drives the #99 Fastenal/Aflac Ford Fusion in the Sprint Cup Series and the #60 Ford in the Nationwide Series for Roush Fenway Racing... |
Ford | 100 | 250 (402.336) | 2:13:15 | 112.570 |
| 2005 | February 18 | Bobby Hamilton Bobby Hamilton Charles Robert Hamilton, Sr. was a driver and owner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series circuit and the winner of the 2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship. Hamilton owned Bobby Hamilton Racing, which fielded three entries in each NCWTS event... |
Dodge Dodge Dodge is a United States-based brand of automobiles, minivans, and sport utility vehicles, manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Group LLC in more than 60 different countries and territories worldwide.... |
100 | 250 (402.336) | 2:00:04 | 124.931 |
| 2006 | February 17 | Mark Martin Mark Martin Mark Martin may refer to:* Mark Martin , American racecar driver* Mark Martin , American cartoonist* Mark Martin , American judge* Mark Martin , British murderer... |
Ford | 102* | 255 (410.382) | 1:44:21 | 146.622 |
| 2007 | February 16 | Jack Sprague Jack Sprague Jack Sprague is a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver. He is currently a free agent. Sprague has finished in the top-ten in the points standings almost every year he has raced in the trucks, and won three championships in 1997, 1999, and 2001 while driving for Hendrick Motorsports.-... |
Toyota | 100 | 250 (402.336) | 2:07:24 | 117.739 |
| 2008 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series The 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series began on February 15, 2008 at Daytona International Speedway with the Chevy Silverado HD 250. The season concluded on November 14 of that year at Homestead-Miami Speedway with the Ford 200. Johnny Benson of Bill Davis Racing was crowned champion. The season... |
February 15 | Todd Bodine Todd Bodine Todd Bodine is a NASCAR driver. Todd is the younger brother of former racers Geoff Bodine and Brett Bodine. Bodine is known for his bald head, which has given him the nickname The Onion... |
Toyota | 100 | 250 (402.336) | 1:57:36 | 127.551 |
| 2009 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series The 15th season of the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series began on February 13, 2009 at Daytona International Speedway with the Daytona 250. The season concluded on November 20 of that year at Homestead-Miami Speedway with the Ford 200. The season was the first under the Camping World... |
February 13 | Todd Bodine Todd Bodine Todd Bodine is a NASCAR driver. Todd is the younger brother of former racers Geoff Bodine and Brett Bodine. Bodine is known for his bald head, which has given him the nickname The Onion... |
Toyota | 100 | 250 (402.336) | 2:02:11 | 122.766 |
| 2010 2010 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series The 2010 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season was the fifteenth season of the third highest stock car racing series in the United States. Beginning at Daytona International Speedway, the season included twenty-five races, which ended with the Ford 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway... |
February 13 | Timothy Peters Timothy Peters Timothy Peters is an American NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race car driver. He currently drives the No. 17 K&N Engineering, Inc. Toyota for Red Horse Racing. He is a former member of the Bobby Hamilton Racing and Richard Childress Racing driver development programs.-Racing career:He began his... |
Toyota | 100 | 250 (402.336) | 2:10:06 | 115.295 |
| 2011 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series The 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season was the sixteenth season of the third highest stock car racing in the United States. The season included twenty-five races, beginning with the NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway and ending with the Ford 200 at... |
February 18 | Michael Waltrip Michael Waltrip Michael Curtis Waltrip is a semi-former professional race car driver, co-owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, and a published author. He is the younger brother of three-time NASCAR champion and racing commentator Darrell Waltrip. Waltrip is a two-time winner of the Daytona 500; having won the race in... |
Toyota | 103* | 257.5 (414.406) | 1:58:33 | 130.025 |
- 2001, 2003, 2006, & 2011: Race extended due to a Green-white-checker finishGreen-white-checker finishThe green-white-checker finish is a rule implemented into many levels of automobile racing in the United States. When the race would otherwise end during a yellow-flag caution condition , this rule gives the field an attempt to finish the race under a green-flag, racing condition...
.