They've rolled onto the track behind the pace car finally.

how long does the race generally take?

3.5-4 hours

I now remembered why I don't watch NASCAR. I thought the race began at 2 but instead that was the start of a two hour pre-race for the 50th aniversary. I have flash backs of my time while living in Alabama but I got through all that as I did projects around the house listening to the various people talking and watched a few highlights that were of interest. Finally the command to start engines....All is good, all is fine, pop open a beer and enjoy the race.

Well, my problem started as soon as the green flag was thrown as the sponsors continued to get mentioned over, and over, and over and over again. I get into the race and then they have to mention that they aren't stopping to get fuel, but they are stopping to get SUNOCO Racing fuel and and the Depont whatever is taking on FOUR GOODYEAR high performance tires.

I tried to watch with the sound off but that didn't help as then I couldn't work around the house as I planned.

Anyway, I will find out who one on sportcenter this evening and spare myself.

so you didn't tune in for michaels mcdonald?

Trimmed the palms...Washed the car...Took the wife to the health club while doing some shopping...All thing that I have done since Daytona coverage began...I always start watching with about 25 to go...which my wife, in the front room has informed me is closing in....On the other hand, I try to watch the entire Indy.

8 to go

Garbage

5 flags in the last 10 laps

Ryan Newman wins

Decent race, I broke even.

No big one with the car of tomorrow.

So awesome to see Stewart lose after leading to the white flag, and then here him cry about it. I'm happy for Newman.

I was happy to see Ryan Newman win last night. I was glad to see one of the most prominent names in the auto racing industry, Roger Penske win his first Daytona 500. He been the winning owner of about everything else he's attempted. I'm glad he has a Daytona 500 win to go with his 14 Indy 500 wins. I don't know of another team owner who has won both the Indy 500 and the Daytona 500. I've been thinking back but I can't remember anybody.

Did Chip Gnassi win it with Ward Burton several years back? That would make a second with wins in both 500s.

Ward Burton was running the Cat car with Bill Davis Racing when he won the 500.

Who says that memory goes with age?

I'm impressed that you knew/remembered that.

I like Wahd Buhton.

Actually not it looks like. From what I can find on NASCAR.com it was Bill Davis racing Ward Burton won the 500 with in 2002.

However, a little bit of trivia in the same vein.

There are two drivers who have won both the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500. They are Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt.

In addition, Mario Andretti is the only driver to accomplish the feat of winning the Daytona 500, the Indianapolis 500 and later the CART/Indy Championship, as well as the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

Actually I do too. Just seems like an all around good guy.