The 36-year-old journeyman could hardly believe what just happened. McDowell sounded like a man almost trying to convince himself his first career win in 357 Cup Series starts came in the sport’s biggest race.
“I just can’t believe it,” he said. “Way to get my first win at the Daytona 500. Are you kidding me?!?!”
Few watching could fathom what unfolded during the final moments of the 63rd running of the Great American Race.
Joey Logano led Brad Keselowski entering the final lap. A pair of Cup Series champions and two of the sport’s top superspeedway drivers seemingly were locked in a dash to the finish.