NASCAR: Winners And Losers From Daytona

Jul 2, 2016; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Matt Kenseth (20) and Jimmie Johnson (48) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) race ahead of Casey Mears (13) and Aric Almirola (43) during the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jul 2, 2016; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; Nascar Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) is towed to the garage following a large crash near the 90th lap during the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Loser: Hendrick Motorsports

Widely recognized as one of the best restrictor plate racing teams in the Cup Series, Hendrick Motorsports had a rough night at Daytona.

Each driver had worked their way into the top-10 at some point in the race, as the four-car team was looking for a big victory. Then, on Lap 89, The Big One issued a devastating blow to their chances.

As Jamie McMurray made contact with Jimmie Johnson, the crash began. Chase Elliott was caught up in the chaos while Kasey Kahne collided with a spinning Regan Smith. Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove away from the wreck, but still took some damage as he was escaping.

Johnson (35th), Elliott (32nd) and Kahne (30th) all went to the garage and settled for disappointing finishes. Earnhardt Jr. had to make a series of pit stops but managed to stay on the lead lap. However, he was never able to get any runs going and struggled to keep up with the rest of the field, finishing 21st.

It’s safe to say that Kentucky can’t come fast enough for Hendrick Motorsports.

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