Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch streak across the finish line at the 2008 Daytona 500. Dodge captured six of the first eight positions in the February 17 race.
Dodge Dominates Daytona
Teammates Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch gave Dodge its first ever one-two sweep in NASCAR’s premier event, the Daytona 500, on February 17, at the Daytona International Speedway.
The domination of the Dodge Charger didn’t end there.
Dodge drivers filled six of the first eight positions when the checkered flag flew. Reed Sorenson finished fifth, Elliot Sadler sixth, Kasey Kahne seventh and Robby Gordon eighth. Chrysler Chairman and CEO Bob Nardelli met with Dodge team owners prior to the race and predicted a Dodge victory.
Newman and Busch put together the winning charge on the final lap. The teammates were second and third as the field took the white flag. They drafted their way to the front down the backstretch and stayed glued together through the final two turns to deliver the breathtaking one-two punch.
“This is an awesome victory,” said Mike Accavitti, Director of Dodge Motorsports and SRT Marketing. “It was a great showing by all the Dodge teams. To get six out of the top eight is just a phenomenal showing for Dodge. It shows the depth of our program and we couldn’t be more excited for the 2008 season.”
