2009 Daytona 500

In a race marked by numerous crashes, and ended by a rain delay, driver Matt Kenseth won the The 2009 Daytona 500. NASCAR: Lap by lap (February 15, 2009)

Rain caused the race to be delayed at lap 152. Due to the rain, the race could not be restarted. Since more than 100 laps were completed, the race was considered official. Kenseth was the leader at the time.

The 2009 race was the 51st running of what is known to auto racing fans as both "The Great American Race" and the "Super Bowl of NASCAR". The Daytona 500 is the opening race of the NASCAR season.

1. Top 35 from 2008 race are exempt
2. Front row determined by time trials
3. Majority of positions determined by Daytona Twin 150s
4. Final spots go to past champions and non-exempt qualifiers

1. FOX has exclusive rights through 2012
2. 2001-2006: FOX rotated with NBC
3. 1979-2000: CBS had exclusive TV rights

More than 100 laps were raced in the 2009 Daytona 500, which means the race is considered official.NASCAR crews are attempting to dry the track to continue the race. It takes about 2 hours for the track to completely dry after a rainstorm. If the race cannot be restarted, the leader when the race stopped wins the race.

"“As the 4th most recognized sporting event in the world, the race adds to the tremendous economic impact motorsports has on our state. In fact, Daytona International Speedway and the national headquarters of its parent company, International Speedway Corporation, contribute more than $2 billion dollars in annual economic impact to our economy."— Charlie Crist, governor of Florida, and grand marshal of the 51st Daytona 500Official Site: Florida Governor Charlie Crist Named Grand Marshal For 51st Annual Daytona 500 | Indianapolis 500 2009

• ESPN: The American Dream, Daytona-Style (February 13, 2009)

• Daytona International Speedway: Joey Logano To Become Youngest...Starter In History (Jan. 29, 2009)

• Google News: 2009 Daytona 500