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The Daytona 500, also known as "The Great American Race", is the highlight of the NASCAR Cup Series season. Held every February at Daytona International Speedway in Florida, this 500-mile spectacle kicks off the season in thrilling style. Famous for its high speeds, close finishes, and unforgettable moments, it attracts millions of fans worldwide, cementing its place as NASCAR’s most iconic and prestigious race.
The 2.5-mile speedway at Daytona Beach has been a stage for countless NASCAR legends, with many earning their place in history by conquering the prestigious Daytona 500. Since becoming the season opener in 1982, this iconic event has seen drivers rise to greatness. However, only a select few have achieved the rare feat of claiming their first career Cup Series victory at the Daytona 500, making their triumph even more memorable.
Here are five NASCAR drivers who achieved the rare feat of marking the Daytona 500 as their first career victory in NASCAR's top division:
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5 drivers who clinched their NASCAR Cup win at the Daytona 500
#1 Mario Andretti (1967)
1978 Formula One World Champion Mario Andretti Made his Cup Series debut in 1966 at Riverside International Raceway. In 14 Cup races, Andretti secured three top-ten finishes and also his only Cup Series victory, the 1967 Daytona 500, finishing ahead of NASCAR legends Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough.
Andretti also made history in the IndyCar series after being crowned as a four-time champion in the discipline.
#2 Pete Hamilton (1970)
Four-time Cup Series race winner Pete Hamilton was piloting the #6 Plymouth in 1970 for Petty Enterprises when he secured his first Cup Series victory, the esteemed Daytona 500. Hamilton finished ahead of three-time Cup Series champion David Pearson and NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison.
Moreover, the former NASCAR driver won on three more occasions including another Daytona 500 the following year, and two wins at Talladega Superspeedway.
#3 Michael Waltrip (2001)
Former NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael Waltrip had a 33-year career in the Cup Series. In 784 races, Waltrip secured 133 top-ten finishes and 4 trips to victory lane. However, his first Cup victory was the Daytona 500 in 2001.
However, this race is forever marked in the history of the sport as Waltrip who was driving for Dale Earnhardt Inc. was leading the race in the final lap, with Dale Jr. behind him, and his father Dale Sr. in third. However, a fatal accident led to the death of Dale Earnhardt Sr., for whom Waltrip won the 2001 Daytona 500.
#4 Michael McDowell (2021)
NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael McDowell, who pilots the #71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Spire Motorsports secured his first Cup Series victory in the 2021 Daytona 500. McDowell was piloting the #34 Ford for FRM when he secured his triumph in Florida.
Although Michael McDowell qualified for the playoffs that season, his run ended in the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson delivered one of modern NASCAR's most dominant seasons, ultimately securing his first Cup Series championship.
#5 Austin Cindric (2022)
26-year-old NASCAR driver Austin Cindric is in his 4th year in his Cup Series career. Cindric pilots the #2 Ford for Team Penske, and has over 22 top-ten finishes in 115 race starts.
Cindric made his full-time debut with Team Penske in the 2022 Daytona 500, where he made history by claiming his first Cup Series victory in NASCAR's iconic crown jewel event. The podium featured 23XI Racing's Bubba Wallace in second place and Stewart-Haas Racing's Chase Briscoe in third. Briscoe has since taken over the #19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, replacing former champion Martin Truex Jr.
