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Daytona 500

Updated 1055 GMT (1855 HKT) February 28, 2012

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The Daytona 500 is the opening race of the NASCAR season and the sport's most prestigious race. For the first time in its history, rain meant the race started one day later than planned on Monday.
Photos: Daytona 500
Daytona 500 – The Daytona 500 is the opening race of the NASCAR season and the sport's most prestigious race. For the first time in its history, rain meant the race started one day later than planned on Monday.
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The race was delayed further when Colombian driver Juan Pablo Montoya crashed into one of the jet dryers which was drying the track, causing the car and the truck towing it to burst into flames.
Photos: Daytona 500
Fierce flames – The race was delayed further when Colombian driver Juan Pablo Montoya crashed into one of the jet dryers which was drying the track, causing the car and the truck towing it to burst into flames.
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The flames spread across the track, forcing a near two-hour delay to proceedings.
Photos: Daytona 500
Ring of fire – The flames spread across the track, forcing a near two-hour delay to proceedings.
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But workers eventually managed to clear the track, meaning the race could resume.
Photos: Daytona 500
Clean-up crew – But workers eventually managed to clear the track, meaning the race could resume.
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This safety barrier shows the impact of the flames which engulfed a section of the track.
Photos: Daytona 500
Leaving a mark – This safety barrier shows the impact of the flames which engulfed a section of the track.
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When the action on track resumed at the Daytona International Circuit, American Matt Kenseth took to the front of the field.
Photos: Daytona 500
Out in front – When the action on track resumed at the Daytona International Circuit, American Matt Kenseth took to the front of the field.
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Kenseth stayed out in front to take the checkered flag at 1 a.m. local time, meaning the race had entered a third day for the first time.
Photos: Daytona 500
Checkered flag – Kenseth stayed out in front to take the checkered flag at 1 a.m. local time, meaning the race had entered a third day for the first time.
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Kenseth poses with the Harley J.Earl Trophy after winning the 54th Annual Daytona 500.
Photos: Daytona 500
King Kenseth – Kenseth poses with the Harley J.Earl Trophy after winning the 54th Annual Daytona 500.
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