The 3 is Back!

Well, if you weren't on the edge of your seat last night, there is something wrong with you! The Nationwide Series returned to Daytona last night for the Subway Jalapeño 250.

During qualifying, Brad Keselowki qualified on the pole. Parker Kligerman qualified second, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. third. You're probably wondering 'Why is Dale Jr. racing?' I'll tell you why! He told reporters that he wanted to drive the famous number three one more time before he retired, but it was also to pay tribute to his father's induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Dale Jr. was told he could drive the number three last night with any paint scheme he wanted. What did he choose? The blue and yellow Wrangler because it was his favorite car his dad drove. The car was put together by Richard Childress, Teresa Earnhardt, JR Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports.

On lap three of the race, everyone at the track stood with three fingers in the air to pay tribute to Dale Sr. Junior had an early run to try to lead the third lap, but Keselowski ended up beating him to the Start/Finish line. Junior, however, did lead a part of the third lap.


On lap 5, Jennifer Jo Cobb and Johnny Chapman brought out the caution. Jennifer said that her car didn't have anyone behind it in practice, and that the rear bumper didn't hold up.


Allgaier was dominating for a good part of the race, but Junior's car was better. On lap 70, Junior regained the lead with help from Allgaier. Caution then came out for debris on the track. Junior pitted under caution and was still able to hold onto the lead.

On lap 96, another debris caution came out. Junior didn't pit this time. Joey Logano restarted second for the two lap shootout for the checkered flag. Joey could've easily won, but why would he when this was a special night for Junior? On lap 100, Junior crossed the Start/Finish line first, breaking his four year winless streak in the Nationwide Series!

Tony Eury, Jr, Dale Jr's crew chief was tearing up on the pit box, as was Junior in the car.

Richard Childress, Dale Sr's car owner and close friend, told Junior, "Daddy would be happy, real happy!"

Rounding out the Top-Five were Joey Logano in second, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. in third, Brad Keselowski in fourth, and Kevin Harvick in fifth!

Junior was afraid of not winning because he didn't want to disappoint anyone! I guess he doesn't have to worry about that anymore!