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Kenseth Wins Rainy Daytona 500

By the Associated Press

Posted Feb 15, 2009 8:20 PM CST
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(AP) – Rain that had threatened today's season-opening race finally rolled in moments after Matt Kenseth slid past Elliott Sadler for the lead, the AP reports. Then the former NASCAR champion was forced to sit out a 20-minute delay before claiming victory in the Daytona 500 after 152 of 200 laps. It was just the fourth rain-shortened 500 in the race's 51-year history, and first since Michael Waltrip's 2003 victory.

"It's going to be really wet out here, because I'm crying like a baby," the usually cool Kenseth said as he choked back tears. Coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, Kenseth's 2009 start seemed to be headed in the wrong direction, too. He wrecked his primary car, had to go to a backup, and started at the back. But knowing rain was coming, he sliced through to take the lead and held it to claim NASCAR's biggest prize.

Matt Kenseth celebrates after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009. The race was shortened by rain.
Matt Kenseth celebrates after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race in Daytona Beach, Fla. Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009. The race was shortened by rain.   (J Pat Carter)
Matt Kenseth celebrates with his crew in victory lane after winning the rain-shortened NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.
Matt Kenseth celebrates with his crew in victory lane after winning the rain-shortened NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.   (John Raoux)
Matt Kenseth celebrates in victory lane after winning the rain-shortened NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.
Matt Kenseth celebrates in victory lane after winning the rain-shortened NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.   (John Raoux)
Fireworks light up the sky after Matt Kenseth won the rain-shortened NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.
Fireworks light up the sky after Matt Kenseth won the rain-shortened NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.   (Glen Smith)
Matt Kenseth raises the trophy in victory lane after winning the rain-shortened NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.
Matt Kenseth raises the trophy in victory lane after winning the rain-shortened NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.   (Terry Renna)
Matt Kenseth sprays champagne after winning the rain-shortened NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.
Matt Kenseth sprays champagne after winning the rain-shortened NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.   (Terry Renna)
Matt Kenseth holds up the trophy as he celebrates with his crew after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.
Matt Kenseth holds up the trophy as he celebrates with his crew after winning the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.   (John Raoux)
Team owner Jack Roush hold up the owner's trophy in victory lane after Matt Kenseth won the NASCAR Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.
Team owner Jack Roush hold up the owner's trophy in victory lane after Matt Kenseth won the NASCAR Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.   (John Raoux)
Matt Kenseth celebrates after winning the rain-shortened NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.
Matt Kenseth celebrates after winning the rain-shortened NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.   (Terry Renna)
Matt Kenseth sprays his crew after winning the rain-shortened NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.
Matt Kenseth sprays his crew after winning the rain-shortened NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009.   (J Pat Carter)
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