Each week, we’ll look at those who had success and those who didn’t. Here’s this week’s look back at the Clash and Daytona 500 qualifying:
Winners
Jimmie Johnson — While his Clash victory doesn’t count as an official Cup win, he was back in Victory Lane for the first time since 2017.
Souvenir collectors — There was a lot of sheet metal damaged in the 17-car crash just before the rain ended the Clash.
Tyler Reddick & Casey Mears — Both guaranteed starting spots for their unchartered cars in Daytona 500 qualifying. They won’t have to worry about where they finish in their qualifying race Thursday.
Hendrick Motorsports — Its cars swept the front row for the Daytona 500 with William Byron on the pole and Alex Bowman second and then Jimmie Johnson wins the Clash.
Losers
Jimmie Johnson — Did Johnson’s contact with Paul Menard open the door for Menard to pay him back? If so, the pay back could be worse. This happened in a non-points race, should Menard repay Johnson, it would likely happen in a points race.
Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Newman & Kevin Harvick — Involved in two wrecks in two days. Tough way to start Speedweeks.
Fabricators — 21 Cup cars were involved in accidents in the first two days of Speedweeks. A lot of good work was destroyed.
