A star was born in the 60th running of the Daytona 500. Oddly, it wasn’t the driver who won “The Great American Race” but, rather, the second-place finisher.
Austin Dillon’s victory has generated a great deal of discussion, debate and consternation around NASCAR Nation. Contact between Dillon and race leader Aric Almirola on the last lap has been seen one of two ways: embraced, accepted and applauded as “doing what you have to do” on the final lap of the sport’s most prestigious race or as dirty driving and more dump-and-run than bump-and-run.
While there isn’t an absolute answer either way, it should be pointed out that Almirola was gracious in defeat and seemed to understand what was at stake. Dillon has said all week he’d expect to be on the business end of the move had the roles been reversed.
Even carrying the iconic No. 3 back to Daytona’s Victory Lane hasn’t created universal appeal for Dillon’s accomplishment. In a relatively short time and for a variety of reasons, he’s become a polarizing figure among the sport’s fans. It doesn’t seem to bother Dillon, nor should it. Some of NASCAR’s most beloved and respected drivers weren’t always favorites including Darrell Waltrip, Jeff Gordon and even Rusty Wallace.
But the driver who followed Dillon to the checkered flag in the runner-up spot hasn’t had to dodge the slings and arrows of NASCAR fans. Overwhelmingly, the feel-good story of the “500” was Bubba Wallace in his first Daytona 500.
He was the center of attention all week in Daytona – bouncing among endless media availabilities, social media initiatives and live appearances at a frenzied pace. His outgoing nature, heart-on-his-sleeve approach and – at times – self-deprecating sense of humor made Wallace a standout personality.
In a season that began with conversation about the marketability of young drivers versus veterans and NASCAR’s search to fill the void left by departing superstars like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth in recent years, Wallace has stepped right into the spotlight.
He’s also very candid, as his comments toward Denny Hamlin depicted, which is a refreshing trait for many fans. And he’s also not afraid to let his emotions show, as was the case after his second-place finish in Daytona’s media center when he shared a tender moment with his mother and family.
Only one race into his Cup career driving for Richard Petty, Wallace is embracing his moment and the opportunity he’s been given.
“Just knowing that people are tuning in, hopefully noticing the new face and the new change that’s coming to NASCAR, and they get behind it and support it,” Wallace said of his African-American heritage, “is exciting.”
Wallace didn’t take the checkered flag in Daytona on Sunday, but he may have left with a whole lot more.
The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Motor Racing Network.
