DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (AP) - Hendrick Motorsports is having a rough start to the Daytona 500.
Three of the team’s four cars, including five-time defending Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, were involved in a 14-car wreck early in the 500-mile race.
Johnson, four-time series champ Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin each sustained damage in the melee. Gordon’s car was crumpled front and back. Fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. avoided the mess.
Gordon says his “chances of winning the Daytona 500 are over.” He expects to return to the race to turn as many laps as possible.
Two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip started the accident by running into the back of teammate David Reutimann. Waltrip owns the team. Reutimann spun sideways and collected several cars in his wake, including several favorites.
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