Last lap chaos erupts, James Buescher victorious in Daytona

James Buescher celebrates his first win in NASCAR.
Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR

Tandem racing returned at Daytona, much to the dismay of the fans, but led to an exciting race and another surprising race winner. Two car tandems was the predominant strategy throughout the race but every so often packs broke out, so for race fans all should be pleased.

The GoDaddy.com crew hard at work to repair Patrick's car.
Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR

Danica-mania hits a fever pitch

Danica Patrick was a storyline leading into the race after starting on the pole, but the race did not go as planned for the No. 7 team. 

While attempting to draft, Patrick's JR Motorsports teammate Cole Whitt hit into her and sent her car out of control, into the wall. Extensive repairs were required and the GoDaddy.com crew was able to get back on track -48 laps down. Patrick would finish the day in 38th position.

Tandem racing return with a venegance

Why, oh why are the tandems back? I am a pack racing gal, but today's race was a mixed bag and chalked full of excitement so maybe the answer is just this, give us both. 

Today we saw unlikely duos, the Roush Fenway Ford of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. working with the Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet of Elliott Sadler. A Ford and a Chevy? Kenny Wallace found a great dancing partner in his brother Mike Wallace, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. found help from Kurt Busch. Restrictor plate racing sure creates strange bedfellows. 

Carnage - Take 2

Last night's NCWTS race saw sheet metal flying into the air as trucks just becoming piles of scraps headed towards the garage, today was no different. 

This last lap caution with Joey Logano, Kurt Busch and Trevor Bayne was just one
of eight that would foreshadow the outcome of the race. Credit: John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR

Eight cautions caused just about the entire field to be wrecked or thisclose to wrecking at one time or another. The laundry list is numerous but the last lap crash was avoidable.

It appears as those Kurt Busch moved high on track, breaking up the draft he had with Kyle and them BAM. 

For the win

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver James Buescher, who finished 3rd last season and is still winless in his career, comes into Daytona for his family team and wins. What a story! And I do say family because James is the new son-in-law to Steve Turner, owner of Turner Motorsports. 

Buescher said after the race "It’s hard to describe the feeling when you make it through and you’re the only guy coming to the checkered flag. ... I can’t believe I am standing in victory lane at Daytona!  This is amazing. This is truly a team effort."

Race Results:

1. James Buescher
2. Elliott Sadler
3. Brad Keselowski
4. Austin Dillon
5. Tayler Malsam
6. Timmy Hill
7. Cole Whitt
8. Tony Stewart
9. Kasey Kahne
10. Kurt Busch
11. Trevor Bayne
12. Benny Gordon
13. Danny Efland
14. Josh Wise
15. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
16. Joey Logano
17. Blake Koch
18. Kyle Busch
19. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
20. Sam Hornish Jr.
21. Johanna Long
22. Eric McClure
23. Joe Nemechek
24. T.J. Bell
25. Jeremy Clements
26. David Ragan
27. Michael Annett
28. Mike Wallace
29. Joey Gase
30. Kenny Wallace
31. Ryan Truex
32. Denny Hamlin
33. Justin Allgaier
34. Reed Sorenson
35. Robert Richardson Jr.
36. Casey Roderick
37. Brian Scott
38. Danica Patrick
39. Mike Bliss
40. J.J. Yeley
41. Jason Bowles
42. Johnny Sauter
43. Jeff Green