Entering 2009, what is your favorite Daytona 500 memory?

I was there in 1998 to see Dale Sr finally get that win, it was so awesome, and just to see my dad in that line up congratulating him on the win, that was priceless.. R.I.P Dale Sr & my dad.

Go Dale Jr & Hms in 2009

Both 2008 and 2007 are special to me for already obvious mentioned reasons. But one that will always stand out to me is the finish to the 2002 Daytona 500 when Ward Burton won. The finish was very good and the race and a big amount of excitement including the big one when Jeff gordon turned Kevin Harvick by accident and the last restart crash were everyone got jammed up and got together (Michael Waltrip almost got the pace car on pit road during that) and also Jeff Gordon the leader got turned(sorry if that brings up bad memories), and they had to race back to the flag!!!! Also I will never forget Sterling Marlin hoping out of his car to fix some fender damaged which ultimately ruined his chances of winning the race. Then the three lap shootout at the end was awesome. Yeah that was a good Daytona 500 that year.

My favorite Daytona 500 memory has to be from 2007 when Kevin won. That was the first time that any of my drivers have won that race, so that day was pretty special. And this years was pretty nice as well when Ryan won, second is just as nicer. What was so cool that my drivers are the ones who helped out the winner like last year Matt helped Kevin and this year Kurt helped Ryan, and that makes those races even better.

Not too sound like a jerk but 2001 Daytona 500 was amazingly my favorite. R.I.P Big E. But the final 10 laps is imprinted into my heart forever. With Darrell Waltrip rooting his brother on emotionally and Big E Blocking the Pack as Little E and Mikey race too the checkered. I honestly call that racing. I love the 2001 Daytona 500. Even though overshadowed by Big E (R.I.P) Amazing Race.

1976....Petty vs. Pearson. To me that was one of the best races ever.

Hate the way it ended (Petty didn't win) but wow what an unexpected finish! It must have been wild to be there in person.

I also like the year Ward Burton won, that was a pleasant surprise...it looked as if the #24 or #40 would win. I loved a 500 any 500 where the ending is not what you expected it to be!

Great question btw.

I am with you on the 2007 daytona 500. My favorite part was Clint Bowyer sliding across the finish line in 18th place on his hood! what an exciting finish. I can't wait for 2009 Daytona 500.

1.1998 Daytona 500-Dale Earnhardt wins!

2.Jimmie Johnson wins the 48th Daytona 500(2006)

Yeah, all of Jeff's. But the two that come to mind are Dale's win and (of course) the 500 of infamy, the 2001 Daytona 500.

I like the 1979 fight between Yarborough and Allison, seeing Dale Sr win, and then seeing Dale Jr win, and that finish in 2007 was amazing.

it's kinda hard to overlook the 2001 daytona 500. I believe that day affected all race fans no matter what driver it is you may pull for... I think a lot of us race fans were on the same page after that race if you know what I mean...

The 500 never ever goes well for me. My favorite drivers always get caught up in wrecks. Someone I dislike always wins. I guess it's my payback for absolutely hating restrictor plate racing. How the Great American Race be a restrictor plate race?!! Lame.