The thrill of victory is a feeling every NASCAR driver craves, especially when it comes to the prestigious Daytona 500. The race to lift the ‘Harley J. Earl’ trophy is no small feat. The proof lies in the fact that even the legendary ‘Intimidator’, despite his seven championship wins, could only clinch this coveted trophy once. It doesn’t matter if it takes 20 or 40 attempts, the ecstasy of standing in the victory lane at Daytona 500 is priceless.
One of the most memorable victories is of Dale Earnhardt Sr. in 1998. His win came after 20 years of relentless pursuit, as announced by Mike Joy, “Twenty years of trying, twenty years of frustration! Dale Earnhardt will come to the caution flag to win the Daytona 500! Finally!” However, for Kurt Busch’s crew chief, the wait was even longer. It took three decades for Tony Gibson to experience the sweet taste of victory on his home track.
The final lap of the 2017 Daytona 500 was a nail-biter. Kyle Larson seemed set to win, but Kurt Busch was hot on his heels. Eventually, Larson’s #42 car ran out of fuel, handing victory to the Kurt Busch team. Every minor detail counts in the Daytona 500, from pit stops to fuel strategy, and that day, the Busch faction got everything just right. The victory catapulted two Tonys to the top – Tony Stewart, the driver from Stewart-Haas Racing, and Tony Gibson, the Daytona Beach native who emerged as a Daytona 500-winning crew chief.
Gibson, who had previously been part of Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Daytona 500 winning teams, was leading Kurt Busch’s team for the first time. The accomplishment held a special place in his heart. Reflecting on the triumph in a recent interview on the Dale Jr. Download, Gibson revealed, “My entire life to be in that position to win that race. That’s it. That’s what you dream about. All the struggles you go through to get that done with my mom my dad. All my friends at your home track.”
This victory was a milestone for Gibson, who had dedicated his life to NASCAR. The sheer joy of triumph was so overwhelming for the ‘old man’ of NASCAR that Busch’s team owner was afraid he might need medical attention. Gibson’s joy was also a tribute to his parents, who had made countless sacrifices to ensure a comfortable life for their children. He said, “This is where I grew up. I was born in Halifax Hospital across the street. My mom retired from here. My dad raced here all his life. To come here and do this is amazing.”
The 2017 Daytona 500 marked the first and only victory for both Gibson and Kurt Busch. After Busch’s 2022 concussion incident at Pocono, it seemed unlikely that he would ever participate in a Cup race again. But defying all odds, he made a comeback to racing, which was a monumental achievement considering his severe crash.
The 2022 accident at the qualifying session for the tricky triangle had severely affected Busch’s vestibular movements, impairing his balance. After intense rehab and doctor’s approval, Busch returned to racing at the Race of Champions, representing Team USA. This was the same event where he had finished second in 2017.
Although Busch was physically fit to race, he was knocked out in the first round. Team Germany, the same team that defeated the USA in 2017, went on to win again. Despite the setback, Busch stayed connected with NASCAR, serving as a mentor to the young 23XI Racing team. His guidance helped them clinch the regular season championship and secure a place in the Championship 4 with Tyler Reddick.
There is speculation that Busch might get behind the wheel of a 23XI car again. Not as a full-time driver but possibly for a one-off appearance. It would be a thrill for fans to see the veteran compete against his old rivals. Perhaps, the 2026 Daytona 500 could be a potential stage for a comeback.
As the debate rages on whether Kurt Busch should return to NASCAR, one thing is certain – his Daytona 500 victory will always be a shining moment in his career and NASCAR history.
