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If everything goes well, Nascar drivers need a little over three hours for a good 800 kilometers.

This year the famous 500 miles from Daytona lasted over nine hours.

Overshadowed by two serious accidents and an hour-long break, outsider Michael McDowell surprisingly won the traditional race in Florida.

The decision was made on the last lap when the eventual winner from the USA more or less pushed the two leading drivers, Brad Keselowski and Loey Logano, out of the race.

The action led to further collisions, some cars went up in flames, the images were like an inferno.

It was McDowell's first win in his 358th Nascar race.

Michael McDowell celebrates his victory

Source: AFP / Chris Graythen

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“There have been many years where I've wondered what the hell am I doing and why I'm doing it,” said McDowell. “I always knew if I kept trying, one day everything would fall into place and go right. "

Storms and fire accidents

The 63rd edition of the motorsport classic had to be interrupted after 15 of a total of 200 laps (804.5 kilometers).

A mass accident at more than 300 kilometers per hour, in which a total of 16 vehicles were involved, and a subsequent storm with thunderstorms and heavy rain made it impossible to continue driving around 21 minutes after the start.

Fortunately, no one was injured in either of the two serious accidents.

After just 20 minutes there was a crash on the track for the first time

Source: AFP / James Gilbert

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The weather interruption had lasted around six hours.

Behind McDowell, Nascar Champion Chase Elliott (USA) and former Daytona 500 winner Austin Dillon (USA) finished second and third.

Bubba Wallace makes history

Bubba Wallace also celebrated a success.

The 27-year-old was the first African-American driver to lead the field in the famous Daytona race - even if only on lap 129.

On the final lap of the race, Wallace, who drives for basketball icon Michael Jordan's team, was involved in an accident.

Bubba Wallace became the first African American driver to complete a lead lap at the Daytona 500

Source: AP / John Raoux

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Jordan and Wallace had never met until this week.

The former Chicago Bulls superstar was in town in the days leading up to the race, having a televised team briefing with Wallace.

“I have a feeling he'll learn how to win.

He has the talent, ”said Jordan praising his driver to Fox Sports.

“I think he'll have a chance at the end of the year and probably win at least a couple of races.

If there are more, I would be overjoyed. "

On the last lap of the race, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano triggered an inferno

Credit: USA TODAY Sports / Mark J. Rebilas