NASCAR veteran Greg Biffle returns to Daytona 500 field for first time since 2016

NASCAR veteran Greg Biffle returns to Daytona 500 field for first time since 2016

Greg Biffle

Greg Biffle is back to Daytona International Speedway in style, after six years away from the cup series. securing a start in the Great American Race on Monday in his No. 44 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for NY Racing Team. Greg Biffle beat fellow non-charter driver Timmy Hill in the 60-lap Thursday night’s Duel, finishing 13th even though he ran out of fuel running out with two laps to go.

Greg Biffle, who had 19 Cup wins over 14 seasons with Roush Racing during his cup series carer, had to go through a lot to get here as the team had to endure intense hustling in the last few months to meet deadlines so that they can get to Daytona 500.  

Greg Biffle acknowledged that success is huge for him though he didn’t want to make any mistakes saying “It’s huge….I was nervous, really nervous. I just didn’t want to make a mistake that was going to cost a team,”. Greg Biffle also expressed his confidence about driving NextGen NASCAR though he hasn’t had any previous experience in either simulator or in the car itself before Daytona saying “It’s a race car. You’ll figure it out in 10 laps,”.

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Jusan Hamilton set to become 1st Black Daytona 500 race director

Daytona 500
Jusan Hamilton

31-year-old former racer Jusan Hamilton is set to become the first Black race director in Daytona 500 history. He will watch the from the booth overlooking the sprawling track and call the shots on everything from cautions to penalties to the clean-up crew, navigating the complexities of the race in the official debut for NASCAR’s Next-Gen car in the 64th edition of Daytona 500.

Jusan Hamilton who was a racer himself made his name in the NASCAR community through his works in event production, social media and shepherded the series Drive for Diversity program (which rejected him as a teen), and also worked as the race director for three national NASCAR series.

Jusan  Hamilton was full of joy with his appointment as he stated “This is what I enjoy. This is what I love doing. There’s a huge connection with me and my family to go to the racetrack each weekend and spend the time together,”.

Jusan Hamilton
Jusan Hamilton

Jusan  Hamilton also acknowledged the historical significance of his new role sayng that his carrer accomplishments will motivate people from different backgrounds, irrespective of their race or class, to work hard and achieve their dream positions.

“It’s not necessarily about being the first Black man to call the Daytona 500. Career-wise, it’s a huge accomplishment for me, with the passion I’ve had for motorsports. Bigger picture, I hope it sets a positive example for others that, regardless of race and background, if you work hard and have a mindset toward your goal, it is achievable,” Jusan Hamilton explained.

Also read: ‘It’s a world of unknown,’ Bubba Wallace on NASCAR Next Gen aero