Everything happens in NASCAR for a reason

UPDATE

Before the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series new car race, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Richard Childress get ready to roll out the No. 3 Wrangler Chevrolet, bringing back memories of Dale Earnhardt
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Well a Ford did not win tonight's Nationwide race but the next best thing did. Dale Earnhardt Jr. slid into a car honoring his late father on Friday and gave a fitting tribute as he drove the No. 3 straight into Victory Lane at Daytona. Driving the No. 3 Wrangler Chevrolet in honor of his late father for the one and only time he will do so, Dale Earnhardt Jr. broke a Nationwide Series drought of almost four years in winning Friday night's Subway Jalapeno 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway.

06/29/10 Rumor has it that NASCAR won't miss this opportunity to gain some good PR and a Ford will win the Daytona Nationwide race this weekend. Don't be surprised if a Ford wins the pole too. Ford Racing will debut its new Nationwide Series Mustang at Daytona International Speedway Friday and is offering Ford drivers extra incentive to win the race.

Any Ford driver who wins the Subway Jalapeno 250 will receive a 2011 5.0-liter Mustang GT production vehicle.

Nationwide Series teams will race NASCAR’s new Nationwide car for the first time. Ford’s new-car model is the Mustang.

“Normally, when we go to a NASCAR race, the drivers are the recognized stars as far as fans are concerned. That’s not the case this week," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports.

“Mustang and its debut in NASCAR is undoubtedly a huge story for fans and enthusiasts, and we want to make its debut a little more special for our drivers competing in the race. With a win, they have a chance to put their name down next to some of the Mustang racing legends."

The Mustang GT will be the pace car at Daytona, as it was in February for the Daytona 500.