DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Jimmie Johnson Sunday won the 48th Daytona 500 at Daytona Beach, Fla., crossing the finish line 0.080 seconds ahead of Casy Mears.
It was his first win in the "Super Bowl" of the Nextel Cup circuit and 19th win of his career. Casey Mears was second, Ryan Newman, Elliot Sadler and Tony Stewart completed the top-five though a caution on the final lap with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Brian Vickers, Clint Bowyer, Ken Schrader and Dale Jarrett in spots 6-10.
Vickers was the leader after 150 of the race's 200 laps. On lap 106, Stewart came down in front of Matt Kenseth, forcing Kenseth into the grass causing him to slide up the track and into the outside fence. No other car was involved and after a brief caution the race continued.
Stewart was penalized for "aggressive driving" in what seemed to be a deliberate act, then when the two drivers came off pit road, Kenseth retaliated and he too was penalized.
