Logano wins first Daytona 500

Joey Logano won the Daytona 500 for the first time after holding off the field in a green-white-checkered finish on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway.

Logano, the driver of the No. 22 Ford for Team Penske, claimed his ninth career victory in the Sprint Cup Series. His previous best finish in the Daytona 500 was ninth, which occurred in the 2012 race. Logano becomes the first driver this season to be virtually guaranteed a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship field.

"We won the Daytona 500, guys," Logano joyfully said over his team radio after he took the checkered flag for the 57th running of NASCAR's most prestigious race.

The race ended under caution after a multi-car wreck took place on the backstretch during the 203rd and final lap. Jeff Gordon, the pole sitter, and Austin Dillon made contact and spun out, triggering the incident. Gordon competed in his 23rd and final Daytona 500. He led the most laps with 87 but ended up finishing 33rd.

Kevin Harvick, the defending Sprint Cup champion, finished second, while Dale Earnhardt Jr., who won the Daytona 500 last year, placed third. Denny Hamlin and Jimmie Johnson rounded out the top-five.

Logano gave team owner Roger Penske his second Daytona 500 victory. Penske's first win in this race happened in 2008 with driver Ryan Newman. Penske has a record 15 victories in the Indianapolis 500.

[SportsNetwork.com]