Austin Dillon Races to Victory in Camaro ZL1 at Daytona 500

OKEMOS, Mich., –– In its debut racing season, the Chevy Camaro ZL1 took home a victory at the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series opener. The driver of the No. 3 DOW Camaro ZL1 stole the show on the final lap of The Great American Race at Daytona International Speedway Sunday, February 18th. Winning one of the most iconic races of the year is an accomplishment in itself as Austin Dillon races to victory in the Camaro ZL1 at the Daytona 500.

"I never really thought about it until we took the lead about having a shot to win. I knew we were in a good spot if I could get a push down the backstretch. Heck, we went down the backstretch, had a run, went low, the No. 43 went low and I just had more momentum than he did and caught him. It turned him, but heck, we won the Daytona 500 - we are siting here now," said Dillon following his second career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory.

This victory puts Chevrolet at 24 wins in the Daytona 500 race, which is more than any other manufacturer. Following Dillon, in 2nd place, was Darrell Wallace Jr., driver of the No. 43 Click n' Close Camaro ZL1. This was only the fifth career start for the rookie and another great victory for Chevy.

"Winning the Daytona 500, the most iconic race of the year, is absolutely incredible," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. "It is a goal every year. It is extra special to win it this year with Austin Dillon and Richard Childress and our new Camaro ZL1 race car. Chevy's designers and engineers worked well with our race teams to prepare the Camaro ZL1 for this season. We are proud of our partnership with both of them as Austin wins his first Daytona 500 and Richard wins his third."

There was an unfortunate 12-car incident on lap 198 that sent the race into overtime. Alex Bowman of the No. 88 Nationwide Camaro ZL1 was one of the six Team Chevy drivers caught up in the accident leading him to finish at 17th place. Earlier incidents, which included a nine-car wreck, ended the day for many Team Chevy Drivers, including legend Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Larson, and William Byron.

Team Chevy took the crown at all three races at Daytona International Speedway. It began with a victory from Johnny Sauter of the No. 21 Allegiant Airlines Silverado at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy Resources 250, followed by a win from Tyler Reddick of the No. 9 BurgerFi Camaro SS at the NASCAR Xfinity Series Powershares QQQ 300.

It was a big weekend for Chevrolet at the Daytona International Speedway. Along with the other two major wins for the automotive company, Austin Dillon raced to victory in the Camaro ZL1 at the Daytona 500. It was a great start to the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series for Austin Dillon and Team Chevy. Looking for some exhilaration behind the wheel of your own Chevy? Take a look at some of our fastest vehicles we have on our lot. If you're wanting a real sports car, like the Corvette Z06 or the Camaro ZL1, contact our friendly sales team and we'd be happy to help you find the perfect ride!

Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with top-notch service and convenience close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you find your dream car – simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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