Sometime during the lap under caution before the final restart, the right half of Waltrip's rear spoiler collapsed and fell flat, greatly reducing the aerodynamic drag on his truck that the spoiler is designed to do at Daytona, to limit top speed and encourage drafting. This suddenly gave his truck a prohibitive advantage. On the final lap, Waltrip pushed Elliott Sadler far ahead of the pack, and with his illegally advantaged truck, easily passed him on his outside in the final yards to claim his first Truck Series win, becoming the 22nd driver to win in all three of NASCAR's top series (Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Trucks). The win was on the ten-year anniversary of Waltrip's first career NASCAR Cup Series win in the 2001 Daytona 500, which was also the site of Waltrip's team owner Dale Earnhardt's death. Clay Rogers, Miguel Paludo and Kyle Busch rounded out the top five, followed by Cobb (the highest finish by a woman in the Truck Series, and the first top 10 by a female in NASCAR's top three series),[7]Jeffrey Earnhardt, Carmichael, Buescher and Crafton.[8]
Post-race
Michael Waltrip (seen in 2008), the 2011 NextEra Energy Resources 250 winner
"This day, it was hard. I've been emotional all day long. It's been really emotional. I just was determined to win the race for him. So I'm drained. I'm thankful. I didn't come here to celebrate winning the 2001 Daytona 500. I came here to celebrate Dale's life and honor him."
Afterwards, NASCAR confiscated Waltrip's rear spoiler, half of it having fallen;[3] NASCAR reported it to be a failure, but continued to examine it.[9] NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp stated, "It appeared to be a failed part. The spoiler broke on the green-white-checkered finish. Our typical procedure is, instead of having an immediate reaction, we'll take a look and, if necessary, we'll have whatever reaction is appropriate the first of the week."[7] Eventually, the team was revealed to have "violated Sections 12–1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules), and 20B-3.1.2E (rear spoiler did not meet specifications in post-race inspection)".[10]Vision Aviation Racing owner Billy Ballew was penalized 25 owner points, while crew chief Doug Howe was fined $25,000, and was placed on probation for the remainder of the year. As Waltrip was not competing for Truck Series points, he was not penalized any drivers points.[11]
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