You're likely to see a number of different things on race-day. From dramatic passes to destructive crashes, NASCAR is a sport where you should very much expect the unexpected. But one thing you probably don't anticipate seeing is a pothole that throws an entire race weekend into jeopardy.
In 2010, one of the most important races in the calendar, the Daytona 500, was hit by a pothole controversy. With monstrously powerful Nascars whizzing around the circuit at speeds of over 300mph, that's not something you want to see.
Here then, is the definitive account of what happened on that day in 2010, when a dreaded pothole almost canceled one of the most illustrious events in the sport.
It Led To Several Delays
Despite the eventual size of the pothole, it wasn't immediately picked up race officials or by the drivers. The track passed the rigorous pre-race inspection, but it was unclear when exactly the hole opened up. A number of drivers claimed to have hit it, with Greg Biffle coming into contact on three separate occasions. It was an embarrassing incident for NASCAR and the Daytona circuit, though, according to ESPN, the phenomena can be explained.
During the 2010 edition of the Daytona 500, the weather was unseasonably chilly. Track temperature was as low as 44 degrees, while heavy rain was present throughout - both factors that are known to contribute towards potholes. Two hours of delays followed, after 78 laps had already been completed - leading to a lengthy break for the drivers.
The Race Was Eventually Won By Jamie McMurray
When racing did finally get back underway, it was Jamie McMurray who went on to take the chequered flag. It's a great shame that the pothole would go onto become the story of the 2010 Daytona 500, as the race itself was a spectacular affair. It featured 52 lead changes, a record 21 leaders, and a thrilling chase to the checkered flag by the winner Jamie McMurray with the fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr closing in fast.
Part of the reason for the excitement came from the condition of the surface, which, in 2010, was positively ancient. Not repaved since 1978, some drivers, such as Dale Earnhardt Jr, found the circuit to be too "slick". Prior to redevelopment in 2012, the surface certainly suited some drivers more than others - something McMurray massively profited from.
Drivers Had A Long Wait Inbetween Red Flags
The lack of on-track action gave drivers a good opportunity to discuss what they had just been involved in. Pictured above are NASCAR legends Jeff Gordan and Dale Earnhardt Jr, deep in conversation about the race thus far, as well as, invariably, the pothole. Earnhardt in the immediate aftermath was in a reflective mood, describing how the event was not the fault of NASCAR.
"Track surfaces are going to have problems from time to time", he stated. "This wasn't a fault of NASCAR. It wasn't a fault of Daytona's or nobody's. It was probably more or less everybody's cars beating on the racetrack with trailing arm mounts and tailpipes. That's going to knock a hole in some asphalt, I don't care where you're at".
In recent years, redevelopment work has been carried out the circuit, to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.
Sources: ESPN.com, NYtimes.com, Speedsport.com.