“My life is a dream. I'm very lucky and fortunate.” (Jimmie Johnson)
Unless you've been living under a rock since Sunday, then you know what happened at the Daytona 500. The pothole heard round the world, the wreck on lap 2, the longest race in Daytona history … it was a crazy debacle. You all probably know the winner (although I won't tell you just in case you HAVE been living under a rock) but it was one crazy ending. We've been following Jimmie Johnson for a month and it all led up to Sunday's big race. HBO had full access to the driver and crew while there (and there was no censoring those guys when they were frustrated!) so while we were eating chips and dips at Daytona 500 watch parties, HBO was filming everything they were doing in their pits and garage. So now, let's see what really happened to the 48 team...
While the teams are not allowed on the track, Jimmie and Chad take to the golf course, Chad in one of the funniest sweaters known to mankind (no, seriously, it was a trending topic on Twitter during the broadcast … #argyle). It was nice to see these two relax before one of the biggest races of their lives. Wednesday comes fast, as they head to the track to practice. Chad tells Jimmie to stay on the bottom of the track and and they are both confident in their car. However, practice did not go well, as Jimmie was involved in a wreck in practice and the car is not fixable in the garage (I'm editing their language here … apparently several drivers are super big idiots ...). The backup car is brought out, which was their Bud Shootout car. The wrecked car is shipped off to Charlotte to be fixed and become the backup car for the 500, in case Jimmie wrecks again. Other teams are questioning if the 48 car needed to go to a backup (NASCAR had to approve it) and Chad says if they're questioning them it means they're not paying attention to their own teams and that's good for them. Chandra shows up, saying she had a feeling Jimmie had wrecked but is glad he's okay. They are disgustingly cute and in love! :)
The Gatorade Duels begin on Thursday, which decide who gets in to the Daytona 500 and where some of them will start. Because of switching to the backup car, Jimmie goes to the back of the field but in true JJ form, makes his way to the top 10 quickly. During a caution with six laps left, Chad tells Jimmie to stay out to lead. With Kyle Busch on his tail and then a quick run by Kevin Harvick, The race is on. Harvick and Jimmie cross the finish line with Johnson winning by a few inches. In the post-race interview, Chad credits their spotter, Earl Barban for his constant help. Chad and Jimmie both call him the voice of reason and their sometimes-mediator. In his role, he needs to stay calm, which sometimes Chad and Jimmie forget to do.
Friday's practice rolls around, but is rained out. The only activity on the track is the newly-repaired 48 car arriving from Charlotte. On Saturday, Jimmie runs a good practice and pulls out early to save his car. He led all the laps he ran in practice and they feel they are the car to beat.
Sunday. THE DAY. The Great American Race. All the fanfare, tailgating, beer, steaks, burgers, music, camping out, hot-tubing in the infield … it's a sight to see! “It's music and it's cars … you don't get more American than that.” (JJ) Jimmie is all set for the race and friend (I guess?) Angie Harmon shows her support with an “I <3 Johnson” t-shirt. Harry Connick Jr. sings the National Anthem (although I still am mad it wasn't pre-race performer Tim McGraw, but that's another topic...) and the flyover comes and goes. It's time for racing! Thanks to his Duel win, Jimmie starts 3rd. During a normal pit stop, Jimmie stalls the car and on the next one, his pit crew makes a mistake. Having a bad day boys? Jimmie makes up some spots, staying in the teens. When a caution comes out, Jimmie has a flat tire – and Jimmie comments he thinks there's a hole in the track that caused the flat. He was right, which causes a nearly two hour red flag. During this red flag, Earl connects with Kurt Busch's spotter and they team up to push each other to the front. Yes, Kurt and Jimmie, working together. I mean, they're both champions, so why not? With 75 laps left, Kurt seems to be keeping his word and they work together. However, it doesn't last long, as the hole re-opens. Another red flag. With about 30 laps to go, the cars head back onto the track and Jimmie is making his way up through the field. 18 laps to go and Jimmie's car is out of control. He falls to the back of the field – his car is loose and they can't figure out what's wrong. They go to the garage and call it a day. Jimmie doesn't even finish the race. Jamie McMurray wins the Daytona 500 in a wild ending while Jimmie officially ends 35th.
The next race is in seven days (from the time of filming) at Auto Club Speedway in California and Jimmie and Chad are still running for their 5th championship. The show ends with an amazing montage of the entire special.
So that's the end. No more weekly dose of Chad, Jimmie and the rest of the 48 team. I have to say, I'm sad. This series has been amazing. First off, kudos to the HBO editing team. This has been some of the most amazing editing I've ever seen. If they don't get an award for this, it's a travesty. I'm not saying this as a race fan, but as a fan of movies and television. It was really cool to know what happened days in advance but then get the behind-the-scenes look at what was really going on. I love the nitty gritty realness of the show. My idea is for HBO to start a series following one team each week. I think it would be super successful!
“From humble beginnings, he raced in pursuit of his dreams, realizing them with victories and in time would become championships.” (24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona)
Photo Courtesy of Farrah Kaye.
This post also appears on www.thetwocents.com and has been republished with permission from the author.
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