Kenseth wins rain-shortened Daytona 500

After a 15-minute period under the red flag for rain, NASCAR decided to call the 51^st Daytona 500 with Matt Kenseth’s No. 17 DeWalt Ford sitting at the front of the field on pit road.

It was Kenseth’s first-ever victory in a Daytona 500, likewise it was a first for team owner Jack Roush.

With almost three-quarters of the racing action behind them the field battled for position on the track, knowing the rain was coming. Kenseth was able to pass Jeremy Mayfield and then hold off Kevin Harvick and A.J. Allmendinger as Aric Almirola spun on Lap 147 going down the back stetch to bring out the final caution of the race. The yellow flag delay ate up enough time to allow the skies to open up and soak the track.

As Kenseth exited his car, he wasn’t sure if NASCAR was going to call the race but 15-minutes later, he got his answer.

From Victory Lane, Kenseth said, ”It’s gonna be really wet out here because I am crying like a baby, but I’ve

Got to thank my team and thank the Lord for giving me this opportunity first of all. I’ve had a lot of great opportunities in my life — from my family getting me in racing and really DeWalt, Ford, Carhartt, USG Sheetrock, R&L Carriers, all of the sponsors that we have that have stuck by us and made this happen in an up and down economy. Man, I don’t know, Winning the Daytona 500 is definitely a dream moment. It’s just an unbelievable feeling.”

Keith Urban dazzles the media in mini-concert

If you are a Keith Urban fan then you would love to be in the very crowded Daytona Media Center right now, as the country music chart-topper just serenaded the press with a couple of his hit songs.Unlike other performers that have graced the Daytona Media Center, Urban grabbed his guitar, sat next to the Harley J. Earl Trophy that is awarded to the winner of the Daytona 500, and drew thunderous applause and laughter from the usually jading media.

During a brief question and answer session, Urban said that his favorite driver is fellow Aussie, Marcos Ambrose, who is starting the Daytona 500 in the 23^rd position. Urban was coy when asked bout just how fast he had driven in a car, again bringing laughter from the crowd when he replied, “65, you know. Well, maybe 165, no, about 130 mph but that was insane.”

Urban also confirmed that his wife Nicole Kidman was at the speedway with him. And the final question, “What’s your favorite racing movie?”

“Cars,” Urban replied, which again brought cheers and laughter from the media members.

Personally, I am just glad he didn’t say Talladega Nights. That movie is an abomination and every copy should be burned.

As for what is happening around the track, well, I am not quire sure as it has been drizzling and nasty all morning.

I did just confirm that the start of the 2009 Daytona 500 will likely be delayed.

According to track officials it takes three hours to get the track dry after a rainstorm and there is a band of showers about an hour away from the speedway.

The one good thing is that Daytona has lights, so NACAR will do everything humanly possible to get the race completed today. And there is added pressure because the teams have to pack up and head to the second race of the season in Fontana, Ca. at the Auto Club Speedway. The Sprint Cup garage opens on Thursday.

Well, that’s it for the morning update. Enjoy the photos of Keith Urban and wish us luck with the weather.

PHOTOS: Camping World 300