Fiery last lap mayhem rewards unexpected Daytona 500 winner

Michael McDowell broke his NASCAR Cup Series duck on Sunday while his rivals broke their cars in a fiery last lap smash-up that left two Penske teammates holding the bag.

Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski looked set for a Penske showdown as they raced past the white flash signaling the final lap of Sunday's Daytona 500 with McDowell in tow.

As the front-runners lined up for a final mad dash, McDowell nudged Keselowski into the back of Logano, which triggered a wreck between the Penske drivers and mayhem behind, with cars flying and fire erupting.

Fortunately, everyone survived to fight another day, but first time Cup Series winner McDowell made the most of the opportunity to win one of motorsport's most coveted events.

"I just can’t believe it, I’ve just got to thank God," a stunned McDowell said when the dust and scrap had settled. "So many years just grinding it out and hoping for an opportunity like this.

"I’m so thankful. Such a great way to get a first victory -- a Daytona 500. Are you kidding me?"

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.