Kevin Harvick won the 2007 Daytona 500 in one of NASCAR's most dramatic finishes. Driving for Richard Childress Racing, he edged out Mark Martin by a mere 0.02 seconds on the final lap amid chaos behind them.

Race Overview

The 2007 Daytona 500, held on February 18 at Daytona International Speedway, spanned 200 laps under green-white-checkered rules extended by late cautions. Harvick capitalized on a daring high-line move with a push from Matt Kenseth and Jeff Burton, surging past Martin entering Turn 4. A massive wreck erupted immediately after involving Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer, and others, but officials deemed Harvick's win official as he crossed the line first.

Thrilling Finish Details

  • Harvick started from 6th out of Turn 4, got a "freight-train" bump draft on the backstretch, and overtook multiple cars including Busch.
  • Martin, who gambled on a two-tire pit stop for track position, led into the final corner but lost momentum blocking Busch, allowing Harvick to slingshot ahead by inches.
  • The margin was the closest in Daytona 500 history at the time (since precise timing began in 1993); controversy arose over when the yellow flag waved, but NASCAR upheld the result after review.

Top Finishers

Position| Driver| Team/Notes
---|---|---
1st| Kevin Harvick| Richard Childress Racing; emotional win post-Dale Earnhardt era 1
2nd| Mark Martin| Roush Racing; heartbreaking near-miss 2
3rd| Jeff Burton| Richard Childress Racing; aided Harvick's push 1
4th| Mike Wallace| Surprise top-5 run 1
5th| David Ragan| Another underdog standout 1

Legacy and Reactions

Harvick's victory marked RCR's first Daytona 500 win since Dale Earnhardt's 1998 triumph, stirring nostalgia for team owner Richard Childress. Martin graciously noted he "let it slip through my fingers" without complaint, while Harvick admitted punching his mirror in excitement, injuring his hand. Fans still hail it as a classic, with Reddit threads and YouTube clips revisiting the "last-lap miracle" 17+ years later.

TL;DR: Kevin Harvick snatched victory from Mark Martin by 0.02s in a wild 2007 Daytona 500 finale, forever etched in NASCAR lore.

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