denny hamlin took the checkered flag raycom's joe murano was there to take in the thrilling finish. the racing world belongs to not only denny hamlin, but also joe gibbs racing. this is hamlin's first daytona 500 win and it helps him achieve what he says was a childhood dream... gorgeous day for racing in elliott had all the hype surrounding him after winning the pole and the xfinity series race...but chase's day ends early on lap 18, as he wrecks on the frontstretch...the same happened later with his teammate dale earnhardt junior. then it's all about joe gibbs racing - carl edwards comes back from two early crashes and takes fifth in his run while kyle busch grabs a third place really good racecars. we know how well all of us work together." matt kenseth led the last 40 laps - but the final turn comes second - the closest finish in daytona 500 history. "i didn't know we won. i knew it was close. i saw the pylon change and blink at crazy, excited. i assumed we won when that happened" hamlin is the champion, but doesn't forget to give credit to his team we always say we're about the