Denny Hamlin wins Daytona 500 in photo finish; Ryan Newman has fiery crash at finish

Denny Hamlin won his second consecutive Daytona 500 and third overall Monday, edging Ryan Blaney in a photo finish at Daytona International Speedway,

It was the second-closest finish in the history of the “Great American Race,” according to NASCAR.com. Hamlin’s 0.014 margin of victory over Ryan Blaney was the second closest in the race’s 62-year history, ESPN reported.

The race ended dramatically, as Ryan Newman crashed on the final lap, ESPN reported. Newman’s car flipped several times and crossed the finish line on its roof, engulfed in flames. Newman was taken to an area hospital for treatment. NASCAR later released a statement saying Newman was in serious condition, but doctors did not consider it life-threatening.

Hamlin became the first driver in 25 years to win the Daytona 500 in consecutive seasons; Sterling Marlin went back to back in 1994 and 1995.

Hamlin joins six Hall of Famers who have won at least three Daytona 500 races: Richard Petty has won the event seven times, Cale Yarborough took the checkered flag four times, and Dale Jarrett, Jeff Gordon and Bobby Allison won three times.

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