01/29/2018
Bayne looks ahead to Daytona
CONCORD, N.C. (Jan. 26, 2018) – In just three short weeks, engines will fire at the famed Daytona International Speedway for what many consider NASCAR’s biggest race of the season; the Daytona 500th.
Roush Fenway Racing’s Trevor Bayne shocked the sports world in 2011, becoming the youngest driver to win the prestigious event, and moving into 2018, he hopes to put another victory at ‘The Great American Race’ under his belt.
“There aren’t many things you can do and seven years later remember every detail of it,” said Bayne, who became an overnight sensation with his dramatic upset in 2011. “I think that’s what is so special about Daytona.”
Bayne notched two top-five and six top-10 finishes in 2018, but understands there is plenty of room for improvement. Going into his fourth season of full-time competition at the Cup level, he continues to reflect on lessons learned and remains optimistic for the season ahead.
“I want to be the guy that’s competitive,” explained Bayne. “Obviously we haven’t done that as much as we wanted to in the last couple of seasons. We fired off fast in 2017, running top 12 just about every weekend to begin the season. We have to be able to get off to a strong start again, and to be able to carry that success throughout the entire season. Going into the season, we are optimistic about where we are headed this year.”
Bayne and the No. 6 AdvoCare team believe the secret to success and clinching a spot in the playoffs comes down to more than just winning, having placed a major focus on earning valuable stage points in 2018.
“You’ve got to run good and earn more Stage Points and we’re going to work hard at that,” said Bayne. “Obviously a win would be great early in the season, but those points- they really carry you through – so we’re going to be pushing for each point we can get.”
Bayne returns to the track in the MENCS kickoff race at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
