Pastrana started his week on a high note, qualifying on speed and making the Daytona 500. Being locked into the field, he took it easy in the Duels, but still got a piece of a crash that broke out ahead of him.
He then began NASCAR's crown jewel event from 40th on the grid, and took a cautious approach for most of the event. He led two laps during a cycle of green-flag pit stops, but otherwise remained unseen. However, late in the evening with the checkered flag in sight, Pastrana appeared at the backend of the top-ten.
