Sauter wins Daytona Truck opener as Bell flips wildly on last lap

Johnny Sauter made a pass when it mattered most and captured his second career victory in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

Sauter had just passed then-leader Ryan Truex after the white flag was displayed signaling the last lap when a massive wreck erupted behind them on the frontstretch which forced the race to end under caution.

It’s a sentimental victory for Sauter who was running his first race with a new team, GMS Racing. For the first time, the win will also all-but ensure Sauter will have a chance to compete for this season’s championship.

NASCAR has implemented the Chase format in both Truck and Xfinity series this season.

“I knew there were seven laps to go after that red flag but I didn’t know how it would all go after putting all that oil-dry down. I was thinking this could be a few laps shootout,” Sauter said from Victory Lane.

“I’m so pumped up. Chevrolet – it’s their first win ever at Daytona in Trucks.”

Reminded he now has virtually clinched a spot in the Chase, Sauter said, “That’s so cool. I’m all for it. I just a feeling. Our truck was so good in practice yesterday. I thought we were going to have a shot at this.”

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