By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
An emotional Brendan Gaughan spoke to the NASCAR media following the conclusion of Monday’s 62nd annual Daytona 500.
In what was the veteran’s last 500, Gaughan was able to avoid any incident that would prevent him from finishing the event, including a horrific last lap crash that sent Ryan Newman to Halifax Medical Center afterwards.
Gaughan and his No. 62 Beard Motorsports / South Point Camaro ZL1 1LE were able to capture his first top-10 finish in The Great American Race, which was a seventh-place result in his 10th attempt.
Post-race was filled with strong and apparent emotion from the Las Vegas native as drivers, crews and fans alike all found out just how bad that last lap crash was for Newman.
Gaughan’s main thoughts and focus were with the driver of the No. 6 Koch Ford Mustang.
“My last Daytona 500, my career-best finish, what an amazing finish. The Beard Oil Team, what a great job. I’m so proud of all the guys; we don’t quit. Right now, my thoughts are with Newman," said an emotional Gaughan. as he fought back tears.
"I don't know much more except I saw the wreck and it does not look pretty, I hope Newman's okay. Him and I are the old guys."
Gaughan has three races remaining with Beard Motorsports in 2020, which are Daytona in August and both Talladega Superspeedway events.
“23 or 24 years of this and finally a top-10 in the Daytona 500 and a chance to win,” stated Gaughan.
“The guys didn’t quit; the pit crew didn’t quit. I love the Beard family and thank you for the opportunity. For us, this is a big deal. We’re a small team with one employee, a car chief that’s a plumber, and we come home with a top-ten in the Daytona 500. I had a shot there at the end to win. That’s Daytona, man! This stuff is wild. I do love this racing. We take this risk; love this risk and we do what we love. I still love what I do.”
Gaughan’s next race will be the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26. Talladega is another track that he has had a number of good NASCAR Cup Series finishes at including one top-five and two top-10 finishes in nine previous starts.