Reddick Cops NextEra Energy Resources 250 At Daytona

By Joe Jennings
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Updated: February 21, 2015

Tyler Reddick climbs from his truck after winning the NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona. [Russ Lake Photo]

Daytona Beach, Fla. – Tyler Reddick survived a crash-riddled NextEra Energy Resources 250 at the Daytona International Speedway on a chilly evening to win the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season opener.

For the 19-year old Californian, he won for the first time in his 11th NCWTS start. He drove the Draw Tite Ford fielded by Brad Keselowski Racing with the team winning for the fourth time.

Tyler Reddick takes the victory as the rest of the field crowds the finish line at the Daytona International Speedway. [Russ Lake Photo]

The opening lap of the NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at the Daytona International Speedway. [Russ Lake Photo]

Truck race three wide through the high banks of the Daytona International Speedway. [Russ Lake Photo]

Racing action early in the NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. [Russ Lake Photo]

Tight racing action during the NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at the Daytona International Speedway. [Russ Lake Photo]

A big wreck in turn three during the NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at the Daytona International Speedway. [Russ Lake Photo]

Tyler Reddick climbs from his truck after winning at Daytona. [Russ Lake Photo]

Tyler Reddick and the team celebrate his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory. [Russ Lake Photo]

Said the victor, “Any race you lead at Daytona is very stressful. I felt better knowing my teammate (Austin Theriault) was behind me as we had been working together. This hasn’t sunk in yet, and it is unbelievable to be here. To get the team a win at the beginning of the year means a lot to me and to them.”

Reddick became the fourth driver to win his/her first race at Daytona.

Keselowski commented, “You see it from a much differently sitting up there as an owner and now I know how Roger (Penske) feels. It is a completely different experience. This was a huge day for our driver and our team in the biggest race of the year, a really strong outing. We are off to a good start for the season and proving it at Daytona is special.”

En-route to the win, Reddick led 46 laps and his margin of victory over Erik Jones in a Toyota was .174 seconds.

“Second is no fun,” said Jones.

In a four-wide race for third, Scott Lagasse (Toyota) ended up in front followed closely by first-time starter Austin Theriault in a second BKR Ford, and Ray Black Jr. (Chevrolet).

Trailing the front five was David Gilliland, Brian Silas, 2014 champion Matt Crafton, Daniel Suarez and Johnny Sauter.
Fast-qualifier Ty Dillon finished 11th after leading 37 laps.

Six caution flags slowed the race for 27 laps with two major crashes decimating the field. Ten trucks were involved on lap 26 and a dozen at mid-point of race.
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