The Rock issues epic first command at Daytona 500 before huge wreck sweeps field with nine laps to go
The Rock gave NASCAR fans exactly what they wanted before a huge crash almost wiped out the entire Daytona 500 field.
Sticking around an extra day after rain delayed the Great American Race, The Rock ignited the Daytona 500 by publicly referring to himself before demanding that drivers rev up their cars.
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"In the proud spirit of America, and in the proud spirit of our great country, finally The Rock says drivers start your engines!" Dwayne Johnson proclaimed.
A chaotic race followed, including multiple lead changes and painfully erased dreams of a Dayton 500 trophy.
With nine laps to go, the remaining field threatened to be wiped out .
"They can't get around -- whoa, no!" exclaimed an announcer, as packed-together cars immediately began sliding along the 2.5-mile super speedway.
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"Keselowski gets turned by William Byron!" an announcer followed up, as wrecked vehicles piled up along the infield.
A 22-car crash placed The Rock in the rearview mirror and once again reminded NASCAR fans that the Daytona 500 is often won by the luckiest driver of the day, not the best.
Byron earned that honor on Monday, despite previously never finishing higher than 21st in the famous race.
Making Byron's Daytona 500 title even more unbelievable is the fact that he's a self-taught racer whose main training ground was computer equipment.
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"I'm just a kid from racing on computers and winning the Daytona 500, I can't believe it," Byron said. "I wish my dad was here. He's sick, but this is for him, man. We've been through so much, and we sat up in the grandstands together and watched the race."
The Rock's pre-race introduction was a viral smash.
While musical performer Pitbull was forced to skip the event because of the delay, The Rock stuck around an extra day.
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He was swarmed by fans on the starting grid and enjoyed every moment of his pre-race call.
"My absolute honor to give this command with the respect and energy it deserves," The Rock said. "Over 100,000 fans in silence until I say the word engines, as the drivers fire up at the same time.
"This whole thing gave me chills. THANK YOU fans, drivers, teams and NASCAR. I will never forget this. If you need the People’s Champ again, you know where to find me."
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