Jeff Gordon Becomes Youngest "Daytona 500" Winner - February 16, 1997

February 16, 1997

(Photo: Jeff Gordon via photopin (license))
25-year-old Jeff Gordon claims his first "Daytona 500" victory, becoming the youngest winner in the history of the NASCAR event.

Driving his No. 24 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the Hendrick Motorsports racing team, Gordon recorded an average speed of 148.295 mph and took home prize money of more than $377,000. According to NASCAR.com, Gordon was “a veritable babe in a field that included 27 drivers older than 35, 16 at least 40.” Gordon’s Hendrick teammates Terry Labonte and Ricky Craven finished the race second and third, respectively.