Washington (Reuters)
Veteran Jacques Villeneuve, a former Formula 1 world champion, contented himself with finishing 22nd on his debut at the famous Daytona 500.
The 50-year-old Canadian, who failed to qualify for the race that is part of the NASCAR Championship, on his only previous attempt in 14 years, started from 40th and last.
Villeneuve was quickly one lap behind the leaders, and after reaching lap 38, his car made a contactless semi-circle into the pit, before regaining control of the Ford Mustang.
After that, Villeneuve avoided a severe accident, after Tyler Riddick lost control of the car, and the Canadian driver led the standings.
The promising Austin Cendrick won the Daytona 500, after beating Bubba Wallace after a close competition, and Chase Briscoe came third.
Villeneuve has a tremendous motorsports career, winning the Formula 1 championship in 1997 and winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1995, so he was very excited to appear in the famous Daytona 500.