Written by: Shaun Pierce
Date: Feb. 6, 2010

Bobby Gerhart won Saturday’s Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA series opener at Daytona International Speedway. Gerhart hit the finish line .230 of a second in front of Thompson to earn his sixth victory at Daytona.

Danica Patrick loses control of her car during the ARCA Racing Series Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway. (Photo: Getty Images)

Gerhart’s victory was overshadowed by Indycar star, Danica Patrick making her stock car debut. Patrick started 12th and ran much of the early part of the race in the top 10. Late in the race Patrick made contact, sending the open-wheel star sliding through the Daytona tri-oval grass. She emerged undamaged and pitted for tires. Patrick rallied through the field move into fifth place in the closing laps. She and Ricky Carmichael hit side-to-side battling for sixth place on the final lap, with Patrick finishing in sixth.

Ricky Carmicheal who is continuing his transition from two-wheels to four ran competitive starting 14th and stayed in the top 10 for much of event. Carmichael had to settle for seventh place after a tough battle with Patrick.

Former Formula One driver Nelson Piquet Jr. made is his first oval start and was impressive early in race staying in or near the top 5. Piquet started seventh, but made contact with Chase Mattioli on lap 67 ended the Brazilians chance at good finish. Piquet finished 27th, 13 laps down to winner Gerhart.

Milka Duno another female driver who previously competed in the Indycar and Grand-Am Series made her far less publicized stock car. Duno started 41st and was caught up in a multi-car accident on lap 6 when Bill Baird lost control, and slipped up into the wall, igniting a wild incident that took out seven cars and caused a red flag. The incident ended Duno’s debut after just 6 laps and credited her with a 43rd place finish.

The race produced significant chaos and mayhem, results that are not unexpected in ARCA
events at Daytona. There were several major accidents; resulting in two red flag periods and 6 cautions for 36 laps.