Fourteen drivers opened the car race, but it is also the most prestigious competition in sports. The Daytona International Speedway announced this month that it would have a record-breaking purse of over $19 million. By comparison, last year's Indianapolis 500 paid out $13.5 million. As the race was nearing its end, a major fire occurred at the 40th lap, which put the race at a critical juncture for two hours, pushing the race into a third day. Intermittent rain for some 24 hours forced a prime-time Monday start - the first since the race's inauguration in 1959. Finally, Matt Kenseth crossed the finish line by about one point on Tuesday, claiming the 54th running of the "Great American Race." First, the rain caused race officials to call off the event for the first time in the history of the Daytona 500 on Sunday. Then, persistent showers made them reschedule from noon to Monday evening. This year, due to rain, four races were cut short before 53 previous ones in 1965, 1966, 2003, and 2009, but none were canceled for a day. Daytona Beach news, Florida (CNN) - In a sport where speed is king, this year's NASCAR Daytona 500 was a game of long waits. Fourteen victories are second to the driver who slowly stepped out as Dale Earnhardt and teammate Greg Biffle respectively took the checkered flag. Those who survived to complete multiple accidents, including one on the second lap, saw ten caution flags. Officials closed the track for nearly two hours after Juan Pablo Montoya crashed into a drying plane, with debris being used to hit and clear the track under a caution flag. Montoya's car, the plane dryer, and a truck all caught fire, setting a section of the track ablaze. Related thematic articles: Fire and Rain Make for an Unusual Daytona 500 Race. Quick Website Promotion Strategy Tips. Orange Releases Turn to Santa Clara's Smartphones. Advice for Business Owners to Achieve a Top Ten Google Ranking. Small companies can compete on equal footing due to the unique nature of the Internet.