Hendrick Motorsports had a rough start to the Daytona 500. Three of the team's four cars, including five-time defending Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, were involved in a 14-car wreck early in the 500-mile race Sunday. Four-time series champ Jeff Gordon, who started on the front row, and veteran Mark Martin also sustained damage in the melee. The fourth Hendrick entry, fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr., avoided the mess and was running with the leaders. His teammates weren't as fortunate. Gordon's No. 24 Chevrolet was crumpled front and back, forcing the team to the garage area for major repairs. He returned to the race 30 laps down, essentially running for points while extending his winless streak to 66 races. "It doesn't really matter at this point," Gordon said. "Our chances of winning the Daytona 500 are over. That's the disappointing part." Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=6142006
