This was the proudest moment in the history of the site. David Gilliland in the Taco Bell / doorstopnation.com Ford finished 3rd in the Daytona 500. YES! You read that right: we at Doorstop Nation were a sponsor on a car that finished 3rd in the Daytona 500!
Joe Laracuente
Founder, Doorstop Nation
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Chapter I: Preparation & Garage Walkthrough
Before the engines roared, the meticulous process of configuring the #34 Ford Fusion with Doorstop Nation graphics began in the garages of Daytona International Speedway.
Daytona prep days.
Tuning the #34 inside the garage bay.
Setting lines during single-car time trials.
Crew layout along the main pit road stalls.
Chapter II: Trackside Action & Heart Stopping Incidents
Drafting battles at 200+ MPH and razor-thin close-calls that almost compromised David's brilliant run.
"I damn near had a heart attack when Robby spun right in front of David!"
— Joe Laracuente
Green-flag service in full momentum.
Robby Gordon spins dangerously close to the #34.
Keeping safe track position during the intense pack racing.
Joe: "Passing Kyle Busch!"
drafting tandem & high speeds
Tandem positioning
Stephen Wallace draft help
Maintaining throttle
Chapter III: The Photo Finish & Media Spotlight
Coming down the final frontstretch to take one of the most unexpected, hard-earned podium finishes in modern Daytona history.
Joe: "Too bad Fox never interviewed him... mentioned us on MRN?"
Wide shot crossing the start-finish line.
Zoomed photo-finish showing incredible final running order.
Joe: "Another shot of the finish! We were so close..."
Tandem Angles & Track Coverage
Tandem cluster
Aerial draft
Pack momentum
Turn 4 entry
Joe: "Look at all the cameras! Massive media attention."
Joe: "Here's the car post-race! Wow..."
Chapter IV: Robert Richardson & The No. 37 Car
Our sponsorship didn't stop at the #34. We were proud to represent Robert Richardson's entry during the weekend as well.
Qualifying inspection
Crew adjustments
No. 37 detail profile
Television Exposure & Placement
Joe: "Once you watched it on TV the decal was right in your face I wonder how many saw it?"
Our placement strategy paid dividends, showcasing our digital sports community to millions of live NASCAR fans worldwide during the main broadcast.
Episode 208: Robert Richardson Jr.
Joe: "Years later I got to interview Robert Richardson. Robert went into great detail about the 2011 Daytona 500."