Johnny Finishes 27th in the 2004 Daytona 500
Johnny started out the day by meeting our President, George W. Bush which was covered by NBC.  This was quite an honor for Johnny and his 42 competitors. 
                                             

President Bush, center, meets with NASCAR drivers from left to right Joe Nemechek, Jaime McMurray, Sterling Marlin and Johnny Benson before the start of the Daytona 500 NASCAR race, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2004, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

The rest of the day, Johnny spent dodging cars around the 2.5 mile Daytona International Speedway. 

The first incident on lap 7, when Mark Martin blew his engine. As the field slowed down for the caution, Martin was trying to maneuver his car based on his spotter's orders while Johnny was sandwiched between Martin and Robby Gordon.  The damage was minimal, but Johnny was called to the pits along with other for the first pit stop of the day putting him back in the 40th position.

By lap 34, Johnny was running in 22nd when the next caution flew for the one car wreck of Derrike Cope.  On lap 60, a multi car wreck that took out the cars of Kenny Schrader, Jeff Green, Sterling Marlin and Rusty Wallace.  Johnny sailed through the grass at a high rate of speed.  The front valance was dented by the ride in the dirt, but he was able to return to the field without losing a lap.  

The big wreck of the day came on lap 71, when Johnny Sauter and Brian Vickers came together sending Michael Waltrip into the wall and on to the grass flipping several times.  Michael's car landed on its roof - luckily he walked away.  The #09 Dodge was damaged as he tried to get through the wreck.  The #09 crew quickly went to work to repair the damage.  They only lost 5 laps and returned to the track to make laps.  Once they could not improve their finish, Johnny brought the #09 Dodge in the garage area.  He was awarded with a 27th place finish.