The 2001 Daytona 500 was a NASCAR Winston Cup (now Sprint Cup) race held on February 18, 2001, at Daytona International Speedway during the 2001 Winston Cup Series. After 462 starts, Michael Waltrip was finally able to capture his first career points-paying Winston Cup win. The race would be marred by tragedy as Waltrip's car owner, Dale Earnhardt, crashed on the last lap and died from the injuries he suffered.