There is no doubt Matt Kenseth is one of the most calm, cool and collected drivers in the NASCAR garage. Never one to display a lot of emotion, the 2003 Cup Series champion showed his true excitement and joy after being declared the winner of the 51st annual Daytona 500.

"To be honest, it really hasn't sunk in," Kenseth said after finishing up his post-race celebration in Victory Lane. "I woke up this morning not really thinking I was going to win the Daytona 500."

Making his tenth start in the 'Great American Race,' Kenseth was forced to do so in a back-up car from the back of the pack. Working his way through the field and into contention, Kenseth put himself in position and capitalized when it mattered most.

When the skies opened up and the cars were brought to pit road most drivers climbed from their cars, Kenseth stayed put. For roughly seventeen minutes, the Cambridge, Wisconsin-native waited in his No. 17 Ford Fusion as NASCAR debated what to do.

"Well, that's how I am," Kenseth said of remaining in the car. "I hang out with my car with a cover over it. I sit in the back pew of church. That's just me."

When NASCAR made their decision and called the event, Kenseth finally let his emotions go, saying, "It's gonna be really wet out here because I'm crying like a baby."

"I actually am a pretty emotional guy," Kenseth admitted. "You guys just don't always really see it."

Since joining the Cup Series full-time in 2000, Kenseth has built a respect amongst his peers in the garage that is somewhat unrivaled. One of the cleanest drivers on the track, the former series champion is consistent behind the wheel and is not one for the flash and drama others are known to show. For this reason, many in the stands have somewhat overlooked his talent and his accomplishments, something none of his competitors make the mistake of doing.

"I think in the garage it will definitely be a popular win," runner-up Kevin Harvick pointed out. "I think Matt's obviously a pretty stand-up person and a great race car driver, accomplished a lot in this sport. I think a lot of us can relate to Matt for kind of going out of the spotlight. I think he's one of those guys that he can win seven or eight races in a year and never receive any credit. He's a really good race car driver. He's a champion, Daytona 500 champion. I think a lot of times some of those things are overlooked."

Accepting his responsibilities as Daytona 500 champion, Kenseth will have to take his place in the spotlight during the up-coming week. Monday he and the No. 17 team will be honored at the Daytona 500 champion's breakfast, followed by the induction of his winning car into the Daytona 500 Experience. After that, it is a busy week full of television appearances, interviews and a trip to New York City.

"You know, I'm looking forward to the week," said Kenseth. "It's not always my favorite thing to do, but I'm really looking forward to going around and actually people calling me the Daytona 500 champion. It's pretty awesome. I'm going to enjoy it the best I can and try to find some time to celebrate when we have time in our schedule for it.

Kenseth and his team definitely deserve to celebrate after their victory in Sunday's Daytona 500. While some may complain the race was ended early due to rain, there is no arguing the fact Kenseth and the crew worked their tails off not only during the race but the entire week. A wrecked race car in the Gatorade Duels forced the team to bring out the back-up and start at the rear of the field. As always, Kenseth was able to methodically pick his way towards the front while the 'Killer Bees' got the job done in the pits. This team deserves the win and should enjoy the spotlight.