DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Only six of 43 cars made it unscathed to the finish line of the Nationwide Series opener at Daytona International Speedway.

James Buescher was not driving one of those clean cars.

Still, he managed to dodge and weave his way through an 11-car accident on the last lap of Saturday’s race, stealing the victory and setting the stage for what’s expected to be a wild Daytona 500.

Buescher joined unknown John King, winner of Friday night’s Truck Series opener, as surprise winners this weekend at Daytona. Both came from nowhere to win crash-marred races. Elliott Sadler, runner-up to Buescher on Saturday, said Sunday’s race will be much of the same.

“It’s the Daytona 500. It’s a once in a lifetime race to be involved in and try to win, and I think guys are going to go for it when it’s showtime,” Sadler said. “I think guys will be patient the first part of the race, test their cars, just like you saw today. When it gets time to go, crazy things happen.”

Buescher was in 11th place as he rounded the final turn and made his way through a massive pack of spinning race cars.

“They all piled up in front of me, and we made it through,” Buescher said. “It’s hard to describe the feeling when you make it through the wreck and you’re the only guy. You don’t see anybody in front of you coming to the checkered flag. It’s pretty incredible.”

It was a mess behind him.