Q&A with Trevor Bayne

Trevor Bayne drives the No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing. Last year, at the age of 20 years and one day, he became the youngest driver to win the Daytona 500. It was his only Sprint Cup win of the season. Sunday at 1 p.m. on Ch. 5, Bayne sets out to defend his Daytona 500 title.

What was is it like to become the youngest winner in the Daytona 500?

"It didn't sink in right away. I'll tell you when it really sank in. It was much later and we were at an awards dinner and they were showing all these historic highlights of the Daytona 500. I'm sitting there watching Richard Petty, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough. I grew up watching them race. That's when I realized I was part of the history of the Daytona 500."

How has your life changed since winning at Daytona?

"I have to get up a lot earlier now. I am 20 years old and I like to sleep. But there have been a lot of appearances and media obligations. That's what has changed the most."

Danica Patrick joins NASCAR full time this season, how do you think she'll do?

"She has what it takes to be a really good driver. But anyone who comes over from open-wheel racing, there is an adjustment period and it takes time. They struggle a bit at the beginning. It's not that they are not good drivers, it just takes time. The cars are different. But she brings a lot of fans to our sport and that's exciting."

Talk about last year's incredible finish.

"It doesn't get any better than that. Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart racing for the title on the last day of the season. Really, coming down to the last lap. It was great for our sport. A walk-off win. Tony put a lot of pressure on himself, saying he was going to win. But he went out and did it. To win five races in the chase is unbelievable."

I understand you are a big football fan.

"I am a Steelers fan. I started watching them when they had Jerome Bettis running the ball. But I am from Knoxville, Tenn., so I am also a Peyton Manning fan."

Does Manning stay in Indianapolis or will he come here to New York to play in the same city as Eli?

"Well, I would hate to see him come back to football playing at anything less than he was. If he does come back, I think it will be with the Colts. He built everything there. And I am glad Eli won another Super Bowl for the Giants. At least there was a Manning in the Super Bowl."