Setzer qualified 17th Thursday night after he posted in the top 10 both times in the previous practice sessions.
 
Right off the bat Setzer battled a loose condition forcing him to drop to the rear of the pack where he settled in 30th position until he could get help. Thankfully, the first caution waved on lap 12 for an accident in turn two. Crew Chief Marcus Richmond told Setzer to come down pit road for service. The No. 18 Journey Dodge Racing Team jumped into action changing four tires, adding fuel and making an air pressure adjustment to help with the loose condition. He restarted in the 29th spot.

It didn't take long for the second caution to wave on lap 19 for a fiery multi-truck crash. The race was immediately red flagged until the debris could be cleared. "That was a close one for us," said Richmond. "Great driving Setzer. When the caution comes back out come down pit road. I am going to give you four fresh tires and make a track bar adjustment." Setzer hit pit road 17 minutes later after the red flag was lifted and received four fresh Goodyear Wranglers, two cans of Sunoco fuel and a track bar adjustment. He returned to the track in 20th position.

Just two laps after the race was restarted another crash transpired in turn four resulting in the third caution of the night. Once again Setzer drove the No. 18 Journey Dodge down pit road for service. The Journey Dodge Racing Team cranked out a fast pit stop changing all four tires and fuel. Setzer also hit pit road right before the restart to get another splash of Sunoco fuel.  He restarted in the 16th spot. Just when it seemed like the cautions would disappear for awhile the fourth one waved for debris five laps after the previous restart. Richmond elected to stay out and Setzer agreed. "We will have another one I am sure," said Richmond. "So I am not too worried about staying out."

Over the next several laps Setzer rode comfortably in 16th position doing his best to stay in a safe zone, a place where he wasn't to far from the lead back, but could easily dodge the wrecks if they happened in front of him. An accident in turn two brought out the fifth caution on lap 55. Setzer hit pit road and headed toward his pit stall to the attention of the Journey Dodge Racing Team. They jumped into action changed all four tires, added fuel and made a shock adjustment by opening the front shock. He restarted back in 16th spot. The next 31 laps stayed green and Setzer was able to make his way through traffic. By lap 81 he had worked his way into the top 10.

The sixth and final caution waved on lap 88 for an accident in turn four. Knowing the final laps would be a shoot out Setzer came down pit road for fresh rubber. After receiving four fresh tires, fuel and a wedge adjustment he returned to the track in sixth spot.
In the final 10 laps Setzer made his biggest charge of the night towards the front. He jumped to the high side to help push teammate Stacy Compton pass the leaders, but was unable to make his Journey Dodge work on the top lane. Despite getting up as high as fifth spot Setzer was forced to the low lane and fell in line. He scored a 10th place finish after staring 17th. It was Setzer's best finish at Daytona since 2004.