The 2026 Daytona 500 concluded in a dramatic fashion, with Tyler Reddick emerging victorious after a last-lap pass amidst a chaotic series of crashes. The 68th edition of the iconic American motorsport event saw Reddick secure his first Daytona 500 win, a result shaped by strategy, perseverance, and a significant dose of last-minute turmoil.
In the closing meters of the race, Reddick, propelled by a push from teammate Riley Herbst, overtook Chase Elliott on the outside and crossed the finish line. A subsequent multi-car collision unfolded behind him as drivers desperately attempted to gain position, with Reddick ultimately winning by a mere 0.308 seconds over Ricky Stenhouse Jr., the 2023 edition’s champion.
The magnitude of the victory is underscored by the fact that Reddick became the 25th different leader of the race – an absolute record – and notably, led only the final lap. Having endured a winless 2025 season, the driver expressed relief at meeting the expectations placed upon him. “Last year was really hard for all of us, hard for me,” Reddick said. “When you’re a Cup driver and you get to this level and drive for Michael Jordan, it’s expected you win every single year.” He credited the team’s dedication during the off-season for the turnaround.
The final lap was marked by a series of dramatic shifts in the lead. Carson Hocevar was in front as the final lap began, but a spin in Turn 1 eliminated him from contention, along with other competitors. Elliott inherited the lead and appeared poised for his first “Crown Jewel” victory, until Reddick’s maneuver changed the outcome in the final corners.
Joey Logano finished third, followed by Elliott and Brad Keselowski, who competed while still recovering from a fracture in his right femur. “It was a chaotic finish. I had a great run coming, but the block just didn’t give us any option,” Keselowski stated.
Earlier in the race, a significant incident involving Justin Allgaier and Denny Hamlin triggered a 20-car pile-up in the tri-oval during the second stage. Allgaier took responsibility for the collision, stating, “I thought I had blocked enough on the top, but I didn’t check enough. It was my mistake.”
Despite being involved in that earlier incident, Herbst played a crucial role in Reddick’s victory. Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, praised Herbst’s contribution, emphasizing the value of teamwork. “That shows you what teamwork can do. He doesn’t get enough credit, but we know exactly what he did,” Jordan said, visibly emotional.
Reddick’s triumph not only marks a strong start to the season but also represents a redemption story following recent frustrations. In a race characterized by 65 lead changes among 25 drivers and multiple accidents, patience and precise execution proved decisive.
At Daytona International Speedway, where glory is often determined by fractions of a second, Reddick waited for the opportune moment. That patience ultimately secured his championship in the Great American Race.
NASCAR Cup Series Race – DAYTONA 500
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Beach, Florida
Sunday, February 15, 2026
1. (26) Tyler Reddick, Toyota, 200.
2. (16) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet, 200.
3. (3) Joey Logano, Ford, 200.
4. (4) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, 200.
5. (9) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 200.
6. (30) Zane Smith, Ford, 200.
7. (41) Chris Buescher, Ford, 200.
8. (28) Riley Herbst, Toyota, 200.
9. (14) Josh Berry, Ford, 200.
10. (27) Bubba Wallace, Toyota, 200.
11. (25) Noah Gragson, Ford, 200.
12. (39) William Byron, Chevrolet, 200.
13. (15) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet, 200.
14. (34) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet, 200.
15. (1) Kyle Busch, Chevrolet, 200.
16. (8) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 200.
17. (33) Cody Ware, Chevrolet, 200.
18. (6) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet, 200.
19. (35) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 200.
20. (37) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet, 200.
21. (24) Erik Jones, Toyota, 200.
22. (10) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet, 200.
23. (20) Ty Gibbs, Toyota, 200.
24. (23) Cole Custer, Chevrolet, 200.
25. (19) Ryan Preece, Ford, 200.
26. (11) John Hunter Nemechek, Toyota, Accident, 199.
27. (5) Ryan Blaney, Ford, Accident, 199.
28. (29) Corey Heim(i), Toyota, 199.
29. (31) Jimmie Johnson, Toyota, Accident, 199.
30. (13) Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet, 199.
31. (21) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 198.
32. (17) Casey Mears, Ford, 195.
33. (32) Connor Zilisch #, Chevrolet, 195.
34. (36) Austin Cindric, Ford, 193.
35. (12) Christopher Bell, Toyota, Accident, 191.
36. (2) Chase Briscoe, Toyota, 188.
37. (7) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, Accident, 137.
38. (40) Justin Allgaier(i), Chevrolet, Accident, 123.
39. (18) Todd Gilliland, Ford, Accident, 123.
40. (22) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, Accident, 123.
41. (38) BJ McLeod, Chevrolet, Accident, 4.
