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Reddick Wins Daytona 500 in Dramatic Finish
16 Feb
Summary
- Tyler Reddick secured the Daytona 500 victory with a last-second surge.
- Bubba Wallace achieved a top-10 finish and won Stage 2.
- Several top drivers faced significant setbacks due to crashes and incidents.
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season officially began with the thrilling Daytona 500 at Daytona International Raceway. Tyler Reddick emerged victorious, masterfully taking the lead in the race's final seconds just as a major wreck unfolded behind him. This win signifies a strong comeback for Reddick after a difficult past season.
Bubba Wallace delivered a notable performance, securing a 10th-place finish and winning the second stage. He also led the most laps, showcasing a return to his 2024 form. Despite facing potential incidents, Wallace navigated the track effectively, accumulating 37 points to start the season.
The Great American Race was marred by several significant incidents, impacting numerous drivers. William Byron faced adversity with a backup car and multiple crashes, while Chase Briscoe's strong start ended abruptly due to a multi-car pileup. BJ McLeod and Connor Zilisch also encountered early exits due to tire failures and crashes, respectively.
Other notable performances included Zane Smith winning Stage 1 through a strategic fuel-saving maneuver and Chris Buescher finishing seventh after starting from the back. 23XI Racing had a dominant start to the season, with Tyler Reddick's win, Bubba Wallace's top-10 finish, and Riley Herbst's crucial teammate assist, culminating in an eighth-place finish for himself.
