Daytona 500: Byron Seeks Three-Peat as Longshots Threaten the Favorite
William Byron will attempt to make history with a third consecutive Daytona 500 victory on Sunday, Feb. 15 (ET), but the sport's signature race remains as unpredictable as ever. A mix of veteran campaigners, rebound candidates and debutants who punched their tickets in the Duel races are all positioned to disrupt the script.
Byron chases an uncommon hat trick
Byron enters the Daytona 500 as the entrant to beat after consecutive wins in the event, a streak that has placed a target on his car. Success at the 2½-mile trioval requires more than raw speed; drafting partners, timely pit stops and a clean bit of luck in the closing laps are essential. Even with those variables stacked in his favor, the nature of superspeedway racing leaves room for the unexpected. The field will be hyper-aware of moves to block or capitalize on surges, and those dynamics often create opportunities for underdogs late in the race.
Longshots with real shots at Victory Lane
History at Daytona proves that long odds can translate to massive payoffs. Recent seasons have produced surprise winners who leaned on strategy, timing and opportunistic driving to claim the crown. This year’s cadre of outsiders carries that same potential.
Chris Buescher is one such contender despite an early setback in the Duel qualifying races. After being involved in a wreck in the second Duel, he will start at the rear in a backup car, but his Daytona résumé suggests he can navigate the chaos. Buescher’s past performances include a podium finish and multiple top-10s at the track, and he has previously shown the ability to stay out of trouble and capitalize when others falter.
Rookie-turned-breakout name Brandon Briscoe has momentum from last season and will roll off close to the front, beginning on the front row for the second straight year. A strong qualifying effort and a previous fourth-place finish in the 500 demonstrate both pace and an aptitude for pack racing. With a recent campaign that delivered multiple wins and poles, he has the equipment and confidence to stay in contention if he can avoid late-race incidents.
Bubba Wallace remains a threat at superspeedway events. He has finished near the front in past 500s and has experience leading laps and mixing it up in the high-pressure dash to the checkered flag. Wallace endured contact late in one of the Duel races but sustained minimal damage, placing him back in the running with a starting spot deeper in the field. His ability to work through traffic and position himself on the final laps makes him a dangerous dark horse.
Meanwhile, a young driver making his Daytona 500 debut carries the unpredictable element that often spices up the race. After leading a lap in the Duel and clinching a place in the field, the newcomer brings momentum from a dominant season in a lower series. While experience on the 2½-mile oval can be a limiting factor, strong equipment and a fearless approach can turn a debut into a breakthrough performance.
Beyond these examples, the unique nature of Daytona means there will likely be other surprise contenders who emerge only once the race plays out. Drafting alliances can form and dissolve in the blink of an eye, and pit-road fortunes can drastically reshuffle the running order.
What to watch as the green flag drops
Key moments to monitor include the opening laps, when the pack jostles for position; the mid-race pit cycle, which often separates contenders from pretenders; and the final restart, where a single move can decide the winner. Teams that manage their lanes, keep their drivers clean and forge strong drafting partnerships will be best positioned for the closing laps.
Whether Byron completes his three-peat or an unlikely challenger storms to Victory Lane, the Daytona 500 promises drama, contact and a reminder that on superspeedways, anything can happen.
