Tyler Reddick Clinches Victory at 2026 Daytona 500
The 2026 Daytona 500 showcased another thrilling finish, demonstrating that sometimes the last lap is everything. Tyler Reddick, driving the #45 Chumba Casino Toyota for 23XI Racing, captured his first Daytona 500 victory at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2026.
Race Overview and Key Moments
Reddick’s victory came as a surprise since he did not lead any laps until the final moments of the race. At the start of the last lap, he was trailing Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar. Chaos ensued as Erik Jones collided with Hocevar entering Turn 1, leading to a multi-car wreck that involved McDowell and others but did not bring out a caution flag.
Reddick navigated through the wreckage while contending with drivers like William Byron and Chase Elliott. As the race progressed into its final turns, Riley Herbst was positioned in fourth, but Reddick executed a remarkable move to overtake Elliott, ultimately crossing the finish line first.
Final Lap Mayhem
- Reddick avoided significant collisions as others crashed behind him.
- Herbst and Brad Keselowski collided, adding to the wreckage behind Reddick.
This exhilarating finish solidified Reddick’s status within the NASCAR community, especially after he finished ninth in the previous Cup Series standings and made the Championship Four in 2024.
Other Notable Incidents
The race featured several cautions and wrecks throughout its duration. A notable accident occurred on Lap 192, involving Denny Hamlin, who made contact with Christopher Bell and subsequently hit the wall. This incident ended Bell’s race due to tire damage.
A massive wreck in Stage 2 affected numerous drivers, including Kyle Larson and Austin Cindric. Early in the race, a chain reaction incident on Lap 85 involved rookies and veterans alike, showcasing the competitive nature of the event.
Top Performers
| Position | Driver | Car Number |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyler Reddick | 45 |
| 2 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | – |
| 3 | Joey Logano | – |
| 4 | Chase Elliott | – |
| 5 | Brad Keselowski | – |
| 6 | Zane Smith | – |
Drivers Riley Herbst, Chris Buescher, and Josh Berry also finished in the top ten, while reigning champion Larson placed 16th. As the NASCAR season progresses, Reddick’s victory sets a promising tone for his 2026 campaign.
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