The 2026 Daytona 500 needed to be pushed up an hour to avoid storms, but the thunder of engines roaring was still loud as ever from Daytona International Speedway.
After an early wreck from No. 78 car B.J.McLeod, the omen had been set. There were more wrecks on lap 85 and lap 124. In total 28 cars were involved. In fact, the wreck on lap 124 happened up front, and even involved then-leader Justin Allgaier.
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Those wild wrecks opened the door for several other drivers in the home stretch. It was anyone’s guess who would emerge victorious? Could William Byron win his third straight? Could Jimmie Johnson win his third despite racing on an Open Exemption Provisional?
At the end of the day, it was Tyler Reddick. Two wrecks on the final lap knocked out the drivers in front, including Michael McDowell and Chase Elliott.
Who won the 2026 Daytona 500?
Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500.
Reddick took the lead on the final lap of the race, thanks in large part to two wrecks that took out the leaders. Reddick spent much of the race near the front of the pack but had trouble maitaining his lead. All that matters is leading at the end of the final lap though.
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This marks Reddick’s ninth win of his career and his first at the Daytona 500. He finished second behind William Byron in 2025.
Daytona 500 finishing order 2026
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Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47
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John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42
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Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who won Daytona 500? 2026 finishing order at Daytona Speedway
