NASCAR driver who had the Daytona 500 in hand but couldn’t claim victory. A thrilling race saw top drivers like Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Austin Cindric come close yet face setbacks that dashed their hopes. Unexpected events at every turn kept fans guessing until the very end, revealing the unpredictable nature of NASCAR racing.
Key Highlights
- Joey Logano was a defending champion, leading in Stage 1 but crashed after a risky move, ending his race.
- Ryan Blaney showcased strong performance, finishing first in Stage 2, but was involved in a multi-car wreck initiated by Logano.
- Austin Cindric started in second, excelled in Stage 2, but crashed with Denny Hamlin near the race’s end.
- Chase Elliott improved from 17th to third, but challenges in the final stage led to a 15th-place finish.
- Kyle Busch started 21st and advanced through the field but was caught in a collision with Logano and Stenhouse Jr.
2025 Daytona 500 Overview
The Daytona 500, often referred to as the “Great American Race,” serves as the season opener for the NASCAR Cup Series and is one of the most prestigious events in motorsport.
In 2025, the race delivered a mix of victory and disappointment, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of high-stakes racing. William Byron emerged successful, securing back-to-back wins, a feat that cemented his status in the racing community.
William Byron’s back-to-back victories in 2025 spotlighted the thrilling unpredictability of high-stakes racing.
Jimmie Johnson finished in the top three, showing his enduring skill in the sport. Significantly, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Justin Allgaier made a commendable ninth-place finish in their initial Daytona 500 attempt with JR Motorsports.
Conversely, the race was a challenging experience for drivers like Brad Keselowski, Christopher Bell, and Denny Hamlin, who faced setbacks despite their efforts.
The 2025 Daytona 500 exemplified the highs and lows inherent in racing, highlighting the unpredictability and the competitive spirit that defines this iconic event.
Chase Elliott
Amidst the excitement and unpredictability of the 2025 Daytona 500, Chase Elliott entered the race with high expectations following his recent victory at the Cook Out Clash in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Despite an average qualifying position of 17th, Elliott displayed resolve and skill, quickly advancing through the field. By the conclusion of Stage 1, he had improved to 11th place, and by the end of Stage 2, he was in a commendable third position.
However, as the race intensified, Elliott faced challenges that hindered his ability to maintain his upward path. The #9 driver struggled to keep pace with the frontrunners in the final stage, resulting in a 15th-place finish.
This outcome was certainly a disappointment for both Elliott and his supporters, who had high hopes for a strong finish. The fluctuating dynamics of the Daytona 500 highlighted the unpredictable nature of this iconic race.
Joey Logano
Joey Logano, the defending NASCAR Cup Series champion, demonstrated moments of exceptional skill throughout the Daytona 500 weekend. Logano, driving for Team Penske, qualified 10th and displayed his expertise by finishing Stage 1 in top position. His performance was formidable yet cautious, positioning him well for the race’s latter stages.
However, in Stage 2, he dropped to 8th, marking a shift in his momentum. On Lap 186, Logano attempted a calculated yet risky tactic, trying to position his Mustang between Ryan Blaney and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Despite his efforts, Stenhouse Jr. closed the gap, resulting in a collision that triggered a multi-car wreck, and dashed Logano’s hopes for a strong finish.
Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney emerged as a strong contender in the 67th edition of the Daytona 500, showcasing his skill and resolve. Starting from the 16th position, Blaney quickly exhibited his capabilities by moving through the field. His performance in Stage 1 was impressive as he ascended to third position, setting the tone for the remainder of the race.
In Stage 2, Blaney’s skill was evident as he finished at the top, marking him as a formidable competitor for the win.
However, his promising run was cut short. Blaney became ensnared in a multi-car wreck, initiated by a collision involving teammate Joey Logano and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. from HYAK Motorsports. This incident dashed Blaney’s hopes of securing victory.
Despite his strong showing, the mishap prevented him from capitalizing on his potential to clinch the race, leaving a considerable opportunity unfulfilled in what was a highly competitive Daytona 500.
Austin Cindric
Austin Cindric started the Daytona 500 in runner-up position, lining up beside pole-sitter Chase Briscoe, and quickly displayed his racing skill. Despite a lackluster performance in the initial stage, Cindric excelled in stage two, finishing in second place, demonstrating his capability to challenge at the front. As the race progressed, Cindric positioned himself as a formidable rival, especially in the critical closing laps.
In the penultimate lap, Cindric appeared poised for victory with only Denny Hamlin as a notable challenger. Unfortunately, a clash with Hamlin resulted in a wreck, eliminating Cindric from competition and dashing his hopes of securing a win at NASCAR’s prestigious event.
Kyle Busch
While Austin Cindric‘s hopes were dashed by a late-race incident, attention also turned to Kyle Busch, another seasoned driver who faced disappointment at the Daytona 500.
Competing for the 20th time in the Great American Race, Busch, driving for Richard Childress Racing, was unable to secure victory. Despite starting in 21st place, Busch showcased his skill and resolve as he advanced through the field. He finished stage 1 in 16th place and stage 2 in 10th, highlighting his potential to contend for the win.
However, his aspirations were abruptly halted due to an unfortunate collision involving Joey Logano and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. This incident prematurely ended Busch’s race, leaving him without the coveted Daytona 500 title once again.
As a driver known for his competitive spirit and resilience, Busch’s quest for victory at Daytona remains unfulfilled, illustrating the unpredictable nature of this renowned event.
News in Brief: NASCAR Driver Who Had the Daytona 500 in Hand
In the 2025 Daytona 500, several top NASCAR drivers were poised for victory. Chase Elliott, Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, Austin Cindric, and Kyle Busch each exhibited strong performances throughout the race. However, despite leading for much of the event, the race ultimately slipped from their grasp due to different challenges and tactical decisions.
In the end, the outcome highlighted the unpredictable nature of racing, where even the best drivers can face unforeseen circumstances leading to unexpected results.
ALSO READ: NASCAR Driver Who Clinched Consecutive Daytona 500 Wins Joins an Elite Group in Racing History
