The anticipation for the 68th Daytona 500 is mounting, with the race set to take place at the Daytona International Speedway in just 44 days on February 15, 2026. The event, steeped in uncertainty and history, continues to elude some of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers, including Kyle Busch, whose Daytona 500 chase has become a defining storyline.
This year, 39 entries, including perennial favorites like Jimmie Johnson, Justin Allgaier, and a Beard Motorsports car, will compete for the iconic Harley J. Earl Trophy. Despite immense talent and numerous accolades, 30 drivers in the field have yet to claim victory at “The Great American Race.” Winning demands patience, precise drafting, and luck, as one miscue can instantly shatter dreams on Daytona’s legendary high banks.
Five Renowned Drivers Still Seeking Their First Daytona 500 Win
Among the hopefuls are five multi-time champions and crown-jewel race winners, all considered Hall of Fame-worthy. For them, however, the Daytona 500 remains the elusive prize missing from their impressive careers.
Ryan Blaney: Consistent Contender Seeking Breakthrough
Ryan Blaney, driving the No. 12 for Team Penske, captured a win at Daytona last fall in the Coke Zero Sugar 400, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable force on this track. Despite his successes elsewhere at Daytona International Speedway, the Daytona 500 has long been a source of frustration, with accidents and late-race cautions hampering his efforts across 11 starts.
Blaney has produced impressive performances, finishing in the top 10 on six occasions, including two runner-ups. His closest brush with victory came in 2018, where he led 118 laps and appeared in complete control, only to see circumstances unravel in the closing moments.
Chase Elliott: The Champion in His Father’s Shadow
Chase Elliott entered the NASCAR Cup Series displaying immediate speed at Daytona, often qualifying near the front in his rookie outings. Despite suggestion that a win was only a matter of time, victory has remained elusive. His best finish in the storied event is second place in 2021, which is one of just two top-10 results in 10 starts at the 500.
Elliott’s fortunes at Daytona have fluctuated, alternating between promising runs and races marred by traffic or incidents. With a Cup championship and victories in other major events, the lack of a Daytona 500 win is especially pronounced for the son of a former winner.
Kyle Larson: Raw Talent Awaiting Daytona Triumph
Kyle Larson, recognized for his remarkable versatility and skill across all types of tracks, remains winless at the Daytona 500. Despite winning at dirt tracks, intermediates, and short tracks, Daytona International Speedway has proved a persistent roadblock.
Larson’s best opportunity came in 2017, when a late-race lead was lost to a fuel miscalculation. Over 12 500 attempts, Larson has registered four top-10 finishes, averaging an 18.17 finish position. Entering the race as a series champion, it’s uncertain whether sheer ability will finally deliver him a win in NASCAR’s biggest spectacle.
Brad Keselowski: Master of Superspeedways, Still Chasing Daytona 500
Brad Keselowski, driver and co-owner at RFK Racing, is renowned for his prowess on superspeedways, with nine career wins that include the 2016 Coke Zero Sugar 400. The Daytona 500, however, is a different beast, often thwarting him at crucial junctures.
The 2012 Cup Series champion holds two top-five and one top-10 result in 16 attempts at the event, posting an average finish of 23.47. Since taking on owner-driver duties, Keselowski consistently finds himself competing at the front, only for late disruptions to prevent a breakthrough victory.
Kyle Busch: The Decorated Champion’s Unfinished Business
Kyle Busch is among the most decorated drivers in NASCAR history, owning two Cup championships, four crown-jewel race victories, and success across all three national series. Yet, the Daytona 500 remains the lone major omission on his résumé. For nearly two decades, a combination of cautions, crashes, and late-race drama has derailed his bid for what many consider the sport’s ultimate prize.
Busch’s record includes three top-five and two top-10 finishes, highlighted by a runner-up result in 2019. The upcoming race will mark his 20th attempt, drawing comparisons to Dale Earnhardt, who famously captured his first Daytona 500 on his own 20th try.
The Stakes in 2026: Legacy and Opportunity
As the 2026 Daytona 500 approaches, anticipation grows around whether any of these NASCAR greats can finally secure victory and cement their legacies by joining the ranks of champions at the Daytona International Speedway. For Kyle Busch and his fellow standouts, the race represents more than just another triumph—it offers the chance to transform years of heartbreak into one of the sport’s most memorable moments. The Daytona 500 will once again challenge legends and newcomers alike as the world watches to see who will finally seize the elusive Harley J. Earl Trophy.
