Chris Buescher will be moving to a backup car for the Daytona 500 following a late-race crash during the first Duel at Daytona, a setback that also affects William Byron. The need to switch to backup cars, triggered by a wreck just before the finish, will force both drivers to start from the rear of the field in Sunday’s race, drawing attention to the unpredictable nature of the Daytona 500.
Late Duel Chaos Disrupts Several Front-Runners
The first of the Daytona qualifying Duels unfolded mostly without incident until green flag pit stops set up a wild finish. With only five laps remaining, Bubba Wallace was hit, leading to a spin that ignited a multi-car crash. This collision collected Chris Buescher and William Byron, inflicting damage significant enough that both drivers could not continue with their primary cars for the marquee event. Ross Chastain, Daniel Suarez, AJ Allmendinger, Bubba Wallace, and Mears also saw their vehicles suffer damage, though their teams are working on repairs rather than replacement cars.
“Buescher and Byron to backups. Cars being repaired from first duel include Chastain, Suarez, Allmendinger, Wallace and Mears.”— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass)
Implications for the Daytona 500 Field
The NASCAR rulebook stipulates that drivers resorting to backup cars must drop to the back for the Daytona 500 start. Chris Buescher and William Byron now face the challenge of racing forward from the tail of the grid, a direct result of Thursday night’s turmoil. Their teams will work to prepare the backup vehicles in time for Sunday’s race, while other affected drivers await possible last-minute repairs.
The Daytona 500 is known for its surprises, and setbacks like these highlight just how quickly fortunes can change at the famed superspeedway. All eyes will be on Buescher, Byron, and the other impacted drivers to see whether they can overcome adversity and contend for victory when the green flag drops.
Buescher and Byron to backups. Cars being repaired from first duel include Chastain, Suarez, Allmendinger, Wallace and Mears.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 13, 2026
