On the last lap of the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, a risky blocking attempt led to a dramatic crash involving several contenders, with emotions and criticism running high after the race. The Chase Elliott Daytona 500 reaction was just one of many frustrated responses as Riley Herbst’s move at the front triggered chaos and debate among drivers and fans alike.
Critical Reactions to Riley Herbst’s Actions
Multiple Cup Series champions voiced outspoken criticism of Riley Herbst from 23XI Racing after his attempt to block on the main straight went wrong. Herbst’s maneuver, seen as risky and unnecessary by several drivers, caused a pileup that eliminated top drivers from contention just before the checkered flag.
“The 35 (Herbst) just wrecked me out of nowhere for no reason,”
Brad Keselowski said in response to a question from FanBuzz.
“That was one of the dumbest things I’ve ever seen. He had no chance of blocking my run.”
– Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
The crash started after leaders crossed under the white flag, where aggressive pushes in the outside line led Carson Hocevar, Erik Jones, and Michael McDowell to crash out, setting the stage for a dramatic finish with Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. running three-wide at the front. As Zane Smith’s push sent Elliott to the lead, the field jostled for position with only yards remaining.
Chain Reaction on the Final Stretch
As the pack approached the finish, Reddick dove inside while Smith lost momentum, and Herbst moved up behind Elliott. Instead of pushing Elliott, Herbst attempted to block Keselowski moving up fast on the outside. The failed block led to Herbst spinning off Keselowski’s nose, turning Elliott and Joey Logano into the outside wall, and collecting Stenhouse as well. The scene quickly escalated, leaving cars crashing behind Reddick as he crossed the finish line to secure his first Daytona 500 victory.
“I had a huge run. I don’t know if I could have gotten the 45 (Tyler Reddick) or 47 (Ricky Stenhouse Jr.), but I would have liked to have found out because my run was coming fast. And the 35 just wrecked us and himself. Pretty stupid.”
– Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Driver Perspectives After the Incident
Chase Elliott, speaking after exiting the infield care center, described his strategic approach to the closing moments and his disappointment at the events that unfolded. He explained his thought process and frustration at the block and its consequences.
“I was going to get crashed if I had tried to throw another move on (Reddick),”
Elliott said after exiting the infield care center.
“I feel like the best play for me was to try and re-rack and get one last shove to the line.”
– Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
“But it was the 35 and he wasn’t going to push me. Then he winds up crashing himself, not pushing me, which then in turn crashed me anyway. Maybe I should have just turned left and re-racked the first time.”
– Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
Keselowski remained frustration after the race as well, further criticizing the decision-making on display in the final stretch.
“I thought, well, one lane block kind of makes sense, but to block from the very bottom all the way to the top and wreck yourself and everybody else is just stupid. Very, very stupid,”
Keselowski added. – Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Finishing Order and Immediate Aftermath
After the dust settled, Tyler Reddick took the win, crossing the line while the chaos unfolded behind him. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. finished second, Joey Logano ended third while spinning, Elliott came fourth after also spinning, and Keselowski rounded out the top five. Riley Herbst, who set off the final accident, still managed an eighth-place finish, though his decisions remained the main focus of criticism throughout the garage and among analysts. Zane Smith, Chris Buescher, Michael McDowell, Erik Jones, and Carson Hocevar were also directly involved in the final-lap action and aftermath.
Looking Ahead After Daytona Drama
The intense finish and the resulting vocal reactions from drivers like Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski highlight both the pressure of the Daytona 500 and the risks drivers are willing to take for a chance at victory. As the NASCAR season continues, scrutiny will remain on aggressive blocking tactics and their consequences, with teams and drivers likely to debate the line between hard racing and reckless decisions. This year’s Daytona 500 will be remembered not just for Tyler Reddick’s first win, but for the wreck that shaped the closing moments and the candid post-race responses from the series’ most experienced competitors.
#NASCAR – Brad Keselowski called Riley Herbst's attempted block on the final lap of the Daytona 500 one of the dumbest things he's ever seen.
"Pretty stupid." pic.twitter.com/PGp7RMdbj2— John Newby (@JohnNewby_) February 15, 2026
TYLER REDDICK WINS THE DAYTONA 500! pic.twitter.com/nOAjUM4Buu
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 15, 2026
