Speed. Strategy. Heartbreak. And a finish that will be talked about all season.

Under the bright Florida sky at Daytona International Speedway, the field of 40 rolled off knowing that anything can happen at Daytona. And once again, the track lived up to its reputation.

Early Stages: Patience and Positioning

The opening stage was all about survival.

Manufacturers quickly formed alliances. Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota drivers paired up in the draft, trying to control lanes and maintain track position without taking unnecessary risks.

Superspeedway racing has evolved. Drivers now understand that the first half of the Daytona 500 is rarely where you win the race. It is where you avoid losing it.

Still, the intensity never drops at 190 miles per hour. Side drafting slowed runs. Blocks were thrown early. The energy in the grandstands felt different this year, especially with the 25 year remembrance of Dale Earnhardt hanging in the air.

The Middle Miles: Tension Builds

As the laps clicked down, strategy began to matter more.

Pit cycles shuffled the field. A few teams gambled on fuel windows. Others focused on staying connected in the draft.

Then came the inevitable.

The first big incident erupted when a push gone wrong sent a car sideways in the middle of the pack. At Daytona, once one car turns, the track blocks instantly. Several contenders were swept up. Championship hopefuls saw their season begin with crumpled sheet metal.

But that is Daytona.

You can do everything right for 490 miles and still go home frustrated.

Final Stage: Aggression Takes Over

With 20 laps to go, patience disappeared.

The outside lane surged. The inside line responded. Teammates tried to stay hooked up, but loyalty fades quickly in the closing laps of the Daytona 500.

Drivers who had ridden quietly in the back all afternoon suddenly appeared at the front. Veterans positioned themselves perfectly. Young stars made bold moves that showed zero fear.

With five laps remaining, the tension was unbearable.

Cars were three wide. Sometimes four wide entering the turns. Pushes down the backstretch were violent. The air felt heavy with anticipation.

The Finish: Pure Daytona Chaos

Then it happened.

On the final lap, a late block triggered contact at the front of the field. The leader wiggled. The pack stacked up behind them. Cars scattered in every direction.

Through the smoke and spinning tires, one driver kept it straight and powered ahead.

The caution flag flew, freezing the field in dramatic fashion.

It was the kind of ending that defines Daytona. Not calm. Not predictable. Just raw, split second survival.

The winner did not just win the race. They survived it.

What This Win Means

Winning the Daytona 500 changes everything.

It guarantees a playoff spot. It elevates a driver’s legacy. It locks a name into the history books alongside legends of the sport.

The Daytona 500 is not just another race on the schedule. It is the race. Drivers chase it their entire careers.

For the winner, this moment will define their season and possibly their career.

Daytona Delivers Again

Twenty five years after one of the most emotional races in NASCAR history, Daytona once again reminded us why we watch.

It is unpredictable.

It is dangerous.

It is thrilling.

You cannot script a finish like that. You can only hold your breath and hope your driver makes it through.

Tonight, some teams celebrate. Others load wrecked cars into haulers wondering what might have been.

But one thing is certain.

The 2026 season is officially underway in the most dramatic way possible.

What did you think of that finish?

Every season begins here. Every championship dream starts here. And every driver in the garage knows that winning at Daytona instantly changes your career.

But this year feels different.

It has been 25 years since we lost Dale Earnhardt on the final lap of the 2001 running of the Daytona 500. For longtime fans, that moment is still etched into memory. For newer fans, it remains one of the most significant turning points in NASCAR history.

As the field rolls onto the high banks of Daytona International Speedway today, they carry both the weight of history and the thrill of opportunity.

The Race That Starts It All

The Daytona 500 is not just the first race of the season. It is the biggest. The purse is massive. The spotlight is global. Casual fans tune in. Legends are made here.

Unlike most sports where championships close the season, NASCAR begins with its Super Bowl. Win this race and your name is forever tied to the sport’s most iconic event.

The 2.5 mile superspeedway produces pack racing unlike anything else. Cars run inches apart at nearly 200 miles per hour. One slight move can trigger a wreck that collects half the field. At Daytona, nobody is safe. That unpredictability is exactly why fans love it.

A Track Built on Emotion

You cannot talk about Daytona without acknowledging its emotional gravity.

The 2001 race remains one of the most bittersweet moments in NASCAR history. Michael Waltrip scored his first career win. Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished second. The celebration quickly turned into heartbreak when news spread about Earnhardt Sr.

The sport changed after that day. Safety innovations accelerated. The HANS device became mandatory. SAFER barriers were installed across tracks. Car construction evolved. NASCAR entered a new era.

Every time the field takes the green flag at Daytona, that history rides with them.

The Modern Era of Superspeedway Racing

Today’s drivers face a different challenge than those of the early 2000s. The Next Gen car has tightened the field even more. Drafting is intense. Side drafting can make or break a run. Pit strategy and manufacturer alliances matter more than ever.

Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ford will all work together in the draft until the final laps when alliances disappear and survival mode kicks in.

The closing laps of the Daytona 500 are chaos. You will see bold blocks, desperate pushes, and moves that define careers.

Some drivers are known for their superspeedway skill. Others struggle to find the right partner in the draft. The key to winning here is equal parts patience and aggression. Push too early and you wreck. Wait too long and the opportunity is gone.

Veterans vs The New Generation

One of the best storylines every year at Daytona is experience versus hunger.

Veteran drivers understand how to manage the draft. They know when to ride and when to strike. But the younger drivers are fearless. They grew up racing online and studying film. They are not intimidated by the moment.

The Daytona 500 does not care about resumes. It has crowned first time winners. It has crushed championship contenders before the season even begins.

That is what makes it electric.

The Intimidator’s Shadow

Twenty five years later, the shadow of Dale Earnhardt still stretches across this race.

The black No. 3 remains one of the most iconic numbers in motorsports. His aggressive style helped shape how fans view toughness in NASCAR. His presence is still felt in every tribute, every mention of the final lap of 2001, and every time a driver throws a bold block for the win.

For many fans, watching today’s race is about honoring that legacy while embracing the future.

What To Watch Today

Here are a few keys heading into the race:
1. Manufacturer teamwork early. Watch how Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota group up in the draft.
2. Pit road discipline. Speeding penalties and slow stops can end your day.
3. Stage racing strategy. Some drivers will gamble for stage points. Others will hang back to survive.
4. The final 10 laps. Expect aggression to spike dramatically.
5. Overtime chaos. Daytona rarely ends calmly.

Why The Daytona 500 Still Matters

In an era of short attention spans and endless sports options, the Daytona 500 still commands respect.

It is tradition. It is speed. It is danger. It is redemption. It is heartbreak and triumph packed into 500 miles.

Fans gather every year knowing that something unforgettable could happen. A massive wreck. A photo finish. A first time winner breaking through.

That is why we watch.

Twenty five years after one of the darkest days in NASCAR history, the sport continues to evolve, compete, and inspire.

Today the engines fire again.

The draft forms again.

The field barrels toward Turn 1 again.

And somewhere in the closing laps, someone will make the move that defines their career.

Who will it be this year?

The Great American Race is back.

Despite power steering issues forcing him out early, Harrison Burton re-entered the race but finished 35th. The night also saw strong finishes from Chase Elliott (second), Bubba Wallace (third), and Denny Hamlin (fourth), who rounded out the top five  .

The race was a crucial elimination round, and Daniel Suárez barely advanced to the next stage on points. The next playoff race will take place at Kansas Speedway, setting the stage for the intense Round of 12 .

See the highlights here

Next week’s Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway

1. Round of 12 Begins

The race at Kansas marks the start of the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. After Bristol, four drivers were eliminated, and the competition is now fiercer as drivers like Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Denny Hamlin look to secure their spots in the next round. It’s the first of three races in this round, followed by Talladega and Charlotte  .

2. Kansas Speedway’s Close Finishes

Kansas Speedway has a history of thrilling, close finishes. Earlier this year, Kyle Larson narrowly edged out Chris Buescher in a photo finish, marking one of the closest wins in NASCAR history. The high-speed track is known for creating tight races, and this race will likely keep fans on the edge of their seats .

3. Tire Strategy and Track Conditions

Kansas is notorious for being tough on tires due to its worn surface, which makes tire management crucial. Teams will be focused on maintaining long-run speed while managing tire wear to avoid late-race blowouts. Expect pit strategy to play a major role in deciding the winner .

4. Drama Around the Cut Line

While drivers like Larson have a cushion going into the Round of 12, others like Joey Logano and Tyler Reddick will be fighting to stay above the elimination line. Every position will matter, and this race could either solidify a driver’s playoff hopes or dash them .

This upcoming race at Kansas is set to be another action-packed event as the playoffs heat up!

1. Playoff Elimination Race

This is the final race in the Round of 16 for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, meaning four drivers will be eliminated by the end of the night. Playoff contenders like William Byron, sitting 25 points above the cutline, will look to secure their spot, while drivers on the bubble, such as Tyler Reddick and Joey Logano, will be battling to stay alive  .

2. Tire Management and Race Strategy

Drivers are particularly concerned about tire wear heading into this race, given how unpredictable Bristol’s high-banked, half-mile track can be. Earlier this year, Bristol saw significant tire fall-offs, and teams have been scrambling to figure out the best strategy to avoid costly blowouts .

3. Chris Buescher’s Spoiler Role

Fresh off his overtime victory at Watkins Glen, Chris Buescher is looking to play spoiler again, much like he did last season at this same race. While he’s out of playoff contention, his recent form makes him a threat to shake things up  .

4. Ford’s Dominance

Historically, Ford has seen great success at Bristol, including notable wins by drivers like Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano. Ford drivers are looking to extend this dominance, with Ryan Blaney and Keselowski aiming to improve their standings .

5. Track Temp and Conditions

Cooler evening temperatures are expected, which could affect tire performance and handling. Drivers are preparing for different racing conditions than those experienced in the spring race, adding to the uncertainty of how the night will unfold .

It’s a crucial race for both playoff hopefuls and those aiming to spoil the party, so be ready for some intense short-track racing under the lights at Bristol!

Driver Odds

The odds for the upcoming Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol show several drivers positioned as favorites for Saturday’s critical playoff elimination event. Here’s a snapshot of the top contenders:

•Denny Hamlin: +400 (The favorite, known for strong performances at Bristol)

•Kyle Larson: +500 (A proven force at Bristol, with wins and multiple top finishes)

•Christopher Bell: +600 (Consistently near the front at Bristol)

•Ty Gibbs: +800 (Emerging contender with strong recent performances)

•Brad Keselowski: +900 (Has shown good form and is poised to challenge)

Some notable longer shots include:

•Chris Buescher: +1200 (Fresh off his win at Watkins Glen)

•Ryan Blaney, Martin Truex Jr., Joey Logano: +1600

•William Byron, Kyle Busch, Tyler Reddick: +2000

For fans looking for real longshots, Bubba Wallace is listed at +6000, while drivers like Michael McDowell, John Hunter Nemechek, and AJ Allmendinger are at +10000  .

The race promises plenty of excitement, especially as it marks the final opportunity for drivers in the Round of 16 to advance in the NASCAR Playoffs.

The Go Bowling at The Glen delivered the chaos, drama, and edge-of-your-seat action that fans have come to expect from NASCAR’s road courses. On September 15, 2024, Chris Buescher stole the spotlight, taking his first-ever road course victory in a nail-biting overtime battle. In a race filled with high-speed drama, playoff shakeups, and pivotal moments, Buescher’s aggressive last-lap move on road-course ace Shane van Gisbergen defined the day.

The Overtime Thriller

The race went into overtime after multiple incidents on the track. Shane van Gisbergen, known for his mastery of road courses and fresh off a successful NASCAR debut last season, took the lead in a bold three-wide move during the final restart. However, Chris Buescher’s No. 17 RFK Racing Ford stayed glued to his bumper.

In a heart-stopping moment at the Bus Stop chicane, Buescher and van Gisbergen made contact, sending sparks flying. Van Gisbergen briefly pulled ahead, but he clipped the inside wall at the Esses, opening the door for Buescher to make a daring pass on the inside. Buescher powered through the final section, crossing the line 0.979 seconds ahead of van Gisbergen  .

“We came here to be spoilers,” Buescher declared, reflecting on the race. “What an awesome finish. We were so strong all day, and to pull off the win feels incredible.”

For van Gisbergen, it was a tough loss. “Driver error,” he admitted. “I knew Buescher would send it, and I just didn’t hold it together. It’s frustrating, but we’ll be back.” Despite the setback, van Gisbergen showcased why he’s one of the most formidable road course drivers, finishing second.

Playoff Shakeups

This race was a crucial one in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, and the results threw the playoff standings into chaos. Ryan Blaney, who led the points going into Watkins Glen, saw his race end on Lap 1 after being caught in a six-car pileup. Playoff contenders Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, and Christopher Bell also fell victim to the melee  .

Chase Briscoe emerged as the highest-finishing playoff driver, securing sixth place, while Austin Cindric managed to grab a 10th-place finish. Other playoff drivers, like Tyler Reddick and Kyle Larson, were mired deep in the pack after multiple incidents. Hendrick Motorsports, which had dominated Watkins Glen in recent years, saw its five-race winning streak snapped  .

Strategy, Chaos, and Pit Road Penalties

The race saw its fair share of green-flag pit stops and strategic moves, but it was the accidents and penalties that defined the day for many. Brad Keselowski was hit with multiple penalties, including an uncontrolled tire, while Kyle Larson suffered a penalty for vehicle interference during pit stops .

Ross Chastain, who started on the pole, led significant portions of the race and claimed the second stage victory. However, he couldn’t fend off the late-race charge from Buescher and van Gisbergen .

Notable Finishes and What’s Next

Carson Hocevar finished third, a strong performance from the young driver. Ross Chastain and Zane Smith rounded out the top five, while Michael McDowell, Corey LaJoie, and Ryan Preece also cracked the top 10  .

With the Watkins Glen madness in the rearview mirror, all eyes turn to the next playoff race at Bristol Motor Speedway. As the playoff picture becomes clearer, expect more aggressive racing and perhaps another spoiler like Buescher to upset the field.

Tyler Reddick’s win was highlighted by his ability to navigate the track’s challenges and seize the lead in the final stages of the race. The event was intense with numerous strategic moves by drivers trying to position themselves favorably as the laps wound down. This race had a significant impact on the standings, with drivers like Bubba Wallace entering the race with a points advantage and others aiming to secure a strong finish to boost their season standings.

The GEICO 500 at Talladega was characterized by a series of dynamic and critical events that shaped the outcome of the race:

1. Stage Wins: The race was divided into stages, where Austin Cindric clinched the win for Stage 1 by a narrow margin over Chase Elliott. Joey Logano emerged victorious in Stage 2, edging out Austin Cindric.
2. Key Incidents: The race was marked by multiple accidents involving prominent drivers which led to caution flags. Notably, drivers like Denny Hamlin and Erik Jones were involved in significant incidents, affecting their race outcomes.
3. Lead Changes and Strategy: The lead changed hands several times during the race, showcasing the strategic depth and competitive nature of the drivers and their teams. Tyler Reddick and Michael McDowell were among those who led for significant portions, with McDowell leading the most laps during the race.
4. Dramatic Finish: Tyler Reddick took the lead in the critical final laps of the race, ultimately securing the victory. This win was pivotal not just for the race day but also for his standings in the season.
5. Impacts on Season Standings: The race outcomes played a significant role in the season standings, with drivers earning crucial points that could influence their qualifications for future playoffs.

The race was packed with high-speed action, strategic racing, and the usual suspense and thrill that come with NASCAR races at Talladega Superspeedway. For even more detailed insights, including lap-by-lap breakdowns and driver interviews, you might want to check out the comprehensive coverage on FOX Sports and NASCAR’s official website​ (FOX Sports)​​ (Official Site

The opening slate of races is as follows:

DATE TRACK SERIES DISTANCE NET START (ET)

Sun, May 17 Darlington Cup 400 mi FOX 3:30 PM

Tue, May 19 Darlington Xfinity 200 mi FS1 8:00 PM

Wed, May 20 Darlington Cup 500 km FS1 7:30 PM

Sun, May 24 Charlotte Cup 600 mi FOX 6:00 PM

Mon, May 25 Charlotte Xfinity 300 mi FS1 7:30 PM

Tue, May 26 Charlotte Gander Trucks 200 mi FS1 8:00 PM

Wed, May 27 Charlotte Cup 500 km FS1 8:00 PM

enjoy the race!

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 30, 2020) – NASCAR today announced it will return to racing on May 17, which will kick off a slate of races that includes seven events in three series at two race tracks – Darlington Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series will each host its first on-track event since mid-March.

The NASCAR Cup Series will return to Darlington Raceway on Sunday, May 17, with a 400-mile event scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET, live on FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

What follows is a unique schedule that includes midweek races in primetime and a NASCAR crown jewel – the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway – in its traditional Memorial Day Weekend home for the 60th consecutive season.

The opening slate of races is as follows:

DATE TRACK SERIES DISTANCE NET START (ET)

Sun, May 17 Darlington Cup 400 mi FOX 3:30 PM

Tue, May 19 Darlington Xfinity 200 mi FS1 8:00 PM

Wed, May 20 Darlington Cup 500 km FS1 7:30 PM

Sun, May 24 Charlotte Cup 600 mi FOX 6:00 PM

Mon, May 25 Charlotte Xfinity 300 mi FS1 7:30 PM

Tue, May 26 Charlotte Gander Trucks 200 mi FS1 8:00 PM

Wed, May 27 Charlotte Cup 500 km FS1 8:00 PM

Each of NASCAR’s return events will be run without fans in attendance. Further schedule adjustments will be announced in the future.

“NASCAR and its teams are eager and excited to return to racing, and have great respect for the responsibility that comes with a return to competition,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “NASCAR will return in an environment that will ensure the safety of our competitors, officials and all those in the local community. We thank local, state and federal officials and medical experts, as well as everyone in the industry, for the unprecedented support in our return to racing, and we look forward to joining our passionate fans in watching cars return to the track.”

“We are excited to welcome back the FOX NASCAR season to our airwaves to provide a return to live sports, a move toward normalcy and a much-needed distraction during these unprecedented times,” said Mark Silverman, President, National Networks, FOX Sports. “While we are thrilled to return to the race track, the health and safety of our employees and all race participants is our top priority. We will continue working in lockstep with our partners at NASCAR and the race tracks to follow all national and local health guidelines.”

Following thorough collaboration with public health officials, medical experts and state and federal officials, NASCAR has implemented a comprehensive health and safety plan. In accordance with CDC, OSHA and state and local government recommendations, nearly every aspect of how the event is conducted will be significantly modified, including:

One-day shows;
Mandated use of personal protective equipment throughout the event;
Health screenings for all individuals prior to entering the facility, while inside the facility and exiting the facility;
Social distancing protocols throughout the event;
Strict limits on the number of individuals who are granted access into each facility

As NASCAR works towards the execution of these events, the sanctioning body will continue to work with state and local authorities based on trends and local restrictions

In-race competition procedures remain largely unchanged, though NASCAR will eliminate practice for all events during this opening return slate, as well as qualifying for all events except the Coca-Cola 600.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR consists of three national series (NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), one local grassroots series and three international series. The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, Americrown Service and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).