Byron Survives Chaos to Win Second Straight Daytona 500
William Byron pulled off a dramatic back-to-back Daytona 500 victory, navigating late-race wrecks and an overtime finish to secure the win at Daytona International Speedway.
Starting the final lap in the ninth, Byron dodged a massive crash that wiped out several contenders, allowing him to charge to the checkered flag. The 27-year-old driver became the first back-to-back winner since Denny Hamlin (2019-20) and the youngest to win multiple Daytona 500s, surpassing Jeff Gordon’s record.
“It’s not just luck to win twice in a row,” Byron said. “It’s an amazing race—just a lot of crazy pushing and shoving out there.”
Hendrick Motorsports claimed its record-breaking 10th Daytona 500 win, while Byron, now a 14-time Cup Series winner, set his sights on the championship after two straight third-place finishes in the standings.
The race saw six overtime finishes in the last eight years, and Sunday’s chaos was no exception. Austin Cindric led at the white flag before a massive wreck took out Chase Briscoe, Denny Hamlin, and Alex Bowman. A separate crash sent Ryan Preece’s car flipping upside-down, while Kyle Busch, Ryan Blaney, and Chase Elliott were among those caught in a multi-car melee.
Tyler Reddick finished second, with two-time Daytona 500 champion Jimmie Johnson securing third in his highest finish since 2013. Johnson, now a majority owner of Legacy Motor Club, celebrated as teammate John Hunter Nemechek placed fifth.
Next up, the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Atlanta, where Daniel Suárez looks to defend his victory.
