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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 15: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, Brad Keselowski, driver of the #6 Castrol Ford, Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, and Riley Herbst, driver of the #35 Monster Energy Zero Sugar Toyota, spin after an on-track incident to end the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
The Daytona 500 has been named among the best motorsports races of 2026 in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The race, held at Daytona International Speedway, was selected by an expert panel as one of 20 top events nationwide. Known as NASCAR’s biggest race, it opens the NASCAR Cup Series season each year.
The recognition highlights the race’s strong competition, large crowds, and long history. The 2026 edition added another close finish, with drivers battling to the final lap. The Daytona 500 remains one of the most-watched events in the NASCAR Cup Series and continues to draw attention from fans across motorsports.
Daytona 500 earns recognition
The Daytona 500 is held every February and signals the beginning of the NASCAR Cup Series season. It is part of Speedweeks, which includes practice sessions, qualifying races, and other events leading up to the main race at Daytona International Speedway.
The race is held on the 2.5-mile oval at Daytona International Speedway, known for high speeds and close pack racing. Drivers compete side by side, which increases the event’s intensity. The Daytona 500 also features pre-race activities such as flyovers and concerts, adding to the atmosphere.
The USA Today recognition places the Daytona 500 among the top motorsports events in the country. The selection reflects both expert opinion and fan input. Over the years, the Daytona 500 has remained a key event in the NASCAR Cup Series calendar.
Daytona International Speedway Finish
The 2026 Daytona 500 produced a tight finish at Daytona International Speedway. Tyler Reddick won the race driving for 23XI Racing.
Reddick led only one lap but made his move at the right time. He passed Chase Elliott on the final lap of the Daytona 500 and secured the win.
A multi-car crash happened behind the leaders, which helped decide the outcome. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. finished second, with a margin of 0.308 seconds.
The victory marked Reddick’s first Daytona 500 win and the first for 23XI Racing. The team is co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.
Daytona 500 History Remains Key in the NASCAR Cup Series
The Daytona 500 has played a major role in the history of the NASCAR Cup Series. Drivers such as Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt have achieved important wins at Daytona International Speedway.
The race uses a 200-lap format, where strategy and drafting are key factors. Drivers must manage their speed and position while avoiding major crashes, often referred to as large crashes, during pack racing.
The USA Today recognition shows the ongoing importance of the Daytona 500. It continues to be one of the most followed races in the NASCAR Cup Series and remains a central event at Daytona International Speedway.
The 2026 race showed how the Daytona 500 continues to deliver competitive finishes. It remains a major part of the NASCAR Cup Series and continues to attract attention each season.
Dogli Wilberforce is a writer covering NASCAR, Formula 1, and the IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. He has also written for Sportsnaut, FanSided, Total Apex Sports, and Last Word on Sports. Wilberforce focuses on the NASCAR Cup Series, breaking down news, driver stories, and key moments with a clear, fast, and engaging style. His work connects headlines to context, helping readers understand what matters most in the sport. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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