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Talladega Today
By the People, for the People
Tyler Reddick wins 2026 Daytona 500 with record-setting lap leaders
The 68th running of the Great American Race saw a new mark for most drivers leading laps.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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Tyler Reddick won the 2026 Daytona 500 by leading only the final lap of the race, setting a new record with 26 different drivers leading laps throughout the event. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds performed the annual flyover before the start of the "Great American Race" on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Why it matters
The Daytona 500 is one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR, and the high number of lap leaders reflects the competitive and unpredictable nature of the event. Reddick's victory, leading only the final lap, is an unusual outcome that highlights the excitement and drama of restrictor plate racing at Daytona International Speedway.
The details
Tyler Reddick, driving for Richard Childress Racing, won the 68th running of the Daytona 500 by leading only the final lap of the race. The event set a new record with 26 different drivers leading laps throughout the 200-lap contest, surpassing the previous mark of 22 set in 2011.
- The 2026 Daytona 500 took place on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
- The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds performed the annual flyover before the start of the race.
The players
Tyler Reddick
The winner of the 2026 Daytona 500, driving for Richard Childress Racing.
Richard Childress Racing
The NASCAR team that Tyler Reddick drives for.
What they’re saying
“The way this race ended kind of reminds me of Talladega a couple years ago when I was at RCR,”
— Tyler Reddick
What’s next
Reddick's victory at the 2026 Daytona 500 will likely boost his chances of contending for the NASCAR Cup Series championship later in the season.
The takeaway
The 2026 Daytona 500 showcased the unpredictable and exciting nature of restrictor plate racing, with a record-setting number of lap leaders throughout the event before Tyler Reddick emerged victorious by leading only the final lap.
