Massive Crash Shakes Up Daytona 500

20-car pileup takes out several top contenders in NASCAR's season opener

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A massive 20-car crash just past the midway point of the Daytona 500 on Sunday involved several top contenders, including three-time race winner Denny Hamlin. The crash was ignited when Justin Allgaier tried to block Hamlin, sending him spinning into the infield grass. Other drivers caught up in the wreck included Michael McDowell, Alex Bowman, and Ross Chastain. Bubba Wallace, driving for 23XI Racing co-owned by Hamlin, was able to slip through the carnage and win the stage under caution.

Why it matters

The 'Big One' at Daytona is always a major storyline, as it can dramatically reshape the outcome of the Daytona 500 and the early NASCAR season. This early crash took out several top drivers and teams, shaking up the race and championship picture. It also highlighted the risks and unpredictability of restrictor plate racing at Daytona.

The details

The crash occurred just past the midway point of the race, with seven laps remaining in the second stage. Justin Allgaier, driving a car fielded by Dale Earnhardt Jr., was leading when he tried to block a pass attempt by Denny Hamlin. The contact sent Hamlin spinning into the infield grass, triggering a massive pileup involving around 20 cars. In addition to Hamlin, other drivers caught up in the wreck included Michael McDowell, Alex Bowman, Shane van Gisbergen, Ross Chastain, Erik Jones, and John Hunter Nemechek.

  • The crash occurred just past the midway point of the race, with seven laps remaining in the second stage.

The players

Denny Hamlin

A three-time Daytona 500 winner who was trying to become the third driver to win the race four times.

Justin Allgaier

The driver who was leading the race in a car fielded by two-time Daytona 500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Bubba Wallace

The driver who was able to slip through the wreckage unscathed and win the stage under caution. Wallace drives for 23XI Racing, which is co-owned by Hamlin and Michael Jordan.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The early 'Big One' at Daytona has shaken up the race and championship picture, with several top contenders caught up in the massive crash. This highlights the unpredictability and risks of restrictor plate racing, where the field can be dramatically reshaped in an instant.