Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Eyes Another Daytona 500 Win

NASCAR driver returns to Daytona confident after 2023 victory

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is heading to the Daytona 500 with confidence and momentum after winning the race in 2023. The 38-year-old driver for Hyak Motorsports is aiming to recapture the magic of his previous Daytona 500 triumph and cement his status as a superspeedway demon with multiple wins at Daytona and Talladega.

Why it matters

The Daytona 500 is a defining race in NASCAR, and a win there can elevate a driver's legacy. Stenhouse, who has struggled at times in recent seasons, is looking to build on his 2023 victory and prove he can be a consistent contender, especially with the revamped playoff format that puts a premium on wins.

The details

Stenhouse delivered a dramatic victory in the 2023 Daytona 500, surviving a race-record 14 cautions and running out of fuel on the final lap to cross the finish line first. He's aiming to replicate that success, knowing the chaotic nature of racing at Daytona where momentum is hard-earned and even harder to keep.

  • Stenhouse won the 2023 Daytona 500 on February 23, 2023.
  • The 2026 Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 15, 2026.

The players

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

A 38-year-old NASCAR driver who races for Hyak Motorsports, formerly JTG Daugherty Racing. He has two career wins each at Daytona and Talladega, making him a superspeedway specialist.

Hyak Motorsports

The team Stenhouse drives for, formerly known as JTG Daugherty Racing, a one-car operation with limited resources compared to larger NASCAR teams.

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What they’re saying

“Pulling through the tunnel is always a good feeling. Going back since the 500 win gives me a lot more confidence. I feel like it releases a lot of pressure because you have the trophy that everybody's trying to win.”

— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Orlando Sentinel)

“You never know what's going to happen. That one in '23 ...had enough gas to not do a burnout, but make it across the finish line, essentially. It was a crazy one.”

— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Orlando Sentinel)

What’s next

Stenhouse will look to qualify well and put himself in position to contend for the win in the 2026 Daytona 500 on February 15.

The takeaway

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s 2023 Daytona 500 victory proved he can thrive in the chaotic conditions of NASCAR's biggest race, and he'll be one of the drivers to watch as he aims to recapture that magic and cement his status as a superspeedway specialist.