Tyler Reddick Leads Chase Prospects After DAYTONA 500 Win

The return of The Chase format in NASCAR has drivers focused on points racing rather than just winning at all costs.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Chumba Casino Toyota Camry XSE for 23XI Racing, kicked off the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series campaign with a victory in the prestigious DAYTONA 500, giving him an early advantage in the standings as The Chase format returns to the series. While winning the Daytona 500 is typically a good sign for making the playoffs, the new Chase format means drivers will need to focus on consistent points racing throughout the 26-race regular season.

Why it matters

The return of The Chase format in NASCAR means drivers will need to adjust their approach, focusing more on consistent points finishes rather than just going for race wins at all costs. Reddick's Daytona 500 victory gives him an early lead, but with 25 races left before The Chase begins, anything can happen in the standings.

The details

Reddick holds a 32-point advantage over 16th place heading into the second race of the season at EchoPark Speedway. However, an early wreck or in-race issue could easily erase that gap. Other notable drivers currently outside the top 16 in points include William Byron, Ross Chastain, Ty Gibbs, and Denny Hamlin, all of whom will be expected to make a run at The Chase throughout the season.

  • Reddick won the 2026 DAYTONA 500 on February 16, 2026.
  • The second race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season will be held at EchoPark Speedway.

The players

Tyler Reddick

Driver of the No. 45 Chumba Casino Toyota Camry XSE for 23XI Racing, and winner of the 2026 DAYTONA 500.

Michael Jordan

Co-owner of 23XI Racing, the team Reddick drives for.

Kyle Busch

Driver of the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, who demonstrated the points racing mentality by backing out of the draft late in the DAYTONA 500 to avoid a wreck.

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What they’re saying

“What the fuck am I going to rush into the wreck for. We're running fucking 30th.”

— Kyle Busch (Twitter (@joe_srigley)

What’s next

The NASCAR Cup Series will head to EchoPark Speedway for the second race of the season on February 23, 2026.

The takeaway

The return of The Chase format in NASCAR will require drivers to adjust their approach, focusing more on consistent points finishes rather than just going for race wins at all costs. Reddick's early lead gives him an advantage, but with 25 races left before The Chase begins, the standings are sure to see a lot of changes in the coming weeks.