The greatest race on the NASCAR calendar kicks off the new Cup Series season last night, as it has since 1982. Sunday at 3:14 p.m., the 200-lap, 500-mile Daytona 500, which included high-speed racing through congested streets, was set to start. The race began with forty drivers and their vehicles, and at times it appeared as though a blanket could fit over the entire field.
It's here. The Great American Race.
The #DAYTONA500 is GREEN on FOX! pic.twitter.com/RM0HmRzovP
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 19, 2023
After a crash on the last lap, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. claimed the longest Daytona 500 ever run under yellow. After Kyle Larson crashed head-on with the wall during a major accident on the second try of the green-white-checker restart, Stenhouse was in front of Joey Logano courtesy of a nudge from Christopher Bell.
OFFICIAL: The No. 47 was the leader at the time of caution. @StenhouseJr wins the 65th #DAYTONA500! pic.twitter.com/6JJ0Pkgva7
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 19, 2023
The 212th lap marked the finish line for the race. 209 laps in 2020 marked the longest-running Daytona 500 in history. The major accident on the initial two-lap extra restart required a second try to reach the finish line before the accident on the final lap. Almost every car that was still running outside the top three was destroyed in the final lap incident. Bell came in third, followed by Logano in second.
NASCAR drivers that Wrecked at Daytona 500
Numerous NASCAR drivers who were expected to win the race on Sunday crashed at various times. On lap 117, a wreck involved Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Martin Truex Jr., and other drivers. An examination of what transpired to some racers toward the end of Stage 2.
A closer look at what happened to multiple competitors late in Stage 2. #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/pv1ONoc9oJ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 19, 2023
On lap 181, Truex then took part in the subsequent collision that also included Kevin Harvick, Ryan Preece, Chase Briscoe, and Jimmie Johnson.
Late-race trouble for @Mc_Driver, @RyanPreece_ and more! #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/IkAi3vifxo
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 19, 2023
On lap 202, Dillon, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Ross Chastain, and Austin Cindric were among those involved in a wreck.
It's @StenhouseJr to the lead, but trouble strikes behind him! #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/fZAS4O0c0p
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 19, 2023
Larson, Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and Keselowski were then taken out of the running for the victory after the final lap accident. The crash just made it more improbable that everyone outside the top three would take the lead and win the race on the last lap.
Take a look at what happened to bring out the yellow flag at the end of the #DAYTONA500. @StenhouseJr is the winner! pic.twitter.com/c4Fkagwcfn
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 20, 2023
Altogether, four accidents involving at least seven cars occurred, and all four of them took place in the second half of the race. The end of the first stage was the only time throughout the first half of the race that a warning was issued.