Late Block by Race Leader Triggers Major 20-Car Collision at Daytona 500

2026-02-15 general

Daytona Beach, Monday, 16 February 2026.
A late defensive move by leader Justin Allgaier ignited a massive 20-car pileup during Sunday’s Daytona 500, eliminating key contenders and reshaping the field just past the halfway mark.

Anatomy of the ‘Big One’

The pivotal moment of the 2026 Daytona 500 occurred on Lap 123 of the Sunday, February 15 event, when a defensive maneuver by race leader Justin Allgaier resulted in a catastrophic multi-car collision [7]. Allgaier, piloting a vehicle formerly fielded by Dale Earnhardt Jr., attempted to block a passing move from Denny Hamlin on the outside lane at Daytona International Speedway [2]. The late block squeezed Hamlin into the wall, igniting a chain reaction that ultimately involved approximately 20 vehicles [2][7]. In a post-race interview, Allgaier accepted responsibility for the incident, which forced his withdrawal from the competition [7].

Strategic Shifts and Race Outcomes

The collision dramatically altered the race dynamics with just seven laps remaining in the second stage [2]. Bubba Wallace, a two-time Daytona 500 runner-up, successfully navigated through the chaotic scene without sustaining damage [2]. This evasive driving allowed Wallace to inherit the lead and secure the Stage 2 win under caution [1][2]. Wallace drives for 23XI Racing, an organization co-owned by Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan [2]. The race ultimately concluded with Tyler Reddick, also driving a Jordan-owned car, taking the victory after Chase Elliott crashed while battling him for the win [2].

Sources

NASCAR Daytona 500