Back-to-Back WIN for William Byron at the Daytona 500

William Byron has written another chapter in NASCAR Cup Series history, winning the Daytona 500 for the second year in a row. Behind the wheel of his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet #24, the Charlotte native edged out Tyler Reddick in a heart-pounding finish, securing his 14th career victory in the top tier of American motorsports.

NASCAR’s decision to move up the start time by an hour wasn’t enough to avoid the bad weather. Just nine laps in, rain forced the organizers to suspend the race for over three hours, leaving drivers and fans waiting for a window to resume the action on the track.

Another standout moment of the day was the return of former U.S. President Donald Trump to the 'World Center of Racing,' four years after his last appearance in 2020. Before the official start, Trump took a few laps in his presidential vehicle before watching the opening laps of the race.

Stage 1 saw a critical moment two laps from the end when a mistake by Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota #11) triggered a caution, dashing the hopes of Josh Berry (Ford #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane) and Zane Smith (Ford #38 Speedy Cash). The stage win went to Joey Logano, who dominated in his Team Penske Ford Mustang #22, earning the first Playoff points of the season.

Misfortune struck Helio Castroneves, who was forced to retire after an incident in Stage 2. The Brazilian driver, piloting the Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet #91, got caught up in contact with teammate Ross Chastain (Chevrolet #1), triggered by a restart hesitation from Logano. The crash also involved Chase Briscoe, Kyle Busch, Shane van Gisbergen, Martin Truex Jr., and Jimmie Johnson.

Despite a technical issue at the restart, Logano managed to climb back up through the field while the battle up front featured Penske drivers Ryan Blaney (#12) and Austin Cindric (#2). After an intense duel, Blaney crossed the finish line first in Stage 2, affirming Team Penske’s strength at this point in the race.

In the final 15 laps, the Daytona 500 saw another major wreck. Joey Logano, attempting to pass Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Chevrolet #47), triggered an accident that collected several top contenders, including Blaney, Busch, Chase Elliott, and Josh Berry.

Another frightening crash involved Ryan Preece, who went airborne after contact with Christopher Bell and Erik Jones. Fortunately, the RFK Racing driver walked away unharmed.

Overtime provided one last twist. A battle between Austin Cindric (Ford #2) and Denny Hamlin (Toyota #11) ended with both drivers making contact and taking each other out of contention. With a clear track ahead, William Byron maintained control and crossed the finish line in first place, holding off a late charge from Tyler Reddick.

Behind them, Jimmie Johnson, Chase Briscoe, John Hunter Nemechek, and Alex Bowman rounded out the top five in a thrilling race, once again impacted by rain but packed with excitement until the final lap.

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