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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The dramatic conclusion to the 68th Daytona 500 was marred by a late-race incident that saw veteran driver Brad Keselowski unleash a scathing critique of his competitor, Riley Herbst, labeling his final-lap maneuver as “one of the dumbest things I’ve ever seen.” The incident, occurring just yards from the finish line, not only cost Keselowski a potential victory and resulted in significant damage to his No. 6 Ford, but also ended Herbst’s own aspirations for the coveted Harley J. Earl Trophy.
Entering the prestigious "Great American Race" with significant physical concerns, the 42-year-old Keselowski had defied expectations by not only competing but contending throughout the 200-lap event. His participation in the 2026 Daytona 500 was in doubt following a December fall that resulted in a broken femur, an injury that saw him arrive at Daytona International Speedway utilizing a walking cane. Despite this setback, Keselowski demonstrated remarkable resilience, proving he could still run at the front of the pack in his 17th attempt at the iconic race.
As the field thundered into Turn 4 on the final lap, Keselowski found himself with significant momentum, a critical factor in drafting success at Daytona. A crucial push from his 23XI Racing teammate, Tyler Reddick, propelled Reddick towards the lead and ultimately the win. However, Herbst, also a 23XI Racing competitor, was not merely content with facilitating a teammate’s victory. He harbored his own ambitions for glory and was attempting to secure second place.
Herbst initiated a move to the outside of Chase Elliott, aiming to overtake for the runner-up position. Unbeknownst to Herbst, Keselowski, bolstered by a push from Joey Logano, was already occupying that precise piece of real estate on the track. The simultaneous pursuit of the same racing line by both drivers led to an unavoidable and violent collision. The ensuing melee across the finish line saw Reddick capture the checkered flag, while Keselowski, caught in the crossfire, limped across in fifth place, his No. 6 Ford bearing heavy damage to its nose.
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Post-race, the frustration was palpable for Keselowski. Speaking to reporters, his disappointment was evident as he dissected Herbst’s actions. "That was one of the dumbest things I’ve ever seen," Keselowski stated emphatically. "He had no chance of blocking my run. I had a huge run, I don’t know if I could have gotten the 45 [Reddick], but I would have liked to have found out because my run was coming fast. The 35 [Herbst] just wrecked us in itself."
Keselowski elaborated on his assessment of Herbst’s decision-making in the critical closing moments. "I thought, well, you know, a one-lane block kind of makes sense, but to block from the very bottom all the way to the top and wreck yourself and everybody else is just stupid. Very, very stupid."
Amidst Keselowski’s candid criticism, his 23XI Racing co-owner, Michael Jordan, was celebrating Reddick’s maiden Daytona 500 triumph. Jordan, a celebrated figure in the sports world, expressed his elation, likening the victory to winning a championship. This juxtaposition of a team owner’s joy and a driver’s ire underscored the chaotic and competitive nature of the Daytona 500.
On a more positive note for Keselowski, the physical toll of the incident on his recovering femur appeared minimal. He reported that his leg felt sound throughout the race and did not hinder his ability to exit the car after the crash. "Felt really good in the car, felt really good getting through the crash, and I’m happy for that," he commented, highlighting a personal victory in his physical rehabilitation.
However, video evidence of the incident suggests Herbst was initially holding the middle lane before attempting to move up into Keselowski’s path in an effort to pass Elliott. This late and aggressive block ultimately proved catastrophic, igniting the multi-car incident that concluded the race. For Herbst, the outcome represented another agonizing near-miss in his pursuit of a maiden NASCAR Cup Series victory, extending his winless streak to 60 races.
The Daytona 500, a race renowned for its unpredictable nature and tendency for late-race drama, once again delivered a thrilling, albeit controversial, conclusion. Tyler Reddick’s victory marked a significant achievement for 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. This win, Reddick’s first in "The Great American Race," positions him as a prominent contender in the 2026 season.
Keselowski’s strong performance, despite his injury and the final-lap mishap, underscores his enduring competitiveness in the NASCAR Cup Series. His ability to contend at the front of the pack, even with a significant physical hurdle, speaks volumes about his dedication and skill. The No. 6 team, under the leadership of Keselowski, will undoubtedly aim to capitalize on this momentum in the upcoming races, seeking to translate strong performances into tangible results.
The incident involving Herbst and Keselowski serves as a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins and high stakes inherent in restrictor-plate racing. While Reddick celebrates a career-defining victory, the post-race narrative is undeniably dominated by Keselowski’s vocal condemnation of Herbst’s audacious, and ultimately ill-fated, attempt to gain an advantage in the dying moments of one of motorsport’s most prestigious events. The debate over the legality and wisdom of such aggressive defensive maneuvers in the final moments of a race is likely to continue within the NASCAR community.
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