Brad Keselowski was positioned to win the Daytona 500 on Sunday before an unexpected collision altered the outcome. On the last lap, Keselowski accelerated off Turn 4 and appeared ready to challenge Chase Elliott and Tyler Reddick side-by-side as they approached the finish line. However, Riley Herbst, who was directly behind Elliott, moved up the track in an attempt to overtake Keselowski, but the maneuver came too late and took out Herbst himself along with several drivers, including Keselowski.
Keselowski criticized Herbst’s move after the race, calling it “one of the dumbest things” he had ever witnessed on a racetrack, reflecting his frustration over losing a potential first Daytona 500 victory.
Controversy Over Aggressiveness on Superspeedways
Freddie Kraft, the spotter for Bubba Wallace and the No. 23 team, reacted to Keselowski’s harsh judgment. Kraft noted that Keselowski, known for his bold driving style on superspeedways, had been involved in several aggressive incidents himself. Referring to discussions on Monday’s Door Bumper Clear, Kraft said,
“Listen, yes, Riley made a bad block in a split-second decision trying to win the Daytona 500, He was just trying to get to the outside of the 9 [Elliott]. … For him to say that — TJ [Majors] was going nuts on the roof, and I’m like, ‘You guys have torn up more sh*t at these races pushing and blocking than anybody else.”
Tommy Baldwin, competition director for Rick Ware Racing, agreed with Kraft’s perspective, adding,
“I love Brad Keselowski, but how many cars has he wrecked on superspeedways? I mean, c’mon.”
Herbst’s Perspective on the Crashing Move
Riley Herbst responded to Keselowski’s criticism by emphasizing the fine margins involved in the moment. He explained to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports that his decision to go three-wide was an effort to create a photo finish, and the crash was simply a result of inches of space lost in the heat of competition.
“I went to pop three-wide to make it a photo finish, and it must have been a matter of inches,”
“… I wasn’t trying to make a move to go to second. … It’s fractions of a second. We’re trying to win the Daytona 500. [Brad] will tell you it’s a matter of inches and we were on the wrong side of inches.”
Race Outcome and Implications For Both Drivers
Despite the clash ending their chances of victory, both Keselowski and Herbst finished within the top 10. The incident underscores how tightly contested the Daytona 500 remains and how risky maneuvers on the final lap can dramatically alter the race result. With both drivers pushing hard for their first win at this event, the collision highlights the tension and urgency that often characterize superspeedway racing.
The fallout from this clash may influence how drivers approach blocking and positioning in future Daytona 500 races, as Keselowski’s criticism and Herbst’s defensive explanation reveal ongoing debates about aggression and safety in high-stakes moments.
Riley Herbst: "We're trying to win the Daytona 500. … [Brad] will tell you it's a matter of inches and we were on the wrong side of inches." @NASCARONFOX https://t.co/gyf4RHuszX pic.twitter.com/1Mf4NwwEOR
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 15, 2026
