Brad Keselowski fiercely criticized Riley Herbst’s driving tactics at the conclusion of the Daytona 500 on Sunday. Despite finishing fifth, Keselowski’s race ended amid chaos caused by Herbst’s last-lap maneuver in the prestigious Daytona event.
During the final dash to the finish line, Keselowski was running in fourth place on the outside lane when Herbst’s #35 Toyota from 23XI Racing abruptly shifted into his path. The sudden move triggered a multi-car wreck that forced Keselowski off his line and ultimately dropped him to fifth place as he crossed the finish.
Keselowski Calls Out Herbst’s Dangerous Move at Race’s End
Speaking with FOX Motorsports reporter Josh Sims immediately after the race, Keselowski conveyed his strong disapproval of Herbst’s racing decision that resulted in significant vehicle damage.
Right here at the end, I had this huge run, and the 35 wrecked us. Really disappointing. He tore up the 9 [of Chase Elliott], he tore up the 22 [of Joey Logano], a bunch of cars that didn’t deserve to be wrecked. So, that was a big bummer and really stupid,
Keselowski said.
In a subsequent interview with FOX’s Bob Pockrass, Keselowski expressed even sharper criticism of Herbst’s actions and their impact on the race outcome.
Although Keselowski was unclear whether he could have surpassed leaders Tyler Reddick (#45) and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (#47), he lamented losing the chance to find out due to the crash caused by Herbst.
The 35 just wrecked me out of nowhere for no reason. That was one of the dumbest things I’ve ever seen. He had no chance of blocking my run. I had a huge run. I don’t know if I could’ve gotten the 45 and 47, but I would’ve liked to have found out, because my run was coming fast. The 35 just wrecked us and himself. Pretty stupid,
Keselowski said.
Keselowski highlighted the fine line between strategic blocking and reckless moves, condemning Herbst for crossing it.
One-lane block kinda 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,
Keselowski said.
Keselowski’s frustration is understandable given his ongoing quest for a Daytona 500 victory. The Michigan-born driver has competed in 17 editions of the race, with his best result being a third-place finish in 2014.
Keselowski Reflects on His Return After Leg Injury
Keselowski’s performance at Daytona was notable as it marked his return to racing following a broken femur sustained during a ski trip last December. This injury had cast doubt on his readiness for the new season.
Cleared to compete the same week of the Daytona 500, Keselowski ran the full 500 miles and endured the final crash without significant issues.
I felt really good in the car, felt really good getting into the crash,
Keselowski commented.
Currently in his fifth season with RFK Racing, a team he co-owns with Jack Roush, Keselowski secured one victory earlier in 2024 at Darlington. Despite the setback at Daytona, his ongoing recovery and competitive drive signal continued ambition for this racing season.
Brad Keselowski's thoughts on the final lap of the Daytona 500. pic.twitter.com/TKGy5qZXvT
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 15, 2026
Brad Keselowski on Riley Herbst: "That was one of the dumbest things I've ever seen. He had no chance of blocking my run …. Very, very stupid." @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/4czJiCkoBU
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 15, 2026
