The opening Duel at Daytona ended in disorder as a last-minute incident during green flag pit stops triggered a major collision. With five laps left, Bubba Wallace was forced wide, leading to a spin that initiated a crash involving Chris Buescher and William Byron. Both Buescher and Byron suffered significant damage and must switch to their backup cars for the upcoming Daytona 500.
Switching to backup vehicles means that Buescher and Byron will start from the rear in Sunday’s Daytona 500 lineup. NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass confirmed that multiple cars, including those of Ross Chastain, Daniel Suárez, AJ Allmendinger, Bubba Wallace, and Casey Mears, are currently under repair after the first Duel.
Buescher and Byron to backups. Cars being repaired from first duel include Chastain, Suarez, Allmendinger, Wallace and Mears.— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 13, 2026
Overview of the Incident and Other Key Drivers Affected
Chris Buescher and William Byron were the worst affected by the spin caused by Bubba Wallace, who largely avoided serious damage in the chaos. The turmoil unfolded suddenly, turning what had been a generally clean race into a hectic scramble in the closing laps.
Trouble in Duel No. 1! Bubba Wallace takes the lead … then chaos. pic.twitter.com/ETpQxwiJsA— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 13, 2026
In addition to the spin involving Wallace, Buescher, and Byron, Casey Mears was involved in another critical moment after locking up his tires entering pit road. Mears spun and collided with Noah Gragson, leaving both stranded on the infield grass and casting doubt over Mears’ chances at the Daytona 500.
This car was stuck in the infield grass about 30 minutes before checkered flag.But it’s in the #DAYTONA500 🔒 pic.twitter.com/vifh9TUGh2— Davey Segal (@DaveyCenter) February 13, 2026
Racing Stakes and What to Expect Moving Forward
The crashes during the Duel races have shaken up the driver lineup, forcing several contenders to start from the back and make aggressive moves during the main event. Drivers like Corey LaJoie managed to stay out of trouble with consistently strong performances, putting them in better positions heading into Sunday.
The outcome of these incidents will have a significant impact on the strategy teams employ in the Daytona 500, where starting position plays an important role amid the intense competition. Fans and participants alike await developments as teams work to repair their cars and prepare for what promises to be a fiercely contested race.
This situation remains fluid as repairs continue and drivers adjust to their new starting positions, underscoring the unpredictable nature of stock car racing at Daytona.
Buescher and Byron to backups. Cars being repaired from first duel include Chastain, Suarez, Allmendinger, Wallace and Mears.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 13, 2026
Trouble in Duel No. 1! Bubba Wallace takes the lead … then chaos. pic.twitter.com/ETpQxwiJsA
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 13, 2026
https://twitter.com/DaveyCenter/status/2022127752108027962
