Following the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Riley Herbst responded to Brad Keselowski’s sharp comments about a last-lap move that sparked a wreck. The clash happened during the race’s final moments at Daytona International Speedway, a critical event that impacted both drivers’ chances for victory. Herbst spoke on The Gluckcast when asked about Keselowski calling his action
“one of the dumbest things I have ever seen,”
defending his decision under intense pressure.
Herbst explained,
“He hasn’t reached out to me. I understand that everybody has emotions,”
acknowledging Keselowski’s reaction while sharing his own frustration. After the race, Herbst was upset as well because he believed a different maneuver could have earned him a finish no worse than third, but instead, his effort to take the win ended with an eighth-place result.
He also said,
“People say things when they are in the heat of the moment. He has every right to feel the way he does. But to say that’s the most egregious thing he’s ever seen, I feel like that’s a bit of a stretch. I grew up watching him race on plate tracks as well. I kind of maybe learned it from him, or who knows.”
Details of the Final Lap Collision Between Herbst and Keselowski
Before Tyler Reddick claimed victory, a wreck involving Brad Keselowski and Riley Herbst disrupted the concluding laps of the Daytona 500. Keselowski was aggressively attempting to surpass Reddick for the win, while Herbst was also pushing for a strong finish. As Herbst made his move, he struck Keselowski’s car, leading to a crash just prior to Reddick crossing the start/finish line, severely affecting the top contenders’ race outcomes.
Race Results and Impact on Driver Records
The wreck resulted in Riley Herbst finishing eighth, marking his best performance in his four Daytona 500 appearances. Keselowski ended the race in fifth place, continuing his quest for his first Daytona 500 win in a career spanning 17 years. The incident and its aftermath have intensified scrutiny on driving tactics used in high-stakes situations and the risks drivers take in pursuit of victory.
Brad Keselowski Criticizes Herbst Post-Race
Brad Keselowski expressed his disappointment after the race, stating to John Newby of Savage Ventures,
“The 35 [Herbst] just wrecked me out of nowhere for no reason. That was one of the dumbest things I have ever seen. He had no chance of blocking my run. I had a huge run—I don’t know if I could have gotten to the 45, but I would have liked to have found out because my run was coming fast, and the 35 just wrecked us and himself. Pretty stupid.”
What This Means for Riley Herbst and Brad Keselowski Going Forward
This incident underlines the intense pressures and split-second decisions drivers face during marquee events like the Daytona 500. Riley Herbst’s aggressive attempt to win, though costly, demonstrated his willingness to take risks. Meanwhile, Keselowski’s frustration reflects the fine line between aggressive racing and mistakes that alter outcomes. How both drivers manage the fallout, including possible communication or rivalries, will be pivotal in shaping their future on the NASCAR circuit.
#NASCAR – Brad Keselowski called Riley Herbst's attempted block on the final lap of the Daytona 500 one of the dumbest things he's ever seen.
"Pretty stupid." pic.twitter.com/PGp7RMdbj2— John Newby (@JohnNewby_) February 15, 2026
