William Byron reacted to a chaotic Daytona 500 that ended his bid for a historic three-peat. The Hendrick Motorsports driver started at the rear in a backup car, survived multiple crashes, briefly re-entered the fight for the win, and ultimately finished 12th after losing momentum in the final lap.

With NASCAR returning to a season-long Chase championship format, consistency has once again become the sport’s most valuable currency. That placed William Byron squarely at the center of debate.

A shot at immortality awaits any driver and team who can take the checkered flag in a DAYTONA 500 . However, for William Byron , Rudy Fugle and the No. 24 team this week, that comes with a side of potential history as well.

Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500, Bubba Wallace led the most laps and William Byron's streak ended. Let's break down the 2026 NASCAR opener.

Nine cars finished within three-tenths of a second in a dramatic final lap at Daytona International Speedway, but William Byron falls short of historic three-peat.