A massive 20-car crash erupted at the Daytona 500 on Sunday, disrupting the season opener with seven laps remaining in the second stage. Justin Allgaier was leading when Denny Hamlin attempted an outside pass, triggering the chain-reaction collision. The incident involved multiple contenders including former winner Michael McDowell, Alex Bowman, and Ross Chastain.

Hamlin, seeking his fourth Daytona 500 victory, spun into the infield grass after Allgaier's late block squeezed him into the wall. The crash came earlier than usual for the "Big One" at NASCAR's premier event, with Bubba Wallace skillfully navigating through the wreckage to win the stage. Wallace drives for 23XI Racing, co-owned by Hamlin and Michael Jordan.

The race start had been moved up an hour to avoid afternoon showers, but the dramatic crash stole the spotlight. Tyler Reddick ultimately claimed victory in Jordan's car after Chase Elliott crashed while battling for the lead. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of restrictor-plate racing at Daytona International Speedway, where one mistake can trigger chaos involving half the field.