William Byron Navigates Through Late Chaos to Win Daytona 500

If you want to win at Daytona, you have to avoid the big one.

William Byron won the biggest prize in stock car racing on Monday, navigating the No. 24 car through a chaotic final stretch to take the checkered flag.

With nine laps to go, Byron was involved in “The Big One.” Teammate Alex Bowman got into his rear, leading to a wiggle that pushed Byron into right side of Brad Keselowski and forcing him to spin. The resulting wreck caught up car after car in the crossfire, but when the dust settled, Byron escaped relatively unscathed.

The big one. #NASCAR #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/vXnqYcoMKI

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 20, 2024

After a red flag briefly brought the race to a halt, things restarted with eight laps to go, and Byron capitalized on his solid position.

While a late wreck nearly pushed the race into overtime, Byron had already taken the white flag before the caution came out, sealing his first victory in the Daytona 500.

William Byron wins the Daytona 500! #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/bmofJSB6k3

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 20, 2024

The win was a big one for Hendrick Motorsports, who were celebrating their 40th anniversary and wound up with a one-two finish, with Bowman finishing second.