Allgaier, Hamlin part of 20-car crash at Daytona

February 15, 2026 No Comments

Leader Allgaier, Hamlin part of 20-car crash at Daytona 500ESPN News ServicesMultiple AuthorsFeb 15, 2026, 05:11 PM ET

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The “Big One” happened earlier than usual at the Daytona 500 on Sunday: a 20-car crash just past the midway point that involved three-time race winner Denny Hamlin and several other contenders.

Justin Allgaier was leading in a car once fielded by two-time race winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. when Hamlin tried to pass on the outside at Daytona International Speedway. Allgaier threw a late block and squeezed Hamlin into the wall, igniting the melee with seven laps remaining in the second stage of NASCAR’s season opener.

Hamlin, trying to become the third driver to win four Daytona 500s, spun into the infield grass. Former race winner Michael McDowell, Alex Bowman, Shane van Gisbergen, Ross Chastain, Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek were among those involved.

Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 car slipped through the wreckage caused in a 20-car crash that included Denny Hamlin (No. 11), Justin Allgaier (No. 40) and several other contenders. Jeff Curry/Getty ImagesTwo-time Daytona 500 runner-up Bubba Wallace slipped through the wreckage unscathed, took the lead and won the stage under caution. Wallace drives for 23IX Racing, which is owned by Hamlin and Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan.

Tyler Reddick ended up winning the race in a car owned by Jordan when Chase Elliott crashed as he and Reddick were battling for the win.

The start of the race was moved up an hour in hopes of avoiding afternoon showers that are expected in the area.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.