A dramatic finish at Daytona
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series regular‑season finale unfolded under the bright lights of Daytona International Speedway, marking the final chance for drivers to lock themselves into The Chase.
Zane Smith, running near the front, elected to throw a block on the last straightaway, a move that sent his car into a spin and destabilised the pack behind him.
How the wreck unfolded
The ensuing chaos saw multiple vehicles collide, and Daniel Dye’s No. 78 machine became airborne, climbing over the No. 5 car of Kyle Larson before striking the window net with enough force to jolt the cockpit.
Larson, still in control, keyed his team radio and reported calmly that he was unharmed, a brief exchange that reassured on‑lookers and broadcast viewers alike.
Playoff ramifications
While the incident left the championship picture finely tuned, officials are already reviewing the block and the multi‑car wreck to assess any procedural adjustments for future races.