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William Byron Wins 2026 Daytona 500 in Overtime Finish

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. on-wins-2026-daytona-500-in-overtime-finish.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 21:55 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Florida, UNITED STATES

Daytona Beach, FL - February 16th, 2026 - William Byron emerged victorious from a nail-biting and chaotic 2026 Daytona 500, securing the checkered flag after a dramatic overtime finish. The race, broadcast live on FOX and streamed via FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports App, proved to be a relentless battle of speed, strategy, and survival on the famed Daytona International Speedway. The final result culminated a race riddled with cautions, red flags, and multiple multi-car wrecks that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the afternoon.

The race began promptly at 3 p.m. ET, immediately setting a frenetic pace typical of the "Great American Race." Early laps saw Denny Hamlin establish a strong presence at the front, consistently leading the pack and demonstrating his veteran skill in navigating the draft. However, the competitive intensity of the field meant Hamlin's lead was never secure, with William Byron quickly emerging as a formidable challenger, shadowing Hamlin's every move.

Throughout the afternoon, the race was repeatedly punctuated by caution flags. The first significant incident occurred on lap 132, with Chase Elliott briefly losing control and spinning out - a harbinger of the challenges to come. More contact followed on lap 142, with Tyler Reddick and Austin Dillon involved in a brief but impactful exchange. Bubba Wallace also saw his race momentarily disrupted by a spin on lap 154, and a contact incident with Kyle Busch on lap 120 further contributed to the growing sense of unpredictability.

As the race progressed, the lead changed hands several times. Austin Dillon briefly took the reins, followed by Chase Elliott, but Denny Hamlin repeatedly reclaimed the top spot, showcasing his prowess in the draft and his ability to maneuver through the tightly packed field. William Byron, however, proved to be a consistent threat, taking the lead on lap 167 and maintaining a strong position within striking distance of Hamlin.

The turning point of the race arrived on lap 197 with a massive wreck involving multiple cars. The severity of the crash prompted a red flag, allowing teams to assess the damage and prepare for a crucial restart. This incident significantly thinned the field, setting the stage for a tense and unpredictable final sprint.

Following the red flag period for inspection, the field was slowed, but the intensity remained high. A subsequent caution on lap 192, caused by Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s spin, further tightened the competition. The race then entered overtime, bringing the remaining contenders together for one final, all-or-nothing battle.

The overtime restart saw Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott vying for the lead, but William Byron skillfully navigated the chaos, overtaking both drivers and surging ahead in the final laps. Despite fierce challenges from his rivals, Byron maintained his momentum, crossing the finish line to claim the coveted Daytona 500 trophy.

Byron's victory marks a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his position as a top contender in NASCAR's premier series. It was a hard-fought win against a highly competitive field, and it demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure in the biggest stage of stock car racing. The 2026 Daytona 500 will be remembered as a race defined by its unpredictable nature, thrilling overtakes, and ultimately, William Byron's triumphant victory.

Beyond Byron's win, the race also highlighted the growing competitiveness of the NASCAR Cup Series. The frequent lead changes and the numerous cautions demonstrated that any driver in the field had the potential to contend for the win. The high number of incidents also raised questions about safety and the need for continued improvements in track design and car technology.