Who Won Daytona 500 Today 2025
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - In a stunning upset at the 67th annual Daytona 500, veteran driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr., piloting the No. 47 Kroger/Cottonelle Chevrolet for JTG Daugherty Racing, clinched his first-ever Daytona 500 victory in a race filled with dramatic twists and turns. The race, held earlier today at the Daytona International Speedway, saw several multi-car wrecks and unexpected strategy calls, ultimately leading to Stenhouse's triumph.
This victory is not only a career-defining moment for Stenhouse, but also a significant win for JTG Daugherty Racing, a single-car team that has consistently strived for competitiveness in the NASCAR Cup Series. Stenhouse's ability to navigate the chaos and capitalize on late-race opportunities underscores the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing and highlights the potential for underdog stories to emerge on NASCAR's biggest stage.
The Daytona 500, often referred to as "The Great American Race," holds immense prestige within the motorsports world. Securing a win here guarantees a spot in the playoffs and provides a major boost in team morale and sponsorship opportunities. The implications extend far beyond the track, influencing fan engagement, merchandise sales, and the overall narrative of the NASCAR season.
Race Highlights
The race began under sunny skies, with polesitter Kyle Larson leading the field early. However, the opening stages were marked by cautious racing, as drivers attempted to avoid the "big one" that is almost synonymous with Daytona.
The first major incident occurred on lap 67, triggering a multi-car wreck in Turn 3 that eliminated several contenders, including Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott. This reshuffled the field and brought out the first of several caution flags.
Strategy played a crucial role throughout the race, with teams employing different pit stop tactics. Some drivers opted for fuel conservation, while others pushed for track position, leading to a constantly evolving leaderboard.
Late-Race Drama
The final stage of the race saw a series of intense battles for the lead, with multiple drivers vying for the top spot. Joey Logano, the 2015 Daytona 500 champion, was a constant presence at the front, along with William Byron and Bubba Wallace.
A late-race caution, triggered by a spin involving Ryan Blaney, set up a green-white-checkered finish. This put Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in a prime position to challenge for the win.
In a dramatic final lap, Stenhouse made a daring move to the outside, battling Joey Logano for the lead. Contact between the two sent Logano spinning, allowing Stenhouse to surge ahead and cross the finish line just ahead of Christopher Bell and Austin Cindric.
Impact and Reaction
The victory sent waves of excitement through the JTG Daugherty Racing camp, as the team celebrated its first Daytona 500 win. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., visibly emotional, dedicated the win to his team and sponsors, thanking them for their unwavering support.
"This is unbelievable," Stenhouse said in a post-race interview. "We've been working so hard for this, and to finally get it done at Daytona is just incredible."
The win marks a significant turning point for Stenhouse's career, providing him with momentum and confidence as he enters the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. It also solidifies JTG Daugherty Racing's place as a legitimate contender in the sport.
The race also sparked discussions about the aggressive nature of superspeedway racing and the role of contact in determining the outcome. While some fans praised the excitement of the final lap, others criticized the level of aggression and the potential for dangerous incidents.
Ultimately, Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s Daytona 500 victory will be remembered as a testament to perseverance, strategy, and a little bit of luck. It is a reminder that in NASCAR, anything is possible, and that even the underdogs can rise to the occasion on the sport's biggest stage.
