The Daytona 500 is widely regarded as the pinnacle of NASCAR racing, attracting the best drivers from all over the world to compete for the coveted title of “Daytona 500 Champion”. This iconic race has seen some of the greatest moments in motorsports history, with legends like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon etching their names into the record books. However, as with any sport, there are always those who come close to glory but never quite reach it. In the case of NASCAR, there are some incredibly talented drivers who have yet to win the Daytona 500. As we gear up for the 67th running of this historic event, let’s take a look at the best active NASCAR Cup Series drivers who have yet to claim victory in the “Great American Race.”
At the top of the list is none other than Kyle Busch, the 2015 Cup Series Champion and one of the most successful drivers in recent years. Busch has won multiple races at Daytona International Speedway, including two in the prestigious Coke Zero 400. However, his luck at the Daytona 500 has not been as favorable. He has come close to victory on several occasions, most notably in 2016 when he led the most laps but ultimately finished third. Despite his dominance on the track, the Daytona 500 has eluded Busch, and he will be determined to change that on Sunday.
Another notable driver on this list is Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series Champion and a former winner of the prestigious Southern 500 and Brickyard 400. Keselowski has proven his ability to win on any track, but the Daytona 500 has been a different story. In his 12 attempts, his best finish was a third place in 2014. Keselowski has been known to be a strong competitor at superspeedways, and with the right strategy and a little bit of luck, he could finally secure his first Daytona 500 victory.
Next on the list is Joey Logano, the 2018 Cup Series Champion and a two-time winner of the prestigious Clash at Daytona. Logano has had a consistent performance at the Daytona 500, with five top-ten finishes in his nine starts. However, he has yet to break through and claim the ultimate prize. He came close in 2016 when he finished runner-up, and with his recent success on superspeedways, Logano is undoubtedly a top contender for the win this weekend.
Another driver who has been knocking on the door of Daytona 500 victory is Denny Hamlin, the 2016 Cup Series Champion and a two-time winner of the prestigious Southern 500. Hamlin has had some heartbreak at the Daytona 500, most notably in 2010 when he lost in a photo finish to Kevin Harvick. He also had a strong showing in 2019, leading the most laps but ultimately finishing second. With a strong team and a proven ability to win on superspeedways, Hamlin could finally add the Daytona 500 to his impressive resume.
Last but certainly not least, we have Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series Champion and a two-time winner of the prestigious All-Star Race. Elliott has shown a lot of promise at the Daytona 500, with three top-five finishes in his five starts. However, he has yet to break through and secure the win. Elliott has proven to be a strong contender on superspeedways, and with his recent championship win, he will be eager to add the Daytona 500 to his list of accomplishments.
It is worth noting that while these drivers have not yet won the Daytona 500, they have all tasted success in other major races, including other Daytona events. They have also consistently shown their talent and ability to compete at the highest level of NASCAR. The fact that they have not won the “Great American Race” only adds to their determination to succeed and adds a level of unpredictability to this year’s event.
In addition to these drivers, there are also other notable names on the list, including Ryan Blaney, Martin Truex Jr., and Kyle Larson, all of whom have had strong performances at the Daytona 500 but have yet to claim victory. It goes to show that even the most successful drivers in the sport can still have one major accomplishment to chase.
As we look forward to the 67th running of the Daytona 500, it is clear that this year
