Since its inaugural race in 1959, the Daytona 500 has been the ultimate test of skill, speed and endurance for NASCAR drivers. Considered the most prestigious event on the NASCAR calendar, the Daytona 500 is often referred to as the “Great American Race.” Every year, drivers from across the country and around the world gather at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida to compete for the coveted title and the chance to etch their names in the history books.
As we look ahead to the 2025 running of the Daytona 500, there are five drivers whose legacies could greatly benefit from a win at this iconic event. These drivers have already achieved success in their careers, but a victory at the Daytona 500 would solidify their place among the all-time greats of NASCAR.
1. Chase Elliott
Son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, Chase has quickly made a name for himself in the world of racing. The 24-year-old has already won the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2020 and is considered one of the most promising young talents in the sport. However, one thing missing from his impressive resume is a win at the Daytona 500.
Elliott came close to winning the Daytona 500 in 2017, finishing in second place. But a win at the “Great American Race” would elevate his status to a whole new level. It would not only be a personal achievement for him, but also a tribute to his father’s legacy. A Daytona 500 win in 2025 would cement Chase Elliott’s place among the greatest drivers to ever grace the track.
2. Bubba Wallace
Bubba Wallace has been making headlines in NASCAR for all the right reasons. The 27-year-old is the only African American driver currently competing at the Cup Series level and has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the sport. Wallace’s career has been on the rise, with a handful of top-10 finishes and a historic win at the 2021 NASCAR All-Star Race.
A victory at the Daytona 500 would not only be a personal achievement for Wallace, but also a monumental moment for NASCAR as a whole. It would send a powerful message of progress and change, and solidify Wallace’s place as a trailblazer in the sport. A win at the “Great American Race” in 2025 would be a defining moment in Bubba Wallace’s career and a step towards a more diverse and inclusive future for NASCAR.
3. William Byron
At just 23 years old, William Byron has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in NASCAR. The young driver has shown remarkable consistency, with multiple top-10 finishes and a spot in the playoffs every year since his Cup Series debut in 2018. However, Byron is still searching for his first win at the Daytona 500.
A victory at the “Great American Race” would not only be a milestone in Byron’s career, but also a nod to the future of NASCAR. As the youngest driver to ever win a NASCAR Cup Series race, Byron has the potential to break records and make a lasting impact in the sport. A win at the 2025 Daytona 500 would be a stepping stone towards an exciting and promising future for William Byron.
4. Ryan Blaney
The 2022 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Ryan Blaney is no stranger to success in the sport. With multiple wins and a spot in the playoffs every year since 2017, Blaney has proven himself to be a formidable competitor. However, one win that has eluded him is the Daytona 500.
As a third-generation racer, a win at the “Great American Race” would be a family legacy for Blaney. It would also solidify his place among the top drivers in the sport and add to his already impressive list of accomplishments. A victory at the 2025 Daytona 500 would be a career-defining moment for Ryan Blaney and a testament to his unwavering determination and skill.
5. Kyle Larson
After a controversial exit from NASCAR in 2020, Kyle Larson made a triumphant comeback in 2021 and solidified his place as one of the top drivers in the sport. With multiple wins, including a victory at the 2021 Coca-Cola 600, Larson has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with on the track. However, a win at the Daytona 500 is
