In a dramatic turn of events during the 2026 Daytona 500, a multi-car crash colloquially referred to as the 'Big One' saw nearly 20 vehicles taken out of the race. This incident was triggered by a collision between NASCAR drivers Justin Allgaier and Denny Hamlin during lap 124, leading to a race neutralization. The chaos erupted after Allgaier, who had just taken the lead, attempted to block Hamlin’s effort to pass him on the outside line, resulting in both cars making contact and bringing the rest of the field into the fray.

According to reports from Motorsport, Allgaier was unaware of Hamlin's positioning on the upper part of the track, which led him to alter his racing line. This miscalculation allowed Hamlin to collide into the rear of Allgaier’s car, causing a chain reaction that involved numerous other vehicles, from the front of the pack to those further back. The resulting wreck led to extensive damage and left many teams scrambling to assess their chances after the race resumed.

USA Today reported that the crash not only disrupted the race but also showcased the high stakes associated with NASCAR racing at Daytona, where drivers often operate in tight quarters and bold maneuvers can lead to catastrophic results. Fans and participants alike were left reeling from the incident, as teams looked forward to repairs and strategizing how to handle the remainder of the season amid the fallout from such a dangerous and costly event.