Kyle Busch blasted Joey Logano for the multi-car crash on Sunday night that knocked them out of Daytona 500 title contention. The accident took place during the 187th lap and took out eight cars from the race.
How did both racers respond?
What Happened to Kyle Busch?
With just 14 laps to go in the Daytona 500, Busch was surging forward and making a run at an incredible late finish. For much of the night, he had been stuck mid-pack, watching Ryan Blaney, Austin Cindric, Joey Logano, and Bubba Wallace control the race. But as the intensity ramped up in the closing miles, “the Candy Man” worked his way into contention.
Busch was dreaming of finally ending his barren run at NASCAR’s crown jewel event, but he soon discovered that destiny had other plans. He fell victim to a multi-car collision and got knocked out of the race before completing the full 202 laps. The 39-year-old solely blamed Logano for his misfortune.
BREAKING REPORT: Insane video shows car become airborne after massive wreck at Daytona 500..
All drivers have checked in.. pic.twitter.com/0fTRiLI0bh
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) February 17, 2025
Logano’s bold attempt to slip past Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the middle lane backfired and led to a series of subsequent crashes. Just as Logano went for the gap, Stenhouse moved down, sparking a collision that set off a wreck—one that ultimately left Busch’s race in ruins.
What Did Busch Say?
“It looks like the fastest car got in a hurry to get to the wreck,” Busch said after his 20th failed attempt at winning the 500. “Logano was by far the fastest car today. He could about do anything. The Penske cars were very strong. With a few laps to go, he’s trying to make a hole through the middle that wasn’t there. And created chaos.”
It’s safe to say the veteran wasn’t a fan of the risky driving.
Kyle Busch rips Joey Logano for causing the crash with Ricky Stenhouse Jr.#Daytona500
pic.twitter.com/y83p1Gyush— 24/7 NASCAR (@NASCAR247) February 17, 2025
“We had a fast car and were in position and just kind of biding our time. You have to know how wide your race car is to find a hole it will fit in, and he obviously doesn’t know that.”
What Did Joey Logano Say?
Logano claimed that he saw his chance as the race neared its climax and felt that he had to go for it.
“From my perspective, I felt like to win the race, I had to get to the second row in my line there,” the Team Penske star said. “I was in third and needed to get to second.
“I saw the opportunity to drop down and get underneath the (Stenhouse) and have (Noah Gragson), another Ford, behind me. Then Stenhouse threw a late block there. I checked up for it and it looked like he was going to go back up and grab the top lane, so I went back in to try and close the gap again, but he kept coming down.
“I am checking up, but at that point, the checkup has already happened behind me and everybody is all over each other. I can’t get out of it and then we made contact. It is unfortunate. We had a good Shell Pennzoil Mustang. We had a good car but just couldn’t get it done.”
Despite leading for 43 laps, Logano had to take solace in a 35th-place finish. Busch finished a stop ahead in 34th.
