Chaos at the 2024 Daytona 500 Ruins the Race for Several Drivers

The 2024 Daytona 500 is one of the most anticipated races of the year, but an massive early wreck turned it into a nightmare for some. On just the sixth lap around the high-banked superspeedway, contact between a few cars triggered a massive pileup. In the blink of an eye, over half a dozen top drivers found their dreams of winning the 500 ruined before they really began.

It started when Brad Keselowski gave John Hunter Nemechek a small bump entering turn 4. That was all it took to set off a chain reaction. Nemechek tagged Harrison Burton, sending him spinning up the track and collecting several others. Carson Hocevar had nowhere to go and slammed into Burton. Within seconds, 2024 Daytona 500 hopes were destroyed for both of them, as well as Ryan Preece, Kaz Grala, Austin Dillon, and Jimmie Johnson.

Drivers Left Wondering “What If?”

Understandably, those involved in the wreck were devastated. Harrison Burton said “It’s so frustrating to be out of the 2024 Daytona 500 that early.” Hocevar noted he had only a fraction of a second to react. The multi-car mess was a reminder of how fragile success is at Daytona. A single wrong move can end a 2024 Daytona 500 dream before it even starts. All those drivers were left wondering “What if things had gone differently?”

While the wreck ruined the day for many, the race went on. Chase Elliott took the win in Stage 1. Ryan Blaney powered to victory in Stage 2. By the end, one driver would complete the 200 laps and claim the title of 2024 Daytona 500 champion. But for those caught up in the opening lap chaos, they’ll have to wait another year to get another shot at Daytona 500 glory.