Since its debut in 1959, the Daytona 500 has been the crown jewel of NASCAR racing. The 500-mile race, held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, is known as the “Great American Race” and has become a coveted title for drivers in the world of stock car racing. With its rich history and prestigious status, winning the Daytona 500 is a dream for any NASCAR driver. As we look ahead to the 2025 running of the race, here are five drivers whose legacies could greatly benefit from a victory at the Daytona 500.
1. Chase Elliott
At just 25 years old, Chase Elliott has already made a name for himself in the world of NASCAR. Son of racing legend Bill Elliott, Chase has been driving in the Cup Series since 2016 and has quickly become a fan favorite. He has already achieved some impressive accomplishments, including winning the 2020 Cup Series Championship. However, one thing missing from his resume is a Daytona 500 win. Elliott has come close, finishing second in the 2017 and 2020 races, but has yet to take the checkered flag. A win at the 2025 Daytona 500 would solidify Elliott’s place as one of the top drivers in the sport and add to his already impressive legacy.
2. Bubba Wallace
Bubba Wallace has been making headlines both on and off the track in recent years. As the only full-time African American driver in the Cup Series, Wallace has been a trailblazer for diversity in NASCAR. He made history in 2018 by becoming the first African American driver to compete in the Daytona 500 since 1969. While he has yet to secure a win in the Cup Series, Wallace has shown great potential and has become a fan favorite. A victory at the 2025 Daytona 500 would not only be a personal achievement for Wallace, but it would also be a historic moment for the sport and solidify his place as a role model for future generations of drivers.
3. Kyle Larson
After a controversial incident in 2020, Kyle Larson was suspended from NASCAR and missed the entire season. However, he returned to the sport in 2021 and has been on fire ever since. In just his first season with Hendrick Motorsports, Larson has already secured four wins and is currently leading the Cup Series standings. Despite his success, Larson has yet to win the Daytona 500. A victory at the 2025 race would not only add to his impressive comeback story, but it would also solidify his place as one of the top drivers in the sport.
4. William Byron
At just 23 years old, William Byron is one of the youngest drivers in the Cup Series. He made his debut in 2018 and has quickly risen through the ranks, securing his first Cup Series win in 2020. Byron has shown great potential and has become a rising star in the sport. However, he has yet to make a mark at the Daytona 500, with his best finish being 9th in 2020. A win at the 2025 race would not only be a career-defining moment for Byron, but it would also solidify his place as one of the top young drivers in the sport.
5. Kevin Harvick
With over 50 Cup Series wins and a championship under his belt, Kevin Harvick is already considered one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history. However, one thing missing from his impressive resume is a Daytona 500 win. Harvick has come close, finishing second in 2015 and 2020, but has yet to take the checkered flag. As he nears the end of his career, a victory at the 2025 Daytona 500 would be the perfect addition to Harvick’s already legendary legacy and solidify his place as one of the all-time greats in the sport.
In conclusion, the Daytona 500 is a race that every NASCAR driver dreams of winning. For these five drivers, a victory at the 2025 running of the “Great American Race” could greatly benefit their legacies and solidify their places in the history books of the sport. Whether it’s a first-time win, a comeback story, or a career-defining moment, the 2025 Daytona 500 is sure to be an unforgettable race for these drivers and their fans.
