When it comes to NASCAR, there is no race more iconic than the Daytona 500. The adrenaline, the speed, and the competition make it the ultimate test of skill and determination for every driver. And while some have been fortunate enough to emerge victorious at the end of 500 grueling miles, there are still a handful of talented drivers who are yet to taste victory in the “Great American Race.”
As we gear up for the 67th running of the Daytona 500 this Sunday, let’s take a look at the best active NASCAR Cup Series drivers who have not yet hoisted the coveted trophy at Daytona International Speedway.
1. Kyle Busch
With two Cup Series championships and 56 wins under his belt, Kyle Busch is undoubtedly one of the best drivers in NASCAR today. However, the one race that has eluded him is the Daytona 500. Busch has come close to clinching the victory, finishing second in 2016 and third in 2019. Known for his aggressive driving style and never-give-up attitude, Busch is a force to be reckoned with on the track. It’s only a matter of time before he adds a Daytona 500 win to his impressive list of accomplishments.
2. Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski is another top driver who has yet to conquer the Daytona 500. The 2012 Cup Series champion has 34 wins and over 200 top-ten finishes in his career, but the Daytona 500 win has remained elusive. He came close in 2010 when he finished second, and he has had a few other top-five finishes at Daytona. Keselowski is a skilled and determined competitor, and it’s only a matter of time before he breaks through and claims his first Daytona 500 victory.
3. Kevin Harvick
Kevin Harvick is a powerhouse in NASCAR, with 52 Cup Series wins and the 2014 championship title. However, the Daytona 500 has been a tough nut to crack for the veteran driver. His best finish at the race was second in 2015, and he has had a few other top-five finishes as well. With his experience and consistency on the track, it’s only a matter of time before Harvick adds a Daytona 500 win to his impressive resume.
4. Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin has come agonizingly close to winning the Daytona 500 in recent years. So close, in fact, that he has finished second not once, not twice, but three times (2016, 2019, and 2020). That’s a testament to his skill and determination, but it also has to be a frustrating feeling to come so close and yet miss out on the victory. Hamlin is a two-time Cup Series champion and has 44 career wins. There’s no doubt that he has what it takes to win the Daytona 500, and it may be just a matter of time before he finally breaks through.
5. Chase Elliott
When it comes to young talent in NASCAR, Chase Elliott is a name that stands out. The 25-year-old already has a Cup Series championship to his name, and he has 11 wins in just six full-time seasons. However, the one race he is yet to win is the Daytona 500. Elliott’s best finish at the race was second in 2017, and he has consistently been a strong contender at Daytona. With his skill and determination, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Elliott add a Daytona 500 win to his already impressive resume in the near future.
The Daytona 500 may be NASCAR’s greatest race, but it’s also one of the toughest to win. These five drivers have proven time and time again that they have what it takes to be successful in the Cup Series, and it’s only a matter of time before they add a Daytona 500 victory to their list of accomplishments.
So as we eagerly await the 67th running of the Daytona 500 this Sunday, let’s keep an eye on these drivers and see if one of them can finally break through and claim the ultimate prize in NASCAR. The race will surely be a nail-biter, but one thing is for sure – these talented and determined drivers will give it their all and leave everything out on the track. And who knows, maybe this will be the year that one of them finally adds a Daytona 500 win to their
