2/19/2026 | USA | sports | ✓ Verified - foxsports.com

Best Daytona 500 Radio Moments From NASCAR Cup Opener: 'We Hit Everything'

#Daytona 500 #Tyler Reddick #23XI Racing #In-car radio #NASCAR chaos #Race wrecks #Great American Race #Driver reactions

📌 Key Takeaways

Tyler Reddick won the chaotic 2026 Daytona 500 for 23XI Racing
Multiple wrecks throughout the race created dramatic radio moments
Drivers' real-time reactions revealed the chaos and confusion
In-car radio communications provided behind-the-scenes perspectives
Bubba Wallace briefly led after avoiding a major wreck in Stage 2

📖 Full Retelling

During the 2026 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing claimed victory in the chaotic Great American Race, with the event's most dramatic moments captured through in-car radio communications that revealed the drivers' real-time reactions to multiple wrecks and last-lane maneuvers. The race began with immediate chaos as B.J. McLeod lost control and spun out, taking William Byron and several other drivers in the first wreck of the event. Byron's radio captured his frustration: 'Wrecking, wrecking right in our lane. Right in our lane.' Meanwhile, Justin Allgaier's team frantically instructed him to 'Back it out. Back it out. Back it out,' as he attempted to avoid the spreading carnage. Allgaier later expressed regret, saying, 'Sorry, I should have bailed. I saw the smoke.' Tyler Reddick also sustained damage to his right rear during the early chaos, informing his spotter Nick Pryne, 'I don't know what the heck happened there. Something broke.' The second stage of the race proved even more treacherous, with Ross Chastain bumping Chase Briscoe into the infield, which led to Austin Dillon T-boning Briscoe's spinning car. Dillon lamented, 'I knew it. I know [expletive] better. I shouldn't have chose the bottom lane.' Amid the chaos, Bubba Wallace emerged unscathed to take the lead, prompting his spotter Freddie Kraft to exclaim, 'Wooooh,' in relief as Wallace navigated through the wreck.

🏷️ Themes

NASCAR Racing, In-Car Communications, Race Chaos

📚 Related People & Topics

Great American Race

Topics referred to by the same term

Great American Race may refer to:

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Tyler Reddick

American racing driver (born 1996)

Tyler George Reddick (born January 11, 1996) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE for 23XI Racing.

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

The Daytona 500 is the most watched NASCAR race; in‑car radio gives fans real‑time insight into drivers' reactions, highlighting the intensity and unpredictability of the event.

Context & Background

The 2026 Daytona 500 featured multiple high‑speed wrecks
Tyler Reddick won the race for 23XI Racing
In‑car radio captures drivers' split‑second decisions

What Happens Next

The race’s dramatic moments will influence team strategies for the rest of the season, and fans will look forward to more behind‑the‑scenes coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are in‑car radio moments popular?

They provide authentic, unfiltered commentary from drivers and crew, giving fans a deeper understanding of race dynamics.

How does a driver communicate with the spotter?

Through a dedicated radio channel, drivers relay car status and request instructions, while spotters provide real‑time track information.

What impact did the Stage 2 wreck have on the race outcome?

It cleared the field, allowing Bubba Wallace to take the lead and ultimately win the race.

Will NASCAR increase in‑car audio coverage?

NASCAR has announced plans to expand live radio feeds for key races, aiming to enhance fan engagement.

Original Source

              The 2026 Daytona 500 was full of chaos and drama. From a 20-car wreck to a daring move on the final lap and a crash at the finish line, this iteration of The Great American Race had everything. It's one thing to see it play out on the screen; it's another to relive the action with a behind-the-scenes look from the drivers' and teams' perspectives with the audio detailing what they're experiencing in real time. Here are the best in-car radio moments from the 2026 Daytona 500, won by Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing. Stage 1 B.J. McLeod lost control and spun out, taking out William Byron and other drivers during the first wreck of the race. Here was what Byron said in real time: "Wrecking, wrecking right in our lane. Right in our lane." Justin Allgaier's team told him to: "Back it out. Back it out. Back it out," as he tried to avoid damage. "Sorry, I should have bailed. I saw the smoke," Allgaier said. Tyler Reddick took damage to his right rear and let his spotter, Nick Pryne know. "I don't know what the heck happened there," Reddick said. "Something broke." [INSIDE THE GARAGE: Tyler Reddick, 23XI Hope to Build on Historic Daytona 500 Win] Stage 2 The wreck in Stage 2 resulted in even more carnage. That was caught on audio, too. Ross Chastain bumped Chase Briscoe into the infield, and as Briscoe spun, Austin Dillon T-boned his car. "I knew it," Dillion said, lamenting. "I know [expletive] better. I shouldn't have chose the bottom lane." Bubba Wallace ultimately came out of that wreck wide open to lead the race. "Wooooh," his spotter Freddie Kraft said in exhalation as Wallace avoided the wreck. Connor Zilisch, who was also involved in that crash, was confused: "Where are we going?" he asked as his No. 88 car was towed to the garage. "I have no idea! I don't even know where the [expletive] they're taking us!" Zilisch went four laps down and asked, "Are we done?" "No, we're not done," Randall Burnett, his crew chief, replied. "They [expletive] us on that deal. There's onl
            

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