The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series kicked off with high drama at the Daytona 500, but for Kyle Busch, the season opener ended in frustration rather than triumph. A multi-car crash, sparked by Joey Logano’s aggressive maneuver, abruptly halted Busch’s bid for his first-ever Daytona 500 victory. The incident, which occurred with just 14 laps remaining, left Busch fuming as he pointed the finger at both Logano and NASCAR officials for what he saw as a chaotic and unfair conclusion to his race. The fallout from the wreck has ignited debates among fans and analysts, setting the stage for a contentious start to the season.

The crash unfolded on Lap 186 when Logano, the reigning Cup Series champion, attempted to squeeze through a tight gap in the middle lane. Running fifth at the time, he darted from the top lane, aiming to position himself closer to the front. However, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., in the No. 47 car, threw a late block, leading to contact between the two. The collision sent Logano careening into Busch’s No. 8 Chevrolet, triggering a chain reaction that collected eight cars, including heavyweights like Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott. Busch, who had been steadily working his way into contention, saw his hopes dashed as his car sustained damage that forced him out of the race, finishing 34th.

In his post-race comments to Fox, Busch didn’t hold back. He called out Logano’s decision-making, noting that with 20 laps still to go, there was no need for such a risky move. “Looks like the fastest car got in a hurry to get to the wreck,” Busch said, emphasizing that Logano’s No. 22 Penske Ford had been dominant all day, leading 43 laps. “He’s trying to go through the middle and make a hole that isn’t there and just created chaos.” Busch’s frustration was palpable as he lamented the lost opportunity for his Richard Childress Racing team, which had prepared a car he believed could challenge for the win.

But Busch’s criticism didn’t stop with Logano. He also took aim at NASCAR’s handling of the situation, particularly its Damaged Vehicle Policy. After the wreck, Busch’s car was towed to the garage, where his team assessed it and deemed it capable of returning to the track. However, NASCAR officials ruled him out, citing a rule that requires drivers to reach minimum speed within three consecutive green-flag laps after repairs. Busch argued that the race never resumed under green conditions before he could attempt this, accusing officials of misapplying their own regulations. “I don’t even think they know their own rules or procedures,” he vented on social media, amplifying his discontent.

Logano, for his part, defended his actions, claiming he saw an opportunity to advance and had to take it to stay in contention. “I felt like to win the race, I had to get to the second row,” he explained, pointing to Stenhouse’s late block as the trigger for the incident. Despite leading much of the race, Logano finished 35th, a disappointing result for a driver who had shown championship form earlier in the day. Meanwhile, William Byron capitalized on the chaos, navigating through the wreckage to secure his second consecutive Daytona 500 victory.

The clash between Busch and Logano adds another chapter to their storied rivalry, which famously erupted into a physical altercation in 2017. For Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion with 63 career wins, the Daytona 500 remains the one prize that has eluded him in 20 attempts. His outspoken reaction underscores the stakes of the event and his determination to finally conquer it. As the NASCAR season moves to Atlanta Motor Speedway, the tension from Daytona lingers, promising more fireworks between these fierce competitors. For now, Busch’s redemption arc will have to wait, but his resolve—and his voice—remain as strong as ever.