The Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious race, once again delivered a high-speed spectacle filled with drama, controversy, and heartbreak. But for two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, the 2025 edition of “The Great American Race” turned into a nightmare after a multi-car crash dashed his hopes of securing a long-awaited victory at Daytona International Speedway.

Following the incident, Busch didn’t hold back his frustration, pointing the finger squarely at Joey Logano. The veteran driver, known for his outspoken nature, blamed Logano for triggering the wreck that took him out of contention.

Speaking to reporters post-race, Busch minced no words when asked about the incident that prematurely ended his Daytona 500 dreams.

“The fastest driver on the track isn’t always the smartest,” Busch stated, clearly referencing Logano’s aggressive driving style. “Joey was pushing way too hard, making reckless moves that ultimately caused the big one. It’s frustrating because we had a car capable of winning.”

The crash, which occurred with just a handful of laps remaining, involved multiple front-running cars, shaking up the race and allowing an unexpected winner to emerge. For Busch, the wreck was yet another reminder of his ongoing struggles at Daytona, where despite his immense talent, victory has eluded him.

The pivotal crash unfolded as the field entered Turn 3 in a high-speed draft pack, with Logano battling for position at the front. Footage and telemetry data suggest that Logano made a late move in an attempt to block a charging competitor. The sudden maneuver caused an accordion effect, leading to multiple cars getting collected—including Busch, whose No. 8 Chevrolet slammed into the wall and sustained race-ending damage.

“I don’t know what more we can do,” Busch added. “Every year, we bring a fast car, we put ourselves in the right position, and then something like this happens.”

Logano, a former Daytona 500 winner and one of NASCAR’s most aggressive drivers, defended his actions, arguing that late-race intensity naturally leads to big wrecks at superspeedways.

“I was just doing what we always do at Daytona—racing hard for the win,” Logano responded. “It’s unfortunate that so many cars got caught up in it, but that’s how these races play out. You have to be aggressive.”

As soon as Busch’s comments hit the airwaves, social media lit up with debates over who was truly at fault. Some fans backed Busch, arguing that Logano has a history of risky moves, while others defended Logano, stating that superspeedway racing is inherently unpredictable and chaotic.

NASCAR analysts also weighed in on the controversy. Dale Earnhardt Jr., a two-time Daytona 500 winner, offered a balanced perspective.

“That’s just Daytona,” Earnhardt Jr. said during a post-race breakdown. “Guys are making moves with inches to spare, and sometimes, it goes wrong. But you also have to wonder—was Logano being too aggressive, or was he just doing what’s necessary to win?”

Despite being one of the most accomplished drivers in NASCAR history, Busch’s track record at Daytona remains one of his biggest disappointments. He has won multiple races at other superspeedways, including Talladega, but the elusive Daytona 500 victory continues to slip through his fingers.

Throughout his career, Busch has come close several times, only to be taken out by crashes, mechanical failures, or bad luck. This year’s race marked yet another painful chapter in his quest for a win at the crown jewel of stock car racing.

With the Daytona 500 now behind him, Busch will have to refocus his energy on the rest of the season. His next opportunity to shine will come at Auto Club Speedway, where he has historically performed well. While superspeedway racing is often a game of chance, the rest of the season offers plenty of opportunities for redemption.

As for Logano, he remains one of the most polarizing figures in NASCAR. His aggressive style has earned him both admiration and criticism, and this latest incident is sure to add fuel to the fire of ongoing rivalries within the sport.

The fallout from the Busch-Logano controversy is far from over, as fans and analysts continue to dissect every angle of the crash. NASCAR’s biggest races often come with their share of drama, and this year’s Daytona 500 was no exception. Whether or not Busch and Logano will clash again on the track remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this rivalry just got a whole lot more intense.