Joey Logano shares mixed feelings about “sliding sideways across the start-finish line” in the Daytona 500

Joey Logano’s 2026 campaign began with a dramatic end in the Daytona 500 when the Team Penske driver crossed the line backwards. Despite the chaotic finish, his third place finish gave the three-time champion a strong start to the new season.

Logano reopened in 14th with four laps remaining, but worked his way forward to the front row, entering the final lap. With leaders Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell tangling, the door opened for the No. 22 Penske Ford to move into the lead pack. The final lap dramatically mixed up the race.

Logano remained in contention until the final corner, when a block from Riley Herbst on Brad Keselowski caused a multi-car crash, allowing Tyler Reddick to take the win, as Logano slid sideways across the line. After the race, he shared photos from the accident and wrote on X:

“My day ended in a familiar place, but I feel better when I can say I finished third this year at Daytona 500, sliding sideways across the start-finish line. Let the 2026 #NASCAR CUP Series season begin!”

The winner of Duel 1 carried strong momentum into the main event. Joey Logano faced pole position Kyle Busch and took the lead for the first 10 laps. A short fuel stop strategy in the first stage dropped him down the order, forcing him to rebuild track position during the second stage after a “major crash” caused damage and required repairs.

Logano gradually returned to the mix in the final stage with pit strategy and drafting assistance. A late fuel stop put him back in the lead group before a final restart brought about the chaotic finish. He eventually finished third and scored the fifth-most points in the race (36). Despite his last lap accident, the result marked a strong start to his season.

Joey Logano on completing Daytona 500 in three years: ‘I’m in the same building’

Joey Logano entered the weekend with tough Daytona memories. He finished 32nd in 2024 and 35th in 2025 after leading more than 80 laps in the two races. This year, he led nine laps and finished on the podium.

Logano said, speaking after his evaluation at the field care center Front extension He was relieved to finally see the checkered flag.

“So, after the way this race ended for us recently, I’ll tell you, I’m in the same building that I finished in. But at least I saw the checkered flag this time. I didn’t really close my eyes at that point but it seemed like it was at some point,” Joey Logano said.

Team Penske had a mixed day at the 2026 Daytona 500. Ryan Blaney was among the top five in both stages, and Austin Cindric took an early lead, but both were affected by crashes and finished several laps down in 27th and 36th, respectively.