The Daytona 500 is known as the “Great American Race” and is considered the crown jewel of NASCAR. Every year, millions of fans tune in to watch their favorite drivers battle it out for the coveted trophy and the title of Daytona 500 champion. However, for some of the sport’s best drivers, the victory at Daytona has remained elusive. As we gear up for the 67th running of the Daytona 500, let’s take a look at the best active NASCAR Cup Series drivers who have not yet conquered this legendary race.
First on our list is Kyle Busch, the 2015 Cup Series champion and two-time Xfinity Series champion. Busch is undoubtedly one of the most talented drivers in the sport and has amassed an impressive 58 Cup Series wins. However, despite his dominance on the track, he has yet to capture the Daytona 500 victory. In fact, Busch has come agonizingly close to winning the race, finishing second in 2016 and 2017. With his fierce competitiveness and determination, it’s only a matter of time before Busch adds the iconic Daytona 500 trophy to his collection.
Next up is Denny Hamlin, a two-time Daytona 500 winner in 2016 and 2019. Despite his success at the track, Hamlin has yet to win the race that every driver dreams of winning. He has come close to clinching the victory three times, finishing second in 2014, 2017, and 2020. Hamlin is known for his strategic driving and has proven time and again that he has what it takes to win at Daytona. As he looks to defend his title this year, there’s no doubt he’ll be giving it his all to finally add a third Daytona 500 win to his resume.
Another driver who has had his fair share of near misses at the Daytona 500 is Kevin Harvick. The 2014 Cup Series champion has achieved remarkable success in his career, with 58 Cup Series wins, including two at the Daytona International Speedway. However, his Daytona 500 record does not reflect his abilities, with his best finish being second in 2009. Harvick has consistently shown speed and skill at Daytona, and with his experience and determination, it’s only a matter of time before he finally captures the elusive victory.
Brad Keselowski is another driver who has yet to see victory lane at the Daytona 500. The 2012 Cup Series champion has proven to be a consistent top driver, with 35 Cup Series wins to his name. However, despite his impressive skills on superspeedways, he has not been able to secure a Daytona 500 win. He came close in 2014, leading significant portions of the race before finishing third. Keselowski has shown time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with, and it’s only a matter of time before he adds the Daytona 500 to his list of accomplishments.
Finally, we have Martin Truex Jr., the 2017 Cup Series champion and two-time Xfinity Series champion. Truex has been a dominant force in recent years, with 27 Cup Series wins and impressive performances at superspeedways. However, the Daytona 500 victory has eluded him, with his best finish being second in 2016. Truex has proven to be a consistent contender at the race and has shown that he has what it takes to win. As he continues to strive for greatness, it’s only a matter of time before he claims the coveted Daytona 500 win.
In conclusion, the Daytona 500 is a race that every driver dreams of winning. However, for some of the best active NASCAR Cup Series drivers, the victory at Daytona has remained out of reach. These drivers have shown immense talent and determination, but luck has not been on their side at this legendary race. As we look ahead to this year’s Daytona 500, there’s no doubt that these drivers will give it their all to finally capture the elusive victory and etch their names in the history books.
