Imagine showing up to one of the biggest races of your career with a walking cane, only to be taken out by a move so questionable it leaves everyone scratching their heads. That’s exactly what happened to Brad Keselowski during the 2026 Daytona 500, and he didn’t hold back in calling out Riley Herbst’s controversial block as “one of the dumbest things I’ve ever seen.” But here’s where it gets controversial—while Herbst was being praised by 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan for helping Tyler Reddick secure the win, Keselowski was left fuming over a move that cost him a shot at victory and sparked a massive crash.
Heading into the race, all eyes were on the 42-year-old Keselowski, who was nursing a broken femur from a December fall. Despite the injury, he not only competed but was a strong contender throughout the 68th running of ‘The Great American Race,’ marking his 17th start in this iconic event. Exiting Turn 4, Keselowski had a massive run, poised to challenge for the lead. A push from his 23XI teammate, Riley Herbst, had already helped Tyler Reddick make the winning pass, but Herbst wasn’t done—he had his sights set on glory too.
And this is the part most people miss—as Herbst attempted to pass Chase Elliott for second, he made a bold move to the outside, directly into Keselowski’s path. Keselowski, already receiving a push from Joey Logano, was on a collision course with Herbst. The result? A chaotic crash that left Keselowski’s car heavily damaged, though he still managed a fifth-place finish. Afterward, Keselowski didn’t mince words, criticizing Herbst’s decision to block across the entire track, calling it “very, very stupid.”
Here’s the kicker: Herbst wasn’t just trying to block Keselowski—he was aiming for the win himself. But his miscalculation led to a wreck that took out multiple drivers, including Chase Elliott, Joey Logano, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. While Reddick celebrated his Daytona 500 victory, Keselowski was left reflecting on yet another near-miss, extending his winless streak to 60 races. Despite the frustration, there was a silver lining: his injured leg held up remarkably well, and he exited the car under his own power, feeling strong throughout the race.
Now, here’s the controversial question: Was Herbst’s move a desperate bid for glory or a reckless decision that cost others their shot? Keselowski clearly believes it was the latter, but what do you think? Did Herbst’s block cross the line, or was he simply racing hard in the heat of the moment? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to rev some engines.
For more insights, check out these related reads:
- NASCAR Cup: Driving for Michael Jordan, Tyler Reddick wins the Daytona 500 in wreck-filled finish
- Official race results for the 2026 Daytona 500
- Michael Jordan reacts to Daytona 500 win: 'It feels like I won a championship'
- Inside the battle that decided the Daytona 500
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