Ambetter Health 400: 10 Drivers Penalized Before the Start – High Drama Right Before the Green Flag!
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is already off to a dramatic start, as 10 drivers—including superstar Kyle Larson—have been penalized before the start of the legendary Daytona 500. With nearly a quarter of the field forced to the rear, this shake-up has completely changed the race dynamics before the first lap is even completed!
Unprecedented Penalties Rock the Daytona 500
Sunday marks the 67th running of the Daytona 500, the most iconic race in NASCAR history, but this year’s edition has been hit by a massive wave of penalties that could determine the outcome before the engines even roar to life.
10 drivers are set to drop to the back of the grid due to various infractions, including technical inspection failures and backup car usage. Among those penalized are some of the sport’s biggest names, including Kyle Larson, Ty Gibbs, Brad Keselowski, and Alex Bowman.
This is a nightmare scenario for these drivers, as starting position is crucial at Daytona International Speedway, where track position and aerodynamics play a massive role in race strategy.
Who’s Been Penalized? The Full List of Drivers Dropping to the Rear
Several high-profile drivers are set to lose their qualifying positions and start from the back:
- Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports)
- Ty Gibbs (Joe Gibbs Racing)
- Riley Herbst (23XI Racing)
- Shane van Gisbergen (Trackhouse Racing)
- Brad Keselowski (RFK Racing)
- Justin Haley (Spire Motorsports)
- Daniel Suarez (Trackhouse Racing)
- Alex Bowman (Hendrick Motorsports)
These drivers all had to switch to backup cars following crashes or issues during practice and qualifying sessions.
Additionally, Helio Castroneves (Trackhouse Racing) will also start from the rear after going to a backup engine. Though originally set to start 41st, Castroneves had already fallen back on a provisional entry due to missing out on direct qualification.
Lastly, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Hyak Motorsports) is also being sent to the back after failing pre-race technical inspection twice. Stenhouse had initially qualified 31st, but due to the violations, he will start much further down the order.
How These Penalties Will Impact the Race
With 10 drivers forced to drop to the back, the entire Daytona 500 starting grid has been reshuffled. This could have major implications for the race, as Daytona is notorious for its pack racing and drafting strategies.
Drivers who originally qualified in the top 10 now have a significant advantage, as they won’t have to battle through slower traffic. Meanwhile, penalized drivers will need to carve their way through the pack, putting them at increased risk of crashes, aggressive overtakes, and strategic dilemmas.
Historically, starting at the rear in Daytona 500 history has been a death sentence for many drivers. While some have pulled off miraculous comebacks, the odds are now stacked against the biggest names in this year’s race.
Updated Daytona 500 Starting Lineup
With the penalties in effect, here’s how the revised starting grid looks heading into Sunday’s race:
Chase Briscoe (Joe Gibbs Racing)
Austin Cindric (Team Penske)
Bubba Wallace (23XI Racing)
Erik Jones (Legacy Motor Club)
William Byron (Hendrick Motorsports)
Chris Buescher (RFK Racing)
Ty Dillon (Kaulig Racing)
Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing)
Ross Chastain (Trackhouse Racing)
Joey Logano (Team Penske)
With Chase Briscoe leading the pack, this presents a massive opportunity for young drivers to capitalize on the misfortunes of NASCAR’s biggest superstars.
Kyle Larson vs. Christopher Bell: NASCAR’s Fiercest Rivalry Continues!
While Larson’s penalty is already a headline grab, his ongoing rivalry with Christopher Bell is another massive talking point ahead of the Daytona 500.
These two drivers have been locked in intense battles since their days in dirt racing, and their competition has only escalated in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Bell vs. Larson: A Rivalry for the Ages!
Epic slide jobs
Lap-after-lap duels
No room for error
Recently, Bell defeated Larson in a thrilling dirt race at the World of Outlaws event in Volusia, proving that this rivalry isn’t just limited to asphalt. Bell acknowledged the competitive fire between them, stating:
“We’re not enemies, but we are rivals. We’ve raced against each other for years, and I know he loves beating me—just like I love beating him.”
The very next night, Larson responded in dominant fashion, leading all 25 laps to claim a statement victory, proving that their battle is far from over.
With both drivers aiming for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship, expect fireworks when they inevitably clash on the track again!
Can the Penalized Drivers Overcome the Odds?
The Daytona 500 is a race of unpredictability, chaos, and high-speed strategy. While the 10 penalized drivers are starting at a severe disadvantage, Daytona has proven time and again that anything is possible.
Key Questions Ahead of the Race:
Can Kyle Larson make an unbelievable comeback from the back?
Will Ty Gibbs fight his way to the front and contend for victory?
How will Brad Keselowski’s experience play into his recovery strategy?
Will dark horse contenders take advantage of the early shake-up?
With drafting, pit strategy, and raw speed playing a huge role, expect the unexpected in this year’s Daytona 500!
Conclusion: Buckle Up for a Daytona 500 Like No Other!
With major shake-ups before the green flag, a stacked field, and intense rivalries brewing, the 2025 Daytona 500 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling races in recent memory.
Massive penalties
Rivalries reigniting
Unpredictable race scenarios
The green flag drops soon, and when it does, it’s every driver for themselves. Stay tuned as NASCAR’s biggest names fight for supremacy in the Great American Race!
