Without a doubt, the Daytona 500 has long been considered a prestigious race among those who follow the world of American racing. In fact, it is right up there with the Indianapolis 500. Over the course of its NASCAR Cup Series tenure since 1959, the race has borne witness to 41 different race winners. However, in recent times, people have begun to question the iconic race’s status. As per a “hot take,” it is a great addition to the calendar, but winning this race does not guarantee a driver’s status as a top driver.
HOT TAKE: 🔥🔥🔥
The #Daytona500 no longer defines a legacy. It's a great addition, icing on the cake, but you are no longer an upper echelon driver for winning 1 single race in a package that requires more luck than skill. #NASCAR
— Opinions on NASCAR (William Richard) (@nascar_opinion) January 25, 2023
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Surprisingly, there were plenty of people in the NASCAR community who agreed. A few people name-dropped a few drivers whose only claim to fame was a Daytona 500 win. This included the likes of Michael McDowell, Derrike Cope, Michael Waltrip, and Trevor Bayne. Bayne actually went down in history as the youngest Daytona 500 winner, but that was his only win.
READ MORE: “This is Not a Charity”—NASCAR President Uses Chase Elliott’s Example to Hit Back at Naysayers
How else did NASCAR fans react to the Daytona 500 question?
According to some people, winning a Daytona 500 requires the right package and relies on a lot of luck. For this very reason, drivers from other racing series are not particularly enthusiastic about racing there. There have been so many occasions where the race ends up turning into a question of survival, with wrecks piling up.
via Getty
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 14: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 DoorDash Toyota, and Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Toyota, race during the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/via Getty Images)
Another argument is that, while the tradition is great, the Daytona 500 is no less difficult compared to other races on the calendar.
Agree. Bayne, McDowell, Cope, M Waltrip, marlin.
Highly anticipated race just because it's the lid lifter. But after the race more times than not it leaves you scratching your head.
— cannot be blank (@dinkmcdinkerson) January 25, 2023
I pretty much agree, it’s the reasons why drivers like Alonso say they don’t want to race in it. Last year was pretty good but it’s just been a wreck fest lately that’s all about survival rather than out racing someone
— ˜”*°• MK •°*”˜ (@MK_USA1) January 25, 2023
I don’t disagree with you. I respect the tradition and the race (and love every minute of it) but I don’t believe it’s anymore difficult that other races on the schedule.
— Mark (@Here4TheParty_) January 25, 2023
Kinda sorta agree with this. SS racing takes a ton of luck compared to skill. Still think the 500 is a great achievement but I think the winner of the southern 500 at darlington every year is more impressive.
— Kaleb L (@KiNg_ChO2) January 25, 2023
Furthermore, the luck factor isn’t just a Daytona 500 thing. The same rings true for any kind of superspeedway. There’s no denying that winning the Daytona 500 is a great achievement. However, some believe that winning the Southern 500 at the Darlington Raceway is more impressive. Few people confessed that this kind of opinion is a reality, as much as they do not want it to be true.
This is the definition of a take that people (including myself) does not want to be true, but is 100% a correct take.
— Chris (@chris_10235) January 25, 2023
y’all getting on him for saying it’s more luck than skill, but at the same time he somewhat has a point 🥴 https://t.co/5olWzVkhyo pic.twitter.com/TXGNaeLUL1
— trace 🖤🇩🇴 (@SkyTrace29) January 25, 2023
Bingo. Nascar ruined its crown jewel event to pander to a bunch of boobs who wanna watch crash highlights on ESPN. that race used to take skill to win. Be it driving, car, strategy whatever. Now it’s a demolition derby one must simply survive. https://t.co/MDLW3QnM5q
— Randy Ridgway (@drizz_81) January 25, 2023
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It takes skill, but let’s be real do we really think modern plate races are the measuring stick of how great a driver is.
Ive always felt a championship would mean more to me at least as a driver even though the 500 means a lot obviously. https://t.co/9PkCP0gAz7
— Aidan The Race Fan (@ThatRaceFan) January 25, 2023
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A few fans even declared that the once iconic race has been reduced to a series of crash reels. Previously, the race needed skill and strategy to win, but now it is more akin to surviving a “demolition derby.” Finally, some people acknowledged that winning a Cup championship means more than winning a race like the Daytona 500.
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