Heading into the 2025 Daytona 500, Joey Logano had one goal in mind—keep his “undefeated” paint job intact. He wasn’t just racing for the win, he was racing to keep a perfect streak alive, a paint scheme that had won twice before in IndyCar.
But thanks to a late-race wreck involving Ricky Stenhouse Jr., that dream—and Logano’s race—came crashing down.
The shocking part? Stenhouse Jr. didn’t blame Logano for the chaos.
The Wreck That Changed the Race
With just 15 laps to go, Daytona’s unpredictable nature struck once again.
- Logano made a move to the inside.
- Stenhouse Jr. threw a late block, defending his position.
- Logano clipped Stenhouse’s left rear quarter panel, triggering a multi-car pileup.
The wreck sent Stenhouse spinning into Kyle Busch and Ryan Blaney, collecting Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, and several others in the process.
Just like that, Logano’s night was over, and Stenhouse’s chance at victory was shattered.
No Finger-Pointing? Stenhouse Jr. Takes a Different Approach
After being wiped out of a race that he had a legitimate shot at winning, most drivers would be fuming.
But instead of calling out Logano, Stenhouse surprised everyone with a measured response.
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen the replay yet. But I feel like the holes were pretty small he was trying to fill,” Stenhouse said post-race.
Rather than lashing out, he acknowledged that he and Logano had worked well together all race long.
“I was hoping he would stick with me… I feel like I pretty much pushed him all the way around the racetrack for 10 to 12 laps, and we were really fast.”
A calm and composed Stenhouse Jr.? That’s not what fans expected.
A Changed Man? Stenhouse Jr.’s Reaction is a Stark Contrast to His Past
This wasn’t the same Ricky Stenhouse Jr. who once let his fists do the talking.
In 2024, after Kyle Busch wrecked him at the All-Star Race, Stenhouse waited outside the hauler, confronted Busch, and punched him square in the face.
In 2017, Logano himself left Busch bleeding after a fight. So why was Stenhouse Jr. suddenly playing peacemaker?
Was this a sign of maturity? Or was he just avoiding a potential revenge scenario from Logano?
Logano’s Daytona Dreams Go Up in Smoke
While Stenhouse at least salvaged a 17th-place finish, Logano wasn’t so lucky.
- Won Stage 1
- Finished 8th in Stage 2
- Earned 21 points
- Crashed out in the closing laps
It was a brutal end for a car that had been one of the fastest all night.
Meanwhile, Corey LaJoie, another contender in the race, finished 22nd with 20 points, unable to capitalize on the chaos.
What’s Next? Will Stenhouse Jr. Keep His Cool All Season?
Whether Stenhouse Jr.’s post-race attitude was genuine or calculated, one thing is certain—his reaction was not what fans expected.
He could’ve taken the easy route and blamed Logano, but he chose not to stir the pot.
Does this mean a new, composed Stenhouse Jr. for 2025? Or will we see that fiery temper return when things get heated later in the season?
As for Logano, he’ll have to wait for another shot at Daytona redemption—and his once-untouchable paint scheme now carries a fresh battle scar.
