Chandler Smith, Helio Castroneves involved in Daytona 500 Duel wreck

Chandler Smith's hopes of qualifying for the Daytona 500 were dashed after a significant crash during the Daytona 500 Duel, where he was running in a strong position. On Lap 14, while attempting to move down in front of Justin Haley, Smith misjudged his positioning, leading to contact that resulted in a multi-car wreck involving several top drivers, including Ty Gibbs and Helio Castroneves. Smith expressed regret post-race, attributing the incident to a malfunctioning digital mirror, which he said contributed to his poor judgment. The crash not only ended Smith's chances at the Daytona 500 but also heavily damaged his car, eliminating him from contention. Meanwhile, Castroneves, who was also affected by the wreck, will still participate in the race using a special exemption, despite the circumstances of his entry. This incident highlights the high stakes and intense pressure drivers face during events leading up to the Daytona 500.