WATCH: Alex Bowman, Ryan Blaney, Kurt Busch and Others in Massive 16-Car Crash in 2021 NASCAR Daytona 500

In NASCAR, multi-car crashes are a relatively common sight. This is usually known as the ‘Big One,’ and just about anything can trigger it. At the 2021 NASCAR Daytona 500, that very thing happened, and it wiped out a number of drivers. This incident occurred in the first stage with 14 laps done and dusted.

As it turned out, the scene began when Kyle Busch and Christopher Bell tried to give Aric Almirola a bump draft. Unfortunately, it went a little bit wrong and the Stewart-Haas driver spun out of control. He then careened into an unsuspecting Alex Bowman, knocking him out as well.

From there, it was chaos, as several other cars became innocent victims. It was all the more heart-breaking for Alex Bowman, as he was the pole-sitter for the iconic race.

In other words, he will not get the chance to be a pole-to-win driver. Similarly, Ryan Newman, David Ragan, Daniel Suarez, and Almirola were equally disappointed.

How is the rest of the NASCAR Daytona 500 panning out?

The various victims included Kurt Busch, Newman, Tyler Reddick, and Almirola himself. Meanwhile, Ryan Blaney, Chris Buescher, Martin Truex Jr, Christopher Bell, and Matt DiBenedetto also joined them.

Also taking an early shower was William Byron, who had a hairy moment when his car went up on two wheels. Ragan, Anthony Alfredo, Erik Jones, Bowman, Suarez, and Jamie McMurray were also reduced to spectators.

Admittedly, the race went under red flag conditions after just 16 laps. However, the ‘Big One’ was not to blame for the lengthy delay.

As it turns out, Mother Nature has not exactly been very co-operative in the past few days. There have been intermittent showers throughout the weekend, and lightning forced the red flag.

At the time of the red flag, Kevin Harvick was leading from Bell, who managed to survive. Meanwhile, Austin Dillon, Kyle Busch, and reigning champion Chase Elliott make up the Top 5. Kyle Larson, Ryan Preece, Joey Logano, Michael McDowell, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr comprise the Top 10.

NASCAR Daytona 500 2021 Weather Forecast: Will Rain Play Spoilsport on Sunday?