In a race that saw lead change after lead change in the closing laps, Ryan Blaney edged ahead of the pack and scored the win in Saturday’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona.
A push on the exit of Turn 4 on the final lap was enough to lead Blaney to victory over a host of drivers who needed a win to make the Cup Series playoffs.
The win is Blaney’s second at Daytona and his second of the 2025 season.
Daniel Suarez finished runner-up, with Justin Haley, Cole Custer and Erik Jones rounding out the top five. Chris Buescher, Kyle Larson, Ty Gibbs, Josh Berry and Chase Elliott completed the top-10.
An aggressive block from Haley on Custer on the final lap allowed Blaney to get the necessary momentum to make a run at the win. Suarez, Haley and Custer were three-wide for second at the checkered flag.
Other notable finishers include Christopher Bell in 13th, Brad Keselowski in 18th, two-time Daytona 500 champion William Byron in 19th, Denny Hamlin in 25th and Kyle Busch in 33rd.
Tyler Reddick clinched a playoff spot on points after Alex Bowman crashed early, but Bowman also earned a playoff bid by virtue of Blaney’s victory.
The Cup Series playoff field is now set, with the playoffs set to begin on Aug. 31 with the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
