Blaney wins chaotic Daytona finale to lock Cup playoff field

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. Ryan Blaney surged from the middle of the pack in the closing laps to win the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on Aug. 23, securing his second victory of the season and locking the final NASCAR Cup Series playoff field while producing one of the most chaotic regular‑season finales in recent memory. The fourwide dash to the line delivered a photo finish that left playoff hopes made and dashed in the space of two laps.

Blaney rocketed from 13th to the lead on the final restart and edged Daniel Suárez by 0.031 seconds, with Justin Haley and Cole Custer close behind. The late pass preserved Alex Bowman’s place in the 16‑driver postseason on points after Bowman was sidelined early by a multicar wreck, and it confirmed Tyler Reddick’s berth despite a separate spin and repairs earlier in the race. Blaney’s victory also added playoff points to his tally and reshuffled the top of the standings heading into the playoffs.

The race featured constant position changes and hard racing. Broadcasters recorded 44 lead changes among 19 drivers, with Blaney and teammate Joey Logano each credited with leading 27 laps. Bowman’s No. 48 was heavily damaged in a...