Harrison Burton survived the entire Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway to be there at the end and score a historic NASCAR Cup Series win.
When the Cup Series is contested at super-speedways like Daytona, there’s always running around in the draft and wondering when the “big one” is going to happen. The Coke Zero Sugar 400 had both as well as some very exciting racing.
16 drivers exchanged the advantage of 40 times. Josh Berry was able to win the first round. Joey Logano led the most laps during the race (34) and was able to win the second round.
There were seven caution laps during the race, including two to end the first two stages. Two of those warnings would be classified as “major,” where the total number of vehicles involved is in the double digits. In fact, near the end of the race, the TV commentators noted that there were only six cars that were NOT involved in any type of accident.
When the seventh and final caution flag was canceled, it sent the race into NASCAR overtime with a green-and-white checkered finish. Kyle Busch was the driving car on the restart from the inside of the front row with Harrison Burton on the outside alongside him. Kyle was able to take the lead when the green flag dropped and held that lead for most of the final two laps of the race.
However, the front of the field remained side by side, two wide in the first five or six rows during those laps. Parker Retzlaff moved past Harrison Burton for the lead in the final lap of the race. Harrison was able to drop and block Kyle Busch as they raced through the final turns of the race. Harrison held onto the lead to cross the finish line as the race leader on the only lap he drove (and the only lap that really mattered in the race).
It was Harrison Burton’s first win in the NASCAR Cup Series. It also gave Wood Brothers Racing their 100th win in NASCAR’s top division. The team has been a part of NASCAR since its inception and is one of the legendary racing teams and families. See complete race results for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 here.
The win does two things for Harrison. First, it puts him in the playoffs with a chance to win the championship. Second, it puts the spotlight on him as he looks for a ride for the 2025 season. Earlier this season, it was announced that Josh Berry would take over the #21 car for Wood Brothers Racing in 2025.
After the race at Daytona, Tyler Reddick remains the leader in the points table. Kyle Larson moves up to second. Chase Elliott drops to third. See the full NASCAR Cup Series Point Standings here.
There is just one race left before the NASCAR playoffs begin. Thirteen of the 16 playoff spots are held by drivers without at least one win. That leaves three spots that are currently filled based on points. The three drivers above the dash are Martin Truex Jr. (+58), Ty Gibbs (+39) and Chris Buescher (+21). Just below the cut line are Bubba Wallace (-21) and Ross Chastain (-27).
The final race to earn enough points to qualify for the playoffs, or “win to get in,” will be this Sunday, September 1st. That race is the Cook Out Southern 500. Drivers will have 500 miles (367 laps) around the Darlington Speedway, also known as The Lady in Black, to earn points or win a place in the playoffs.
Author: Buck Stevens
