Overview

• Austin Dillon dominated at Richmond, leading 107 laps to become the 14th different winner of 2025 and clinch a playoff berth.
• With 14 spots secured by winners, the last two playoff positions are currently held on points by Tyler Reddick and Alex Bowman, who can be displaced by any new Daytona winner.
• RFK Racing’s full-time drivers, along with several notable names including Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski, enter Daytona in must-win situations to advance.
• Denny Hamlin criticized the ‘win-and-you’re-in’ format as unfair to consistent performers, while Fox’s Mamba Smith defended it in a post that drew heavy backlash online.
• Kevin Harvick warned that an outside winner at Daytona is plausible and emphasized stage points, defensive racing, and survival strategy as pivotal for bubble contenders.