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Blaney’s Photo-Finish Daytona Win Locks NASCAR Playoff FieldBoosts PePenske’s Title Bid

The late-race charge from 13th capped Penske’s well-timed resurgence entering the 10-week postseason.

Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Advance Auto Parts Ford, crosses the start finish line to win the NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on August 23, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Hendrick Motorsports teammates Kyle Larson, front, and William Byron, center, enter the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs with the most points.
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#12: Ryan Blaney, Team Penske, Advance Auto Parts Ford Mustang and #48: Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports, Ally Chevrolet

Overview

  • Ryan Blaney edged Daniel Suárez by 0.031 seconds in a four-wide photo finish at Daytona after conserving in stage two and surging from 13th to the lead.
  • The victory finalized the 16-driver grid by preserving Alex Bowman’s last berth, with Blaney ending the regular season second in points and starting the playoffs seeded fourth after six straight top-10s.
  • Team Penske carries momentum from a Richmond 3-4-5 and Blaney’s superspeedway win, with crew chief Jonathan Hassler emphasizing steady weekly gains over fixating on Hendrick’s pace.
  • Hendrick Motorsports qualified all four drivers for the postseason, yet analysis questions which of Kyle Larson, William Byron, Chase Elliott or Alex Bowman is best positioned for a deep run.
  • A pit-road penalty on John Hunter Nemechek for removing equipment dropped him to the tail and altered Legacy Motor Club’s outlook, as Erik Jones finished fifth and Nemechek 17th; the playoffs open Aug. 31 at Darlington with Phoenix set for the title race.