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Ryan Blaney Wins Four-Wide Daytona Finale as NASCAR Playoff Field Is Set

The photo finish blocked a must-win upset, sending Tyler Reddick through on points along with Alex Bowman for the 16-driver postseason.

Overview

  • Blaney edged Daniel Suarez by 0.031 seconds, with Justin Haley and Cole Custer also within hundredths at the line as Erik Jones finished fifth.
  • A 12-car crash on lap 27 collected Alex Bowman, Kyle Busch, Bubba Wallace, Joey Logano and others, ending Bowman's race and triggering a red flag.
  • Tyler Reddick spun on lap 18 but clinched a berth when Bowman retired; Bowman's spot held after Blaney, already a 2025 winner, took the victory.
  • Qualifying was canceled due to lightning, the starting order was set by NASCAR's formula, and Blaney launched from the pole.
  • Blaney added valuable playoff points and improved his seeding; the Cup Series playoffs begin next Sunday at Darlington Raceway.