Overview

• Blaney surged from 13th to first in the closing laps to capture the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona in a four-wide photo finish.
• The result denied several must-win challengers and locked Bowman into the 16th playoff spot despite an early crash, with only two playoff points to start.
• Legacy Motor Club lost control of the race after John Hunter Nemechek was penalized for removing a fuel can on pit road, dropping him to the tail; Erik Jones finished fifth and Nemechek 17th.
• Asked about comparisons to Dale Earnhardt, Blaney rejected the notion and credited patience, timing, and lessons from Penske teammates for his superspeedway success.
• The playoffs open Sunday at Darlington, where tire wear and pit cycles figure prominently, as commentary casts Team Penske as the early favorite over a Hendrick lineup facing point and form questions.