The Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway was everything but boring, with big wrecks, fast passes, and a surprising last lap, making it one of the most memorable Daytona races in history.
Daytona Speedway is one of the fastest races in NASCAR, with speeds averaging 190 mph. High speeds also lead to bad crashes. This year there were two multi-car crashes, eliminating the race leaders, Michael McDowell and Josh Berry. On Lap 61, Michael McDowell’s car launched airborne taking out the front runners Joey Lagano (lead 34 laps), Justin Haley, Kyle Larson, Tyler Riddick, Chase Eliott, and Denny Hamlin, a total of 16 cars were involved. However, the second multi-car crash left Josh Berry’s car flipped, leading on the roof, and knocking into the side wall. After the safety team flipped the car back over, Berry climbed out giving the thumbs up. Berry tells NBC, “It probably wasn’t as bad as it looks.”
With multiple cars out of the race, it left three new leaders in front: Kyle Busch, Christopher Bell, and Harrison Burton. Kyle Busch sped up to stay in front, wanting to win to claim a playoff ticket, but also extend his 19th season winning streak. However, Burton sneaked a pass beside Busch during the last lap claiming the winning title. Burton won his team, The Wood Brothers Racing, a 100th win, ironically after he was told this was his last season with the Wood Brothers. Harrison Burton took his victory lap, while his family cheered for him, including his dad, Jeff Burton, a retired 22-year Cup Series winner.
Harrison Burton told NBC after his victory lap, “I cried the whole lap. I obviously got fired from this job and wanted to do everything for the Wood Brothers I could. They’ve given me an amazing opportunity in life and to give them the 100th [win] on my way out is amazing. We’re in the playoffs now. Let’s go to Darlington and see what happens.” The win left Burton with an automatic ticket to the playoffs. Before the race, Burton wasn’t even in the top 20 to make it into the playoffs.
It’s hard to tell now who will get a playoff ticket. Multiple racers who had a chance are several points behind now. However, Harrison Burton surprised everyone with his win. Good Luck, Burton, in Darlington!
Karen | Aug 30, 2024 at 5:20 pm
Great story! It sounds like you were there.