The Dixie Vodka 400 saw early front runners fall back as a night came over the Homestead-Miami Speedway. William Byron was one of the drivers that got stronger in the dark.
Drivers like Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher had the field leading speed early in the race when the track had sunshine on it. In fact, Chris Buescher was the winner of stage one.
However, as the night began to set in and the track cooled down other drivers found their way to the front of the race. William Byron, Martin Truex Jr. and some other began moving through to the front as the race wore on. William Byron was able to score the win in stage two.
Tyler Reddick started the race with the highest driver rating at Homestead-Miami Speedway among active drivers. When the sun was out he was mired back in the teens in the driving order. When the nighttime came on so did he. Tyler raced through the field and toward the front as the total laps remaining fell to below 10.
William Byron had raced out to a four plus second lead with just 10 laps remaining. Tyler was able to pass the fifth place car and then fourth place car. Tyler raced his way up to second place by the time the white flag waived to signify the last lap. However, he far enough behind that he would not be able to close the distance to challenge for the lead. William Byron held on to claim only his second career win in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Tyler Reddick scored the runner up finish. Martin Truex Jr. finished in third place. Kyle Larson was able to earn fourth place with Kevin Harvick rounding out the top five. See the complete race results for the Dixie Vodka 400 here.
Denny Hamlin holds on to the top spot in the point standings for another week. Kevin Harvick moves up a spot to second place while Joey Logano slips back a spot to third place. Michael McDowell moves up to fourth place. Chase Elliott remains in fifth place for another week. See the complete NASCAR Cup Series point standings here.
The drivers and teams are headed west for the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Sunday, March 7th.
By: Buck Stevens
