The NASCAR Cup Series has a single spot available in the Playoffs. There is one regular season race remaining. The Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway is the last chance for one driver make the Playoffs.
There are 15 drivers that have clinched their spot in the 16-driver-field for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Thirteen of those drivers got in based on at least one win. Two of those drivers clinched their spots based on points. Either way, they all have the chance to race for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Championship. That leaves one spot open for a driver to make the post-season based on points or “win and get in.”
Here’s a look at what the drivers and teams will be facing as NASCAR goes under the lights Saturday night in Daytona.
Daytona International Speedway Data
Track Size: 2.5-mile
Banking/Turns: 31 degrees
Banking/Straights: 3 degrees
Banking/Tri-Oval: 18 degrees
Frontstretch Length: 3,800 feet
Backstretch Length: 3,000 feet
Coke Zero Sugar 400 Data
Season Race #: 26 of 36 (08-28-21)
Race Length: 160 laps / 400 miles
Stage 1 & 2 Length: 50 laps (each)
Final Stage Length: 60 laps
Here are the active drivers that have performed well during their NASCAR Cup Series careers at Daytona.
Top 12 Driver Ratings at Daytona
Kyle Busch – 91.8
Denny Hamlin – 89.7
Joey Logano – 88.5
Kurt Busch – 85.8
Ryan Blaney – 84.0
Kevin Harvick – 82.7
Christopher Bell – 81.4
Brad Keselowski – 79.0
William Byron – 78.7
Austin Dillon – 78.6
Chase Elliott – 78.2
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – 77.1
Note: Driver Ratings are compiled from 2005-present races (33 total) at Daytona International Speedway (active drivers only).
Since the Daytona 500 is a race unto itself from qualifying to racing, let’s look at the active drivers who have won a summer race at Daytona International Speedway.
NASCAR Cup Series Active Daytona Summer Race Winners
Erik Jones
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Brad Keselowski
Aric Almirola
Jimmie Johnson
Kevin Harvick
Kyle Busch
William Byron
If Tyler Reddick finishes the race with at least one point more than Austin Dillon he makes the Playoffs. If Tyler wins the race he makes the Playoffs.
If Austin Dillon can make up the 25-point deficit and can finish the race with at least one point more that Tyler Reddick he makes the Playoffs. If Austin Wins the race he makes the Playoffs.
If any driver below Tyler and Austin and in the top 30 in points wins the race, that driver makes the Playoffs.
Who will be the last driver to make the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs? That answer will begin to be revealed Saturday night August 28th starting at 6 p.m. central time (7 p.m. eastern time) in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway.
By: Buck Stevens
