Ryan Blaney wins with last-lap pass at Daytona

In a finale that rivals some of the most remarkable last laps in Daytona history, Ryan Blaney claimed victory in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in spectacular style. He surged forward on the final lap, outpacing Daniel Suarez, Justin Haley, and Cole Custer as the four frontrunners crossed the finish line almost entirely side by side. Blaney edged ahead as the field entered the trioval for the last time, ultimately defeating Suarez by a mere .031 seconds.

Blaney's victory marks his second of the 2025 season and his second win in Daytona's summer race, having previously won in 2021. This win maintained the current standings of the NASCAR playoffs grid. By winning the regular-season finale, Blaney prevented a new winner from entering the playoffs, allowing Tyler Reddick and Alex Bowman to secure the last two spots in NASCAR's 16-driver championship race.

Blaney was positioned 13th with two laps remaining when the pack split Ryan Preece, forcing him into the middle. This maneuver created significant momentum for the top line led by Cole Custer, with Blaney pushing. Blaney pushed Custer into the lead and then seized the opportunity when Custer moved inside of Justin Haley on the backstretch of the final lap. This allowed Blaney to pass both on the top line with a push from Daniel Suarez. Blaney then side-drafted Custer while covering Suarez on the top and Haley in the middle, enabling him to reach the finish line ahead of all three.

Erik Jones, Kyle Larson, Chris Buescher, Ty Gibbs, Josh Berry, and Chase Elliott completed the top 10.