The NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series returned to Daytona International Speedway for their final July race. Next year’s summer Daytona race will be held as the season cut-off before the playoffs begin. After a rain delay on Saturday night, the raced was moved to continue on Sunday afternoon.
Joey Logano battled alongside Kyle Busch early in the 400-mile race. Once the drivers began to settle into the event, the bottom line found their momentum, steaming ahead with Logano leading the way. Green flag stops began to cycle late in the stage as the field began to reach their fuel limit. Kevin Harvick made a fuel-only stop and cycled out to the lead, but Logano quickly made a move and passed him for the lead. Logano rolled on to win the first stage of the race.
Chase Elliott led the field to the restart of stage two taking the lead from pit road. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. took the lead shortly after the restart, but he spun out after trying to block Kurt Busch. This brought out the caution and pit road saw some of the leaders return for servicing. Austin Dillon took over the race lead on the restart. He was in a tight battle with Ryan Blaney for the lead as both lanes shared the momentum. Once the Chevrolet drivers organized themselves, the bottom lane began to roll ahead. Another caution came out on lap 75 after Kurt Busch spun around in turn four. Shortly after the ensuing restart, Brad Keselowski received a big push from Kevin Harvick. Keselowski’s car did not react well, as this jolt sent him into the wall, bringing out another caution. Dillon returned to the race lead on the restart. In the final laps of stage two, Bowyer and Dillon fought hard for the lead, before Dillon broke away and won stage two.
Joey Logano returned to the race lead to begin the final stage of the race. Austin Dillon raced his way back up to the front and reclaimed the lead, turning into a three-wide battle for the lead between Dillon, Logano, and Paul Menard. On lap 119, the ‘Big One’ claimed multiple cars as Dillon was turned around after throwing a block on Clint Bowyer for the lead. 17 cars were involved in the wreck. The leaders came down pit road under the caution and Kurt Busch stayed out to take the race lead. However, he ended up coming to pit road the following lap allowing Justin Haley to take over the race lead. The weather pushed in and brought the race to a red flag. After a two-hour period of trying to prep the track, more rain pushed in. At this point, Justin Haley was declared a winner for his very first NASCAR Cup Series victory.
Two weeks in a row, NASCAR fans saw two brand new Cup Series victors. It does not matter how it is done; it is extremely cool to see a new winner in the sport. Haley is not a full-time driver and will not qualify for the playoffs at the end of the season. It takes some luck at Daytona and being in the right spot at the right time. Justin Haley had both on his side.
It was a shame that the last July Daytona race was shortened because of weather, however next year’s season finale at Daytona will be a wild ride for those battling for a playoff position. The race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be held as the Independence Day holiday weekend race. This switch up in the schedule should make both races more favorable to attend after being moved around. Indianapolis Motor Speedway will surely put on a good show over the holiday weekend.
Next weekend’s race will be held at Kentucky Speedway on Saturday, July 13th at 7:30 pm ET with coverage on NBCSN. Eight races remain until the playoffs begin and the battle for the final spots is beginning to ramp up.