Ryan Blaney of Team Penske Racing secured a thrilling win at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 held at Daytona International Speedway. Starting from 13th position with just two laps remaining, Blaney executed an incredible charge that not only sealed his victory but also reshaped the playoff picture in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The race concluded in an intense four-wide finish that involved multiple drivers fighting for a crucial playoff spot. Blaney’s strategic driving and teamwork played a decisive role in his last-minute surge to the front, making this one of the most memorable finishes of the season.
How Blaney and Teammate Cole Custer Engineered the Comeback
Despite a challenging start deep in the field, Blaney collaborated with his Ford teammate Cole Custer from Haas Factory Racing to push forward. Utilizing their drafting advantage and precision timing, the duo gained momentum in the closing laps. Once they reached the front alongside competitors Justin Haley and Daniel Suarez, Custer diverted his efforts toward the lead, allowing Blaney to take advantage of the opportunity and seize the critical middle lane.
The well-executed partnership was the result of careful planning before the restart. Blaney instructed Custer to take the top lane, which eventually provided the perfect opening for Blaney to launch his winning effort.
“What a wild last couple laps, honestly. I was with Cole, I kind of asked him on the restart if you got to the top, I’m going with you, and we just waited and waited and then the opportunity came. He made the move to get to the top and we were able to get really good shoves. Couple good guys behind us and it just kind of cleared the way for me.” —Ryan Blaney, Driver
Implications of Blaney’s 15th Career Win on Playoff Standings
This victory marked Blaney’s 15th career race win, significantly impacting the Cup Series playoffs. By earning crucial playoff points, Blaney eased the pressure on himself as the postseason continues. Additionally, his win provided a lifeline for Alex Bowman, who had suffered an early wreck but secured a playoff berth as the 16th-ranked driver, joining Tyler Reddick who sits 15th in points.
Blaney’s performance not only showcased his skill but also affected the competitive dynamics heading into the final stretch of the 2025 NASCAR season, heightening the stakes for several contenders.
Blaney Reflects on an Unconventional Path to Victory
Blaney described this win as unique compared to his usual racing style, acknowledging a different approach during each stage of the race. During the first stage, his team consumed more fuel aggressively, while the second stage required a careful fuel-saving strategy. This shift allowed him to conserve gas and position himself advantageously toward the race’s climax.
“This is so cool. I think we kind of just took what was given to us. Kind of how we played Stage 1, had to take a lot of gas in Stage 2, and I wasn’t going to make any ground so I went into max fuel save mode to where I could go a little bit earlier than other guys.” —Ryan Blaney, Driver
Blaney also noted that unlike his usual races where he tends to lead early, this time he waited until the final laps to take control. Achieving a win at this storied superspeedway once again adds a memorable chapter to his career.
“Definitely not a traditional way we like to run. We like to lead laps and couldn’t really get there until the end but got there when it mattered. It’s cool to win here again. I won here a few years ago, and nice to be back.” —Ryan Blaney, Driver
Building Momentum for the Final Stretch of the Season
Blaney’s upbeat reflections underscore the confidence boost he gains from this victory as the season moves forward. With 10 races remaining in the 2025 Cup Series, this performance has energized his team and fans alike. It remains to be seen how the No. 12 Ford Mustang and Blaney will build on this momentum during the upcoming events.
His combination of patience, strategy, and raw speed in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 highlights why Blaney remains a significant contender in the NASCAR playoffs and an exciting driver to watch in the remaining races.
