Daytona International Speedway remains one of the most iconic and unpredictable tracks on the NASCAR calendar. Known for its steep 31-degree banking and 2.5-mile tri-oval layout, it has long tested drivers with its mix of speed, drafting, and strategy. Hosting two NASCAR Cup Series races each year, including the famed Daytona 500, the venue is called the “World Center of Racing” for good reason. With the regular season finale approaching, a handful of drivers have shown consistency at this storied track.
Key Highlights
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Daytona International Speedway features 31-degree banking and hosts two annual Cup Series races, including the Daytona 500
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Kyle Busch ranks fifth with a 12.9 average finish at Daytona since 2022
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Chris Buescher has delivered an average finish of 12.3 with a Daytona win in 2023
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Bubba Wallace ranks third with a 12.1 average finish and consistent top-ten results
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John Hunter Nemechek leads with a 9.0 average finish in his last three Daytona starts
Kyle Busch’s Daytona Challenge
Kyle Busch enters Daytona with an average finish of 12.9 across his last seven races at the track. While his numbers include one top-five and four top-ten finishes, Busch has also battled misfortune, most notably a DNF during the Daytona 500 earlier this year. Sitting 16th in the Cup Series standings, Busch finished 16th last weekend at Richmond. For a driver with two championships and over sixty Cup wins, Daytona remains a track where he has flashes of strength but still seeks consistency.
Chris Buescher’s Strength on Superspeedways
Chris Buescher has proven himself a strong contender on superspeedways, and his Daytona record reinforces that point. Averaging a finish of 12.3, Buescher has two top-five and two top-ten finishes in recent years. His most memorable moment came in 2023 when he won the regular season finale at Daytona, a victory that carried him into the playoffs with momentum. Earlier this year, Buescher secured a tenth-place finish at the track. Ranked 11th in the Cup Series with 625 points, the RFK Racing driver continues to build a reputation for steady, controlled performances on NASCAR’s biggest stage.
Bubba Wallace’s Consistency at Daytona
Bubba Wallace has shown notable consistency at Daytona with an average finish of 12.1 since 2022. The 23XI Racing driver has earned two top-five and three top-ten finishes at the track, although not without setbacks. His most recent Daytona start ended in disappointment, with a DNF that relegated him to 29th place in the final results. Wallace’s superspeedway skill is well documented, and despite finishing 28th at Richmond, he currently sits 10th in the Cup standings. Daytona’s unpredictability offers both risk and opportunity, making Wallace a driver to watch closely this weekend.
Alex Bowman’s Impressive Daytona Record
Alex Bowman enters Daytona with an average finish of 10.4, placing him second among drivers since 2022. With two top-five and four top-ten finishes, Bowman has consistently placed himself near the front of the field at this track. His best finish came in a runner-up effort, while his average starting spot is 15.7. Earlier this season, Bowman finished sixth in the Daytona 500, reinforcing his comfort at the superspeedway. After finishing second last weekend at Richmond, Bowman has climbed to ninth in the standings, showing both momentum and reliability heading into the regular season finale.
John Hunter Nemechek Leads the Field
John Hunter Nemechek holds the top spot for average finish at Daytona since 2022, with a strong 9.0 mark over his last three races. With one top-five and two top-ten finishes in that stretch, Nemechek has shown the ability to navigate Daytona’s chaos effectively. His most recent effort produced a fifth-place finish at the track, giving him confidence as he heads into this weekend. Currently ranked 26th in the Cup standings, Nemechek knows a playoff spot is out of reach, but a strong showing at Daytona would be the perfect way to close out his regular season.
News in Brief: Drivers With Best Average Finish at Daytona
Daytona International Speedway, often called the “World Center of Racing,” will host its regular season finale as the Cup Series shifts focus from Richmond. Kyle Busch averages a 12.9 finish here, while Chris Buescher follows closely with 12.3, highlighted by his 2023 win. Bubba Wallace averages 12.1 with steady results, and Alex Bowman posts a 10.4 with four top-tens. John Hunter Nemechek leads with a 9.0 average finish over his last three races.
