The NASCAR Xfinity Series Daytona race at Daytona International Speedway takes place on Friday, August 22, with drivers vying for critical playoff spots and the anticipated return of standout Connor Zilisch following his recent injury. As competitors and fans alike focus on this pivotal event, heightened excitement surrounds possible surprises and tight battles in a regular season defined by high drama and strong performances.
The Stakes Rise for Playoff Contenders at Daytona
The upcoming Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET at Daytona International Speedway. This 250-mile challenge covers 100 laps on the 2.5-mile asphalt oval, with each stage set to test driver skill. As the 68th running for the Xfinity Series at Daytona, the race continues a legacy established since 1982, featuring two annual races at this renowned venue since 2002. The purse has been set at $1,651,939, and television coverage will begin at 7 p.m. ET on the CW, while radio listeners can tune in to MRN or SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.
With three regular season races left—Daytona, Portland, and Gateway—the urgency to secure playoff positions has reached a crescendo. Four playoff spots remain up for grabs, increasing tension for drivers hovering near the cutoff line, as point gaps have grown larger than at any other point this season. Harrison Burton improved his playoff standing by finishing tenth at Watkins Glen, now holding a 30-point cushion above the cut line. In contrast, Jeb Burton’s result put him 30 points below, marking the season’s largest separation between the last driver in and the first out.
Connor Zilisch’s Return and Recent Milestones
Connor Zilisch’s standout season nearly faced derailment after a remarkable sixth victory at Watkins Glen was followed by a collarbone injury sustained in Victory Lane celebrations. Remarkably, he comes into Daytona after capturing four wins in the previous five races and maintaining a record 11 consecutive top-five finishes since returning from a back injury earlier in the year. Zilisch, noted as the youngest driver to achieve more than five straight top-fives, currently leads the series standings by seven points over Justin Allgaier and Sam Mayer, who remain close in pursuit. Sam Mayer has also displayed consistency with three consecutive Top-2 finishes, keeping the pressure on the series leaders.
Key Teams and Drafting Track Performers
Success at Daytona often comes down to experience and prowess on drafting tracks. Austin Hill, regarded as the top drafting track competitor, has amassed nine wins, led 754 laps, and claimed 14 stage victories in such races. Richard Childress Racing, a dominant force, has secured three out of four drafting track wins this season and boasts 11 victories in these conditions since Hill joined full-time in 2022. Moreover, the organization leads in pole positions at drafting tracks, having earned 12 out of the last 19 poles. Meanwhile, JR Motorsports has established a remarkable streak, registering at least one top-five finish in a record 25 consecutive races and capturing 13 wins this season with six different drivers—each of whom has a win in the past 14 races.
The unpredictability at Daytona is magnified by frequent overtime situations and lead changes, with 22 out of the past 40 races entering overtime and each of the previous nine witnessing at least 16 lead changes. Chevrolet’s dominance in recent Daytona action is clear, as the manufacturer has claimed 14 out of the last 16 event wins and led 77 percent of laps this season. Toyota, conversely, enters the race seeking to end its longest winless drought since 2007, as the brand’s drivers have yet to claim a victory in the last 15 races.
Active Drivers Chasing Daytona Glory
Six active drivers have captured Daytona victories: Austin Hill (three times), Justin Haley (twice), Jeremy Clements, Justin Allgaier, Aric Almirola, and Jesse Love. Notably, Justin Haley will pilot the Kaulig Racing #11, a car he has driven to four of his Xfinity Series wins, including two at Daytona. Sheldon Creed’s recent performances at the venue have been strong, posting four straight top-ten finishes and two runner-up results. Additionally, Jesse Love, Justin Allgaier, and other drivers are among the leading contenders, each boasting notable statistics in wins, top finishes, and laps led this season.
Historical trends reveal that nine current drivers have earned their first Xfinity Series win at Daytona, underlining the venue’s potential for surprise outcomes. The last nine races at this track have repeatedly featured fluctuating leaderboards and numerous drivers taking turns at the front.
Milestones, Team Battles, and Season Records
The 2024 season continues to highlight individual and team achievements. Justin Allgaier stands one win away from tying Matt Kenseth for ninth on the all-time Xfinity Series wins list and is nearing an unprecedented 300 career top-ten finishes. Jesse Love leads all competitors with 15 top-ten results, while Allgaier tops the list in laps led this year, with 689. Jeremy Clements is set to mark his 521st career start at Daytona, surpassing Jason Keller for third place all-time in series starts. Chevrolet has won 20 of 23 races so far this year, setting a new manufacturer record for this stage in the Xfinity Series season. JR Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing, both at 101 career wins, are now tied for third-most victories in Xfinity Series history, having each achieved their 100th earlier in 2024.
Five crew chiefs celebrated their inaugural series wins this season, including Chad Haney at Atlanta, Sam McAulay at Darlington, Adam Wall at Bristol, Cory Shea at Mexico City, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Pocono.
Who Has Clinched, Who Needs a Win?
Eight drivers have officially secured postseason berths: Connor Zilisch, Justin Allgaier, Sam Mayer, Jesse Love, Austin Hill, Brandon Jones, Sammy Smith, and Nicholas Sanchez. Several others, including Carson Kvapil, Sheldon Creed, Taylor Gray, Harrison Burton, Jeb Burton, Ryan Sieg, Christian Eckes, Dean Thompson, Daniel Dye, Brennan Poole, Jeremy Clements, William Sawalich, Anthony Alfredo, Matt DiBenedetto, Parker Retzlaff, Kyle Sieg, Blaine Perkins, and Ryan Ellis, can clinch by delivering a win at Daytona or in the remaining regular season races. This crowded field ensures every position and move in the coming events carries playoff-level significance for drivers, teams, and manufacturers.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Daytona Race: Anticipation and Outlook
Friday’s race at Daytona International Speedway will not only test the endurance and skill of the competitors but also significantly influence the championship picture with only a few spots left before postseason competition begins. As the regular season narrows, established leaders like Zilisch, Allgaier, and Mayer—along with seasoned organizations like Richard Childress Racing and JR Motorsports—will fight to extend their momentum, while those on the playoff bubble chase breakthrough performances. With its long history of dramatic finishes, lead changes, and upsets, this year’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Daytona race is set to play a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape for the remainder of the season.
