The 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway produced one of the most thrilling finales of the NASCAR Cup Series season. Held on August 24, the race extended to 164 laps after multiple overtimes, delivering edge-of-the-seat drama under the Florida night sky. Known for its superspeedway unpredictability, Daytona proved once again that underdogs can rise and veteran racers face constant pressure. Fans witnessed a historic breakthrough as Harrison Burton not only claimed his first Cup Series win but also celebrated a milestone for Wood Brothers Racing.
Key Highlights
Harrison Burton wins first career Cup Series race at Daytona.
Wood Brothers Racing celebrates its 100th NASCAR Cup Series victory.
Race extended to 164 laps due to multiple overtimes.
Kyle Busch finishes second, Christopher Bell secures third.
Burton’s win locks him into the 2024 playoffs and energizes his season.
A Breakthrough Win for Harrison Burton
Harrison Burton, driving the No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing, executed a flawless late-race push to win in a dramatic photo finish over Kyle Busch by just 0.047 seconds. This victory not only marked Burton’s first career Cup Series triumph but also the 100th win for Wood Brothers Racing, a legendary milestone in NASCAR history.
Throughout the night, Burton demonstrated strategic patience, staying within the pack and conserving his car for the critical final laps. Multiple overtime restarts tested his composure, but Burton surged forward with precise timing, claiming a moment that will define his career.
Key Moments and Intense Battles
The 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400 featured constant lead changes and pack shuffles typical of Daytona racing. Chase Briscoe started on pole, but early struggles allowed drivers like Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Blaney, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to lead laps in an unpredictable contest.
Tight side-by-side racing, high-speed drafting, and dramatic restarts tested every driver’s skill. Despite several accidents, the race avoided a major late-race wreck, allowing Burton, Busch, and Bell to battle cleanly to the checkered flag.
Other Top Performers
Kyle Busch’s second-place finish for Richard Childress Racing highlighted his experience and Daytona expertise, while Christopher Bell ran a consistent race to secure third. Cody Ware and Ty Gibbs rounded out the top five, impressing fans with their ability to stay competitive in the high-speed pack.
Drivers such as Bubba Wallace, Parker Retzlaff, and Brad Keselowski also made significant moves into the top ten, capitalizing on strategic opportunities and avoiding trouble in the chaotic superspeedway environment.
Impact on the Season and Legacy
Burton’s victory had immediate playoff implications, locking him into the 2024 postseason and boosting Wood Brothers Racing’s relevance in modern NASCAR. The Coke Zero Sugar 400 reinforced Daytona’s reputation as a crown jewel on the schedule, where night racing, tight finishes, and strategic battles combine to create unforgettable moments.
From its first summer special in 1959 to the modern late-August spectacle, the race continues to deliver excitement and unpredictability for fans. Post-race celebrations included the traditional Coke Zero Sugar spray and fireworks display, marking the perfect conclusion to a dramatic night.
News in Brief: 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400
The 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona on August 24 delivered a historic first Cup Series win for Harrison Burton in the No. 21 Ford, narrowly edging Kyle Busch by 0.047 seconds. Wood Brothers Racing celebrated its 100th victory. Christopher Bell finished third, with Cody Ware and Ty Gibbs rounding out the top five. Multiple overtimes extended the race to 164 laps, providing high-speed pack battles, lead changes, and thrilling restarts. Burton’s win secured a playoff berth, energized his season, and reminded fans why Daytona remains NASCAR’s most unpredictable superspeedway.
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