The NASCAR Xfinity Series Daytona race preview spotlights Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport as they prepare for the Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at the iconic Daytona International Speedway this Friday, August 22, at 7:30 p.m. ET on The CW. With the track famous for unpredictability, underdogs from the team are focused on making big moves in pursuit of a playoff spot.
Daytona’s high-banked 2.5-mile oval is renowned for thrilling finishes and has become a proving ground for drivers hoping to alter the playoff landscape. This week, Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport will bring three competitive chevrolet/”>Chevrolet entries to the field, aiming to capture a win and capitalize on the race’s reputation for surprise outcomes. Drafting partners play a crucial role, and with every point vital, each driver’s approach could be the difference between advancing and falling short in the postseason.
Jeb Burton Faces Playoff Pressure in the No. 27 Chevrolet
Jeb Burton enters Daytona piloting the No. 27 Golden Corral / State Water Heaters Chevrolet with urgency, currently sitting 13th in the point standings and trailing the playoff cutline by 30 points. With only three events remaining ahead of the postseason, Burton’s focus is on maximizing stage points and making every move count. He brings notable Daytona experience, including three top-five and eight top-20 finishes over a dozen Xfinity starts, showcasing his savvy in navigating the ever-shifting draft.
Supported by sponsors Golden Corral and State Water Heaters—brands built on family values, reliability, and endurance—Burton aims to reflect those traits in his approach under pressure. He is set to leverage manufacturer alliances, targeting a patient strategy in Stage 1 and planning to strike decisively in the race’s closing laps to either move up in the standings or, ideally, secure a victory that guarantees his playoff berth.
Blaine Perkins Seeks Breakthrough with No. 31 Entry
Blaine Perkins will drive the No. 31 easycare Chevrolet, bringing determination and a sponsor focused on security for vehicle owners. Perkins, with a history of steady improvement at Daytona, logged a pair of 14th-place finishes in 2024, hinting at growing comfort with superspeedway dynamics. While his average result at these tracks hovers near 23rd, his recent performances offer optimism.
Aware of the risks posed by potential crashes, including the notorious “Big One,” Perkins is expected to adopt a strategy focused on survival through the early segments, aiming to avoid trouble and position himself within the top-15 as the finish approaches. If the closing laps turn chaotic, he will be well-placed to take advantage and score a strong result for Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport and easycare.
Rajah Caruth Brings Upbeat Momentum to Daytona Return
Rajah Caruth straps into the No. 32 Atlanta Life Insurance Company Chevrolet, returning to Xfinity competition at Daytona with momentum from two recent NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victories. Caruth’s standing as one of NASCAR’s up-and-coming talents is on display, and though his Xfinity experience at Daytona is developing, his composure in traffic and adaptability are well-established, stemming from his Truck Series background.
Representing Atlanta Life Insurance Company, Caruth embodies a mindset rooted in stability and community values. His approach is likely to mirror that resilience—shadowing seasoned teammates early to learn the ebb and flow of the Daytona draft before making calculated moves in the final stage. A top-10 finish or better is within reach if he seizes the right opportunity as the laps wind down.
Anticipation High as Daytona Shapes the Playoff Picture
Daytona International Speedway’s reputation for dramatic moments—nail-biting finishes, multi-car wrecks, and underdogs changing the postseason—remains unmatched. This race, with just three regular-season events left, will weigh heavily on the playoff hopes of drivers like Jeb Burton, Blaine Perkins, and Rajah Caruth. Drafting alliances, split-second decisions, and pure survival all play a part in determining who moves forward.
Qualifying will be held Friday at 3:00 PM ET with single-car runs, finalizing the grid for the evening’s main event. The Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on The CW, with additional race coverage provided by MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The stakes are at their peak as teams look to capitalize on Daytona’s unpredictability, hoping to secure a postseason spot in one of NASCAR’s most anticipated showdowns of the year.
