By ZECH YODER
Six months, 25 races, 15 drivers locked in, and we end the regular season at the same track where we began the 2023 season: Daytona International Speedway. With only one playoff spot left, drivers 16 to 36 in points will be vying for the 16th and final playoff spot.
Some are close enough to reach the final playoff spot on points. Currently, Bubba Wallace sits 32 points above the cutline. Though winless in 2023, Wallace is running the best he has in his Cup Series career. Right behind Bubba Wallace is rookie Ty Gibbs, Daniel Suarez, AJ Allmendinger, and Alex Bowman. Despite still being eligible to clinch a playoff spot through the points, they will need some luck. The safest way to transfer: win the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona.
As was the case last year, a surprise winner is not uncommon at Daytona. Last year it was Austin Dylan. In 2020, it was William Byron. There are several “outsiders” that could steal a playoff spot this weekend. Six drivers below the cutline have won on a super speedway – most notably Chase Elliott, who is one race away from missing the Cup Series playoffs.
The bottom line: expect chaos at Daytona on Saturday night. Where the cars are extremely close on speed and passing has become increasingly difficult, the moves will be daring, and I would expect a large wreck late in the race. After it is all said and done, I believe we will not have new winner and Bubba Wallace will make the playoffs on points.
It’s pretty simple: win and you’re in. Who will it be? Only time will tell. I am looking forward to an exciting race at Daytona.
Zech Yoder is a local resident, an attorney at Adler Attorneys in Noblesville, and a lifelong race fan.