Race Weekend Central

Daytona Disaster Proves NASCAR Change is Needed

Cole Custer spins out at Daytona International Speedway in August 2022. (Photo: NKP)

#41: Cole Custer, Stewart Haas Racing, Autodesk/HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang, #38: Todd Gilliland, Front Row Motorsports, First Phase Ford Mustang

The NASCAR Cup Series leaves Daytona with more questions than answers after serious concerns with officiating, safety, and the track’s place on the schedule.

Thinkin’ Out Loud at Daytona: Rain Wrecks in the Playoff Cut Race Are Unacceptable

Nascar Cup Series

#99: Daniel Suarez, TrackHouse Racing, Freeway Insurance Chevrolet Camaro, #11: Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing, FedEx Cares Toyota Camry #31: Justin Haley, Kaulig Racing, LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet Camaro and #47: Ricky Stenhouse Jr, JTG Daugherty Racing, Kroger/ NOS Chevrolet Camaro wreck

For some reason, rain-related crashes on ovals weren’t much of an incident before recently. What changed?

The Big 6: Questions Answered After Austin Dillon Dodges Rain, Wrecks for 11th-Hour Playoff Bid

NASCAR Cup Series cars at Daytona International Speedway, August 2022. Photo NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

It took almost 24 hours at Daytona, about three hours under the red flag for rain and multiple uniforms, but Austin Dillon is in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.

Fire on Fridays: Here’s Who’s Most Likely to Snag the Last Cup Playoff Berths

#23: Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing, McDonald's Toyota Camry

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Who’ll be a playoff contender when all is said and done? Here’s a ranking from Nos. 15 to 1.

Did You Notice?: The Edge Is Thin at Daytona

2021 Daytona Ii Cup Ryan Blaney Ricky Stenhouse Jr Pack Racing Jared C. Tilton Getty

(Photo: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

With past winners in contention at Daytona both inside and outside of the playoffs, things will be chaotic in the regular-season finale.