Catch up with NASCAR today: Blaney dominates the Coke Zero Sugar 400, Daytona race updates, weather, schedule, Cole Custer highlights, TV info & more.
NASCAR Today: Daytona Edition
Latest Headlines & Context
- Ryan Blaney triumphed in a thrilling Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, sealing the final berth in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. The race capped the regular season with fireworks.
- Qualifying was canceled due to lightning, which placed Alex Bowman beside Blaney on the front row—setting the stage for high-stakes drama on the track.
Beyond Daytona, NASCAR also unveiled exciting news: Ram is returning to the Truck Series as a factory-backed entry, partnering with Kaulig Racing to field up to five trucks in 2026.
Meanwhile, NASCAR plans a comeback at Chicagoland Speedway, marking a July 2026 return to Joliet for the Cup Series after a seven-year hiatus.
Daytona Race Recap: “Nascar Race Today” Highlights
- Result: Ryan Blaney finished first, followed by Daniel Suárez in second, Justin Haley in third, and Cole Custer grabbed a strong P4—a major highlight for fans following him.
-
Stage Battles:
- Stage 1 winner: Kyle Larson, followed by Ross Chastain and Blaney.
- Stage 2 standout: Ross Chastain led, with Christopher Bell and Joey Logano close behind.
-
Race specifics:
- Held on August 23, 2025, at Daytona International Speedway — 160 laps, 400 miles, average speed about 130.9 mph.
- Pole went to Blaney thanks to the rain-delayed format. He racked up the most laps led. A.J. Allmendinger recorded the fastest lap.
- Broadcast: NBC aired the race (commentators: Leigh Diffey, Jeff Burton, Steve Letarte), while MRN and SiriusXM covered radio.
- Odds & Picks: Pre-race models favored Blaney, Logano, and Keselowski, with longshots like Chris Buescher gaining attention.
“What Channel Is NASCAR On Today?” & Weather Notes
-
To catch NASCAR live:
- The Coke Zero Sugar 400 aired on NBC, and streamed on Peacock and NBC Sports App. Radio coverage came via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
-
Daytona Weather:
- Rain and lightning disrupted qualifying—yet the track dried enough to proceed with the race that evening. For future races, expect potential weather delays and verify live updates on race day.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Key Stories & Takeaways
- Blaney’s win not only secured the regular-season finale but also bolstered his playoff momentum. His dominance from the pole under such volatile weather conditions underscores his superspeedway poise.
- Bowman’s front-row start amid the points scramble gave him a vital opportunity to clinch his spot through performance.
- Cole Custer’s top-five result marks a career highlight, emphasizing his growing presence in high-pressure settings.
- Ram’s Truck Series return is a bold manufacturer move, tying a storied brand back to NASCAR with Kaulig’s growing operation.
- Chicagoland Speedway’s revival speaks to NASCAR’s strategy of reconnecting with past venues while diversifying its schedule for 2026 onward.
NASCAR Schedule Snapshot
| Series | Next Highlighted Event |
|---|---|
| Cup Series | Start of Playoff on next weekend |
| Truck Series | Ram-Kaulig debut at Daytona — Feb 13, 2026 |
| Chicagoland | Cup return — July 5, 2026 |
For upcoming races and full season layout, check NASCAR’s official site and Jayski’s for the 2025-26 calendars.
Cole Custer Spotlight
While not the race winner, Cole Custer’s 4th-place finish in today’s rollercoaster of a race puts him on the radar as a rising threat in the Cup Series. His strong performance in a marquee event may mark a turning point for his season.
“Nascar Live” — What Fans Need to Know
- Viewing: Stream replays via NBC platforms or catch post-race highlights and laps coverage.
- Radio fans: MRN and SiriusXM remain reliable audio options—great for listening on the go.
- For Fans Following ‘NASCAR today’: Set alerts for weather, lineup changes, and playoff implications—which were pivotal today.