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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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.