A series of dramatic crashes and an emotional triumph marked the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, as Harrison Burton secured his first NASCAR Cup Series playoff berth.
The roar of engines and the thrill of competition filled the air at Daytona International Speedway as drivers took on the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval for the Coke Zero Sugar 400. However, the race would be filled with dramatic moments and unforgettable crashes.
With just two laps remaining, race leader Josh Berry's No. 4 Ford went for a wild ride down the backstretch. Austin Cindric's sideways car slammed into Berry's, sending his vehicle airborne. Berry's Ford hit the retaining wall while upside down and sliding on its roof. Sparks flew as emergency officials rushed to his aid, carefully flipping the car over after several tense minutes.
Daytona 500: Wild Crashes and a Historic Victory
Berry, remarkably, emerged unscathed from the terrifying ordeal. "I'm all good, actually it probably wasn't as bad as it looked," he told reporters. "But man, I'm bummed. We had a helluva night going."
Earlier in the race, Michael McDowell was among several drivers involved in a separate pileup with nine laps remaining. Racing three wide in a corner, one miscalculation triggered a major wreck. McDowell's car went airborne, spinning sideways but somehow landing right-side up. Joey Logano, Justin Haley, Kyle Larson, and Tyler Reddick were among the 14 cars entangled in the accident.
Daytona 500: Wild Crashes and a Historic Victory
As the dust settled, Harrison Burton found himself in Victory Lane for the first triumph of his NASCAR Cup Series career. He crossed the line as his father, former NASCAR star Jeff Burton, called the race from the NBC booth. Overwhelmed with emotion, Harrison cried throughout the victory lap.
"I wanted to do everything for the Wood Brothers that I could," he said. "They've given me an amazing opportunity in life and to get them (No.) 100 on my way out is amazing. We're in the playoffs now. Let's go to Darlington and see what happens."
Daytona 500: Wild Crashes and a Historic Victory
The victory marked the 100th win for the Wood Brothers, a legendary team with a rich history in NASCAR. Burton's triumph also secured his spot in the playoffs, with one race remaining before the regular season concludes.
The final race of the regular season will take place next week at Darlington Raceway, where drivers will battle for the remaining playoff berths. The stage is set for more thrilling action and unforgettable moments in NASCAR's most prestigious series.
