The Road to Daytona: Drivers Who Must Win to Secure Playoff Spots

As the NASCAR Cup Series regular season comes to a close, all eyes turn toward the Daytona International Speedway for the final race. The stakes couldn’t be higher for drivers looking to secure their spots in the playoffs. Those who find themselves below the cut-line have a singular focus: victory. With the playoff picture tightening, only a win will ensure their advancement.

The current playoff scenario leaves two drivers, Alex Bowman and Tyler Reddick, in a relatively secure position. Bowman occupies the 16th and final playoff spot, while Reddick stands 29 points ahead of him. For the remaining drivers, however, the equation is crystal clear: they must win to have any hope of continuing their season.

This year, 40 drivers will compete at Daytona, and among them, 20 are on a mission to spoil Bowman and Reddick’s playoff aspirations. Let’s delve into the profiles of these determined drivers and assess their chances of clinching a much-needed victory as the regular season draws to a close.

Chris Buescher – A Strong Contender

Buescher, representing RFK Racing, has a solid track record at Daytona, notably winning a summer race there just two years ago. With the Ford teams traditionally strong at this iconic track, Buescher’s motivation is amplified as all three RFK Racing drivers find themselves in a must-win situation. Just a week ago, Buescher was poised for the playoffs based on points, but a surprising win at Richmond shifted the landscape, forcing him into a more precarious position. His determination is palpable, and he is more than capable of landing a win. How he collaborates with his RFK teammates will be intriguing to watch as they all vie for the same goal.

Ryan Preece – The Unlucky Flipper

Ryan Preece, also from RFK Racing, has garnered attention for the wrong reasons at Daytona in recent years. His 2023 season saw him involved in a harrowing barrel roll on the backstretch, and earlier this year, he experienced a bizarre incident where his car flipped over. Despite these setbacks, Preece embraces his reputation as "the guy who flips," even donning a helmet designed to resemble a Top Gun pilot’s. His focus now is on avoiding another airborne adventure and finally claiming his first Cup win at Daytona.

Kyle Busch – The Experienced Challenger

Kyle Busch, a seasoned veteran in the Cup Series, boasts a Daytona win dating back to 2008. His extensive experience makes him a formidable competitor, even if recent years have been challenging. Just last year, Busch finished a close second in this race. With support from Richard Childress Racing, which is fielding a third car for Austin Hill—who excels at Daytona in the Xfinity Series—Busch has a strong backing. Additionally, his teammate, Austin Dillon, has already secured a playoff spot, adding to Busch’s chances of a successful race.

Ty Gibbs – Seeking a Breakthrough

The youngest driver on the Joe Gibbs Racing team, Ty Gibbs, is eager for a breakthrough victory. Having won during his Xfinity Series debut on the Daytona Road Course, Gibbs has yet to claim a Cup win in over 100 starts. However, he has been consistent in finishing races at Daytona, which is often half the battle at superspeedways. The pressure is on Gibbs to secure a playoff spot and join his teammates in the postseason.

A.J. Allmendinger – The Road Course Ace

Known for his prowess on road courses, A.J. Allmendinger often flies under the radar when it comes to superspeedway racing. However, he has three third-place finishes at Daytona and six top-ten finishes in his last eight races at the track. While he may not be a fan of superspeedways, his knack for positioning himself near the front during crucial moments could make him a contender for the win.

Brad Keselowski – The Aggressive Drafter

Brad Keselowski is no stranger to drafting, and his experience at Daytona has nearly translated into multiple victories. However, the aggressive veteran has faced challenges finishing races, with 11 DNFs in his last 16 outings at the track. Despite this, his ability to lead laps gives him a fighting chance. As both a driver and team owner for RFK Racing, his strategy will be critical as he juggles the needs of his teammates.

Carson Hocevar – The Rising Star

Carson Hocevar, driving for Spire Motorsports, is known for his aggressive driving style, which has led to both rivalries and close calls this season. While he has made enemies on the track, he also has a strong desire for his first career win. With a best finish of fourth this season, Hocevar is determined to break through and secure a victory at Daytona.

Michael McDowell – The Previous Champion

Michael McDowell, who won the Daytona 500 in 2021, is one of the few drivers on this list with a Cup victory at Daytona. He performed well during last year’s summer race, leading laps before an unfortunate crash. With his experience and proven ability, McDowell cannot be overlooked as a potential contender once again.

Erik Jones – The Legacy of Petty

Erik Jones will take the wheel of the iconic No. 43 car, paying homage to the legendary Richard Petty. A former Daytona winner during his time at Joe Gibbs Racing, Jones has demonstrated solid abilities on superspeedways. However, his performance has been inconsistent, making this race critical for his aspirations.

John Hunter Nemechek – The Consistent Performer

Nemechek, representing Legacy Motor Club, has shown reliability in finishing races, never finishing worse than 15th in his Cup career. He had a strong showing in the previous Daytona 500, and with his team’s recent success, Nemechek aims to build on that momentum during this race.

Zane Smith – The Consistent Finisher

Zane Smith has demonstrated consistency at Daytona, finishing 13th in three of his four starts. However, he will need to step up his game to contend for a win, as he typically requires help from the usual chaos that unfolds at superspeedways.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – The Superspeedway Specialist

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. stands out as the only driver among the must-win group with multiple Cup wins at Daytona. His experience on superspeedways cannot be understated, and while recent races haven’t gone his way, he remains a formidable threat if he can navigate the challenges of the race.

Daniel Suarez – The Pressured Driver

Daniel Suarez is racing with significant pressure, as his future with Trackhouse Racing hangs in the balance. With two teammates already locked into the playoffs, Suarez will need to leverage their support while trying to break into the top ranks. Despite a challenging track record at Daytona, he has the motivation to turn his season around.

Justin Haley – The Surprise Winner

Justin Haley’s shocking win at Daytona in 2019 came under unusual circumstances, with rain ending the race prematurely. His experience and previous successes in the Xfinity Series at Daytona give him an edge, but he is also feeling the pressure to perform as rumors swirl about his future in the sport.

Todd Gilliland – The Underdog

Todd Gilliland has struggled to find success at Daytona, with no top-20 finishes to his name. However, with Front Row Motorsports providing a speedy car, Gilliland has the potential to surprise fans if he can avoid the pitfalls that have plagued him in previous races.

Ty Dillon – The Nearly There Driver

Ty Dillon, though winless in his Cup career, has shown flashes of potential. His brother recently secured a victory, reigniting hope for Ty. However, his past performances at Daytona have not been promising, making this race a crucial opportunity for redemption.

Noah Gragson – The Emerging Talent

Noah Gragson has had a mixed record at Daytona, with his best finish being fifth in 2022. While he has experienced some success in the Xfinity Series, he will need to capitalize on his previous experiences to secure a strong finish in the Cup race.

Cole Custer – The Close Call Driver

Cole Custer came close to winning the Daytona 500 earlier this year, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level. His nearly victorious attempt reveals that he has the potential to secure a win if the circumstances align.

Riley Herbst – The Rookie in Need of a Breakthrough

Riley Herbst’s rookie season has been challenging, but he managed to score a top-ten finish in his Cup debut at Daytona. With a strong performance needed to turn his season around, this race could provide the opportunity he has been looking for.

Cody Ware – The Long Shot

Cody Ware sits at the bottom of the points standings among full-time drivers, but his unexpected fourth-place finish last summer demonstrates that anything can happen at Daytona. He acknowledges the odds are against him but remains hopeful about his chances.

As the Daytona race approaches, the anticipation builds, and for the drivers below the playoff cut-line, the time for action is now. Each one of these competitors has a unique story and a strong desire to claim victory, and this race could be the defining moment of their season. With the playoffs on the line, expect an exhilarating and unpredictable showdown at Daytona.