The NASCAR Cup Series will crown its final playoff spot this weekend with the qualifying session for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway.
A battle for the last Chase berth
Forty positions are on the line, but 41 cars are entered, meaning one entry will miss the race. The stakes are heightened by a 31‑point advantage that Shane van Gisbergen holds over Ryan Preece in the championship standings.
Qualifying is scheduled for 5 p.m. Eastern, 4 p.m. Central, and will be streamed live on multiple platforms. The session determines the starting lineup for the 400‑mile finale, a race that also serves as the last chance for drivers to secure a spot in the postseason.
Broadcast and streaming details
Fans can follow the action on truTV, SiriusXM, and the MRN Radio network, while live updates will also appear on HBO Max and NASCAR.com. The coverage aims to bring the excitement of the 2.5‑mile oval to a broad audience.
Notable drivers and teams
Among the drivers expected to contend are Ross Chastain, Austin Dillon, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, and a host of others including Ryan Blaney, AJ Allmendinger, Chris Buescher, Chase Briscoe, Christopher Bell, Josh Berry, Joey Logano, Bubba Wallace, William Byron, Austin Hill, Todd Gilliland, Riley Herbst, Zane Smith, Cole Custer, John Hunter Nemechek, Erik Jones, Joey Gase, Tyler Reddick, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Alex Bowman, Cody Ware, Ty Gibbs, Casey Mears, Gray Gaulding, Corey Heim, Michael McDowell, Carson Hocevar, Daniel Dye, and Connor Zilisch.
The field will be backed by a deep roster of teams, featuring Hendrick Motorsports, Team Penske, Joe Gibbs Racing, Trackhouse Racing, Richard Childress Racing, Front Row Motorsports, RFK Racing, Spire Motorsports, Legacy Motor Club, NY Racing Team, HYAK Motorsports, Rick Ware Racing, and Live Fast Motorsports.
The track itself
Daytona International Speedway, a 2.5‑mile high‑banked oval in Daytona Beach, Florida, has long been a benchmark for superspeedway racing. Its unique layout tests both drafting skill and aerodynamic balance, making qualifying a critical factor for the final playoff push.
With the points battle settled by a narrow margin, the outcome of qualifying could reshape the championship picture, setting the stage for a dramatic finale at the historic venue.