Coke Zero Sugar 400: Power Rankings

Race Information

Race: Coke Zero Sugar 400
Laps: 400
Date: August 30th
Venue: Daytona International Speedway
2019 Winner: Justin Haley (2:14:58)
Network: NBC

Track

Daytona International Speedway — This track was built in 1959 by William France Sr. It is more open, allowing drivers to really open up as the inaugural Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race of 2020. Lights were introduced in 1998 and the track was most recently repaved in 2010. The track runs 31 degree high banks and is 2.5 miles long. Restrictor plates were used at Daytona and Talladega until the start of 2019. For anyone who does not know, a restrictor plate is a device installed at the intake of an engine limiting its ultimate power, this limits the cars top speed. Restrictor plates are more popular on wide tracks where the likelihood of stacking 3-4 wide opens a track up for more accidents. Instead now they use tapered spacers and larger spoilers, splitters and aero ducts which create added drag for the cars.

Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Favorites

Joey Logano (sixth selections this year) — Six consecutive races where Logan’s has finished in the top 10.

Ryan Blaney (seventh selections this year) — Blaney is working his way back into premier shape as his last few races went from 38th to 31st to 14th to 12th over the last four races. He finished 2nd here earlier this year.

High Risk/High Reward

Jimmie Johnson (second selections this year) — As we make the final push before the playoffs, I think Johnson REALLY wants to be in—he now has top 10 finishes in each of the last three races.

Cole Custer (third selection this year) — Back to back top 12 finishes for Custer as he wrecked here earlier this year and will likely want some vengeance.

The Dark Horse

Austin Dillon (fourth selection this year) — Dillon has a knack for success here. Outside of 2019 where he struggled, he own here in 2018, he also has a handful of 9th place finishes and two 7th place finishes here.

Fun Fact: From 1984 – 2007 this race was sponsored by Pepsi until 2008 when Coke and ISC became the exclusive beverage suppliers of ISC’s tracks.

2020 Results

Favorite: Avg Finish 11th (27th Percent)
High Risk/High Reward: Avg Finish 16th (42^nd Percent)
Dark Horse: Avg Finish 18th (45^th Percent)