Daytona International Speedway – Coke Zero Sugar 400
- Course: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida
- Course Length: 2.500 miles (4.023 kilometers)
- Distance: 160 laps, 400 miles (643.740 kilometers)
- Date: Saturday, August 26, 2023
- 2023 WINNER: Chris Buescher
🏆 2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Odds
The Coke Zero Sugar 400, one of the highly-anticipated events on the Cup Series schedule, takes place at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Held as the second race following the renowned Daytona 500, this race has a rich history dating back to 1959, originally introduced as a highlight of Independence Day celebrations.
As the Coke Zero Sugar 400 approaches, fans and bettors are eagerly exploring the 2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400 odds and keeping a close eye on the NASCAR odds, potential NASCAR points implications, and its significance in the overall NASCAR Cup schedule. Notably, starting from 2020, this race has been designated as the concluding event of the Cup Series regular season, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation.
| Driver | Team | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Elliott | Hendrick Motorsports | +1100 |
| Ryan Blaney | Team Penske | +1200 |
| Kyle Busch | Richard Childress Racing | +1200 |
| Joey Logano | Team Penske | +1200 |
| William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports | +1400 |
| Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | +1400 |
| Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing | +1400 |
| Chris Buescher | RFK Racing | +1800 |
| Ross Chastain | Trackhouse | +2000 |
| Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | JTG Daugherty Racing | +2000 |
🚥 What Is the Daytona International Speedway?
The Daytona International Speedway, a historic racing venue located in the heart of Daytona Beach, Florida, serves as the stage for some of the most thrilling NASCAR events, including the upcoming Coke Zero Sugar 400. As fans gear up for the race, they’re not only excited about the on-track action but also focused on the unfolding 2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400 odds. The Speedway’s legendary reputation is further heightened by its role in impacting NASCAR point standings, as the outcome of races here can significantly alter the NASCAR leaderboard.
The venue’s significance extends beyond individual races. The Daytona International Speedway plays a pivotal role in shaping the NASCAR predictions and strategies for the entire Cup Series. Notably, it is renowned for hosting iconic events like the Daytona 500, which opens the Cup Series season with an adrenaline-pumping spectacle.
Fans closely track the races at Daytona International Speedway, not only for the thrill of the moment but also for the broader implications it has on the NASCAR point standings and NASCAR predictions. The track’s unique layout and super-speedway characteristics demand strategy, precision, and split-second decisions, making it a true test of driver skill and team coordination. With the 2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400 poised to make its mark, all eyes are on Daytona as the NASCAR community anticipates another chapter of unforgettable racing action on this hallowed track.
Coke Zero Sugar 400 Odds Schedule
Nascar Cup Series:
- 5:05 p.m. ET – Qualifying
Nascar Cup Series:
- 7:00 p.m. ET – Coke Zero Sugar 400
| POSITION | DRIVER | TEAM |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Buescher | RFK Racing |
| 2 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing |
| 3 | Aric Almirola | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 4 | Chase Elliott | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 5 | Joey Logano | Team Penske |
| 6 | Alex Bowman | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 7 | Kyle Busch | Richard Childress Racing |
| 8 | William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 9 | Kevin Harvick | Stewart-Haas Racing |
| 10 | Corey LaJoie | Spire Motorsports |
Current NASCAR Standings - 2023 Season
🏁 Coke Zero Sugar 400 History & Highlights
The NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 was initially supposed to be part of the USAC Championship (now known as IndyCar). But after two fatal accidents, the series ended those plans. Instead, NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. took up a second stock car race scheduled for July 4.
Because the race was held on the Fourth of July, the event was titled the Firecracker 250 in its inaugural running in 1959. Daytona Beach native Fireball Roberts won the first race and again in 1962 and 1963, when the race was changed from 250 miles to 400. The title of the race was subsequently changed to the Firecracker 400, the title it would keep through 1984 with three exceptions. In 1969, 1971, and 1973, the races were titled the Medal of Honor Firecracker 400.
The race quickly became popular as vacationers would fill the stands to watch high-speed stock car racing. Perennial title contenders David Pearson, Richard Petty, and Cale Yarborough traded wins in the 1970s. Pearson won in 1972-74 and 1978, Petty in 1975, and 1977, and Yarborough in 1976.
Pearson’s 1974 win featured unusual tactics. Pearson let Petty take the lead on purpose heading into the final lap. He then drafted his way to the front in the final turn to take the win. The race also featured the only tie in NASCAR history when Buddy Baker and Yarborough crossed the finish line at the same time. Petty’s win in 1975 marked a breakthrough after 17 years of trying to win the July Daytona race.
The 1980s nearly marked the end of the race at Daytona. France Sr.’s disputes with the city and county led him to threaten to move the race to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. But a resolution was reached and the race continued. The 1980s saw Bobby Allison take three wins (1980, 1982, 1987). It also saw the first sponsor of the race with the Pepsi Firecracker 400 in 1985. Pepsi remained the title sponsor through 2007.
The 1990s were the first decade to go without a victory by Pearson, Petty, or Allison. Dale Earnhardt won his first July Daytona race in 1990, a feat he’d repeat in 1993. Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon were the only repeat winners of the decade, with Gordon taking the chequered flag in 1995 and 1998. That 1998 race was the first event outside of July and was instead moved to October 17th due to the Florida wildfires. It also was the first race to start later than 10 or 11 AM Eastern Time.
The 2000s saw more parity with just one driver winning multiple NASCAR races. Tony Stewart won in 2005, 2006, and 2009. Gordon grabbed his final event win in 2004. This decade saw a change in title sponsorship. Coca-Cola took over in 2008 with the event going by the name the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola.
No driver won more than one event in the 2010s. Kevin Harvick won in 2010, David Ragan in 2011, Stewart in 2012, Jimmie Johnson in 2013, Aric Almirola in 2014, Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2015, Brad Keselowski in 2016, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 2017, Erik Jones in 2018, and Justin Haley in 2019. Jones’ win in 2018 marked the event name change to the Coke Zero 400, the title it retains to this day.
In 2020, organizers changed the race from the Independence Day weekend to late August to serve as the regular season finale. William Byron won that year followed by Ryan Blaney in 2021 and Austin Dillon in 2022.
This event has been the first career Cup Series win for many drivers including A.J. Foyt, Greg Biffle, Byron, Jimmy Spencer, John Andretti, Almirola, Haley, and Jones. Pearson has the most wins all-time with five.
The 2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Odds are generating anticipation as fans prepare for another exciting race at Daytona International Speedway, where history and speed collide.
Circuit Information
The Coke Zero Sugar 400 is held at Daytona International Speedway. The current seating capacity is between 101,500 and 167,785 depending on configuration. The 160-lap, 400-mile race typically takes around three hours. Bill Elliott set the lap record of 42.783 at an average speed of 210.364 mph.
