DAYTONA, Fla. (WFLA) — The COKE ZERO SUGAR 400 race was filled with drama and crashing at the Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night.
The race was full of big wrecks and a surprise winner, with the regular season on the line.
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As the drivers loaded into their car, Olympic gold medalist and Palm Harbor native, Bobby Finke, dropped the green flag.
In stage one, the racers went three wide in a tight, large pack, all pressing for the lead.
But the first sign of trouble came with flames shooting out of the car of Daniel Suarez, as the ’99 Chevrolet practically melted in the pit.
In stage two, things broke loose with the first crash of the night as Ross Chastain spun, taking out some of the sport’s biggest names.
Another late-race crash launched pole winner Michael McDowell into the air, taking out Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson, and 12 more.
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On the second to last lap, Josh Berry went upside down in a scary moment of the race, spinning on the roof.