Denny Hamlin secures top playoff position ahead of Daytona race
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 2:17 PM
Last updated Aug 25, 2026
Denny Hamlin has clinched first place in the NASCAR standings leading into the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona this weekend. Ryan Blaney, who recently won at New Hampshire, aims to secure his second place in the standings. Ryan Preece faces penalties that affect his chances, putting him further behind in playoff contention. With Daytona's unpredictability, drivers will seek to capitalize on the final opportunity before the playoffs begin. Expectations surround this race as it has historically closed out the regular season.
- •Hamlin clinched first place ahead of the playoffs.
- •Ryan Blaney seeks to lock in second place at Daytona.
- •Ryan Preece received a 25-point penalty impacting his standings.
- •Daytona race is set to finalize the regular season before playoffs.
- •Unpredictability at Daytona could influence playoff outcomes.
- 2:17 PMYahoo Sports — NASCAR to Daytona with Denny Hamlin clinched and Ryan Preece's potty mouth in play
"Ryan Blaney won the New Hampshire race and hopes to lock up second place in the standings this week at Daytona's Coke Zero Sugar 400.
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