The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Heat Up!

This Saturday night, the excitement reaches a fever pitch as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoff contenders are about to be decided during the thrilling season finale at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. With only two playoff spots up for grabs, the tension is palpable!

Who Will Secure Their Spot?

Currently, Tyler Reddick sits comfortably at plus-89 points on the cutline, with Alex Bowman following at plus-60. One of these drivers will almost certainly secure their spot — unless a surprise winner from below the cutline shakes things up! If a driver outside the playoff picture takes the win, it could mean heartbreak for one of our contenders.

Recent Upsets at Daytona!

Recent history suggests we could see another thrilling upset. In fact, two of the last three winners of this race have come from outside the postseason bubble: Austin Dillon in 2023 and Harrison Burton last year, who won’t be around to defend his title this time.

Last-Lap Drama Awaits!

Get ready for nail-biting finishes! The last four races on superspeedway tracks like Daytona have seen dramatic last-lap passes — a record streak in the Cup Series that promises more edge-of-your-seat action this Saturday.

Race Day Details You Can’t Miss!

**Start Time:** Engines roar to life at 7:28 p.m. Eastern, with the green flag waving just minutes later at 7:35 p.m. **Pre-Race Activities:** Fans can catch the garage opening at 4:30 p.m., followed by a drivers’ meeting at 6:35 p.m., and the much-anticipated driver introductions at 7 p.m.

**Race Distance:** The excitement spans 160 laps, covering a grueling 400 miles on Daytona’s legendary 2.5-mile oval.

**Stages Breakdown:** Stage 1 concludes at Lap 35, and Stage 2 wraps up at Lap 95.

Watch it Live!

Catch all the action on NBC and Peacock starting at 7 p.m. For those wanting to listen in, Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will provide live coverage.

Weather Forecast: Will the Rain Hold Off?

According to WeatherUnderground, expect scattered showers and thunderstorms to roll in later in the day. Temperatures will hit a high of 88 degrees, with a 67% chance of rain. At race time, the temperature is expected to be around 82 degrees with a 51% chance of rain — a perfect setup for an unpredictable race!

Mark your calendars and gear up for a race filled with tension, excitement, and the chance for dramatic playoff dreams to shatter or solidify!