Salem-News.com Daytona articles

Almirola Gets Famous 43 Car First Win Since 1999

Sunday's first big-time wreck occurred on Lap 20, just before NASCAR's scheduled competition caution. Sixteen cars were involved, including the top six drivers in the point standings.

(DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.) - The rain and the wrecks kept on coming at Daytona International Speedway in Sunday's 56th running of the Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola.

When the carnage from two major contender-claiming incidents was over, it was Aric Almirola who not only survived but claimed his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory and took the giant step toward punching his ticket into the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Rain Gives Gilliland Pole for Coke 600 at Daytona

David Gilliland, who has finished no better than 20th in 17 starts this season, captured his third career Coors Light Pole.

(DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.) - No one knew what to expect when knockout NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying came to Daytona International Speedway for the first time on Friday.

But no one could have predicted what transpired in a chaotic qualifying session for Saturday night's Coke Zero 400.

Kahne Steals Win from Teammate

What had been a nearly-clean race turned chaotic with two crashes in the final seven laps.

(DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.) - Kasey Kahne stormed from 12th on the final restart to nip Regan Smith in a green-white-checkered finish to win Friday night’s Subway Firecracker 250 and foil Smith’s attempt to complete a sweep of the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Daytona International Speedway.

The victory was Kahne’s first in the Nationwide Series since August 2007.