THROWBACK ON THIS DAY: THE ONE AT DAYTONA DURING THE 2010 COKE ZERO 400 WHICH…
The 2010 Coke Zero 400, held on July 3rd at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, remains a memorable race in NASCAR history. This night race, part of the Sprint Cup Series, was filled with drama, intense competition, and a dramatic finish that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Prelude to the Race
Daytona International Speedway is renowned for its high-speed action and pack racing, where cars run in close proximity to one another, creating a thrilling and often chaotic atmosphere. The 2010 race was no exception, with 43 drivers vying for victory under the lights of this historic track.
The Race Unfolds
The race began with a lot of anticipation and energy. Drivers knew that the unique nature of restrictor plate racing at Daytona meant that anyone in the field could potentially win. This unpredictability was on full display throughout the event.
Kevin Harvick, driving the No. 29 car for Richard Childress Racing, started from the pole position and was one of the favorites to win. He had already shown dominance at restrictor plate tracks that season, having won the Daytona 500 earlier in the year.
Key Moments
- Big One: As is often the case at Daytona, the race was punctuated by several multi-car wrecks, commonly referred to as “The Big One.” These incidents dramatically reshaped the running order and eliminated several contenders.
- Lead Changes: There were numerous lead changes throughout the race, keeping fans guessing about who would ultimately take the checkered flag. The pack racing style of Daytona meant that the lead was constantly under threat.
- Final Laps: The climax of the race came in the final laps. With just a few laps remaining, a late-race caution set up a green-white-checkered finish, extending the race beyond its scheduled 160 laps. This added even more tension and excitement as drivers jockeyed for position in a two-lap shootout.
The Dramatic Finish
The final restart saw Kevin Harvick and Jamie McMurray battling for the lead. As they approached the final lap, Harvick made a daring move to take the lead, with Clint Bowyer pushing him from behind. The pack surged forward in a frantic dash to the finish line.
In a thrilling and chaotic finish, Harvick managed to hold off the competition and crossed the finish line first, securing his second win of the season at Daytona. This victory solidified his reputation as a master of restrictor plate racing.
Post-Race Reflections
Kevin Harvick’s victory at the 2010 Coke Zero 400 was significant not only for his season but also for its demonstration of his skill and tenacity on superspeedways. The win further established him as a formidable competitor in the Sprint Cup Series.
For fans, the race was a perfect encapsulation of what makes Daytona special: high speeds, tight racing, and unpredictable outcomes. It remains a highlight in NASCAR’s storied history, a race that fans look back on with fond memories of the excitement and drama that unfolded under the lights at Daytona International Speedway.