What Is 2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400 was a NASCAR Cup Series race held on August 28, 2021, at Daytona International Speedway, won by Kyle Larson driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. The race was the final event of the regular season, setting the playoff field with 16 drivers advancing.

Key Facts

The 2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400 took place on August 28, 2021, at Daytona International Speedway.
Kyle Larson won the race, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.
The race was 167 laps long, covering 400.8 miles on the 2.5-mile superspeedway.
It was the final race of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, determining the playoff field.
Ryan Blaney finished second, with Michael McDowell in third and Tyler Reddick in fourth.

Overview

The 2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400 was a pivotal NASCAR Cup Series race that served as the season finale for the regular portion of the schedule. Held under the lights at Daytona International Speedway on August 28, 2021, the event determined which drivers would qualify for the 10-race playoff stretch.

With dramatic finishes and last-lap chaos typical of restrictor-plate racing, the event delivered excitement and high stakes. The race featured multiple lead changes, pack-style drafting, and a final-lap wreck that altered the outcome in dramatic fashion.

Event date: The race occurred on August 28, 2021, starting at 8:00 PM Eastern Time under the lights.
Track: It was run at Daytona International Speedway, a 2.5-mile tri-oval in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Winner:Kyle Larson claimed victory, marking his fourth win of the 2021 season and securing playoff eligibility.
Distance: The race spanned 167 laps, totaling exactly 400.8 miles around the superspeedway.
Playoff implications: The outcome finalized the 16-driver playoff field, with William Byron advancing by just one point over Matt DiBenedetto.

How It Works

The Coke Zero Sugar 400 operates under NASCAR Cup Series rules, with a focus on pack racing and drafting at high speeds on Daytona’s massive track. The race structure includes stages, points accumulation, and playoff implications that heighten competition.

Restrictor-plate racing: Daytona uses reduced horsepower via tapered spacers to limit speeds, promoting pack-style drafting and close competition.
Stage racing: The race is divided into three stages (60, 100, and 167 laps), with stage points awarded to the top-10 finishers.
Playoff qualification: Drivers earn playoff spots via race wins or by finishing in the top 16 in points after the regular season.
Final-lap crash: A multi-car wreck occurred on the last lap, eliminating several contenders and allowing Larson to surge ahead.
Team strategy: Crew chiefs focus on drafting partnerships, pit timing, and avoiding 'The Big One', a common multi-car crash at Daytona.
Manufacturer performance: Chevrolet drivers dominated, with five of the top-10 finishers driving Chevys, including Larson’s No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports entry.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2021 edition of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 can be better understood when compared to recent years in terms of winner, margin of victory, and playoff implications.

Year	Winner	Team	Margin of Victory	Playoff Significance
2021	Kyle Larson	Hendrick Motorsports	0.088 seconds	Final regular-season race; set 16-driver playoff field
2020	William Byron	Hendrick Motorsports	0.116 seconds	Playoff race; Byron barely qualified
2019	William Byron	Hendrick Motorsports	0.083 seconds	Regular-season finale; playoff cutoff race
2018	Brad Keselowski	Team Penske	0.018 seconds	Final race before playoffs; Keselowski won on last-lap pass
2017	Erik Jones	Joe Gibbs Racing	0.011 seconds	First career win; not a playoff race at the time

This table highlights how the 2021 race continued a trend of dramatic finishes and playoff drama at Daytona. Kyle Larson’s narrow win by 0.088 seconds over Ryan Blaney was one of the closest in recent years, underscoring the unpredictability of superspeedway racing.

Why It Matters

The 2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400 was more than just another race—it was a decisive moment in the NASCAR season, shaping the playoff landscape and showcasing the sport’s unpredictability.

Playoff cutoff: The race determined which 16 drivers advanced, with William Byron securing the final spot by a single point.
Kyle Larson’s dominance: Larson’s win reinforced his status as a title favorite, having already won multiple races that season.
Manufacturer success: Chevrolet earned a strong showing with multiple top-10 finishes, boosting its position in the manufacturer standings.
Daytona’s unpredictability: Despite strong runs, favorites like Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott were caught in last-lap crashes.
Fan engagement: The race drew an estimated 68,000 spectators, one of the largest crowds of the season amid easing pandemic restrictions.
Historical context: It marked the 57th running of the event, continuing a tradition dating back to 1959 at Daytona.

Ultimately, the 2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400 exemplified the drama and high stakes of NASCAR’s regular-season finale. With careers on the line and playoff spots hanging in the balance, the race delivered both excitement and consequences that resonated through the rest of the season.