As the host of NASCAR’s biggest race, Daytona International Speedway has been the place where dreams have come true every February for 66 years. It’s only recently that the “World Center of Racing” has become the place where championship fantasies are entertained every August.

Despite clinching the regular-season title, William Byron is still worried about frustrated drivers trying to make the playoffs this Saturday

Parker Kligerman saw his opening, a sliver of daylight, and he shot the gap. He put that No. 88 exactly where it needed to be, holding off the hard-charging field in a breathtaking dash to the finish line. The roar from the crowd was deafening.

Friday: Scattered thunderstorms with a high of 87 degrees. Winds from the southwest at 5 to 10 mph and a 50% chance of rain. It’s expected to be 80 degrees with a 24% chance of rain at the start of the Xfinity race.

Rain could be an unwelcome guest at Saturday's NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway. Plus, rip current risk continues through weekend.

Rudy Fugle, crew chief for William Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team, has been ejected from Daytona International Speedway for a Friday inspection infraction.NASCAR says the team was observed making an unapproved adjustment to the splitter of its race car.

NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Iconic Daytona International Speedway this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock; Countdown to Green Gets Underway at 7 p.m. ET

This will be a quick interview, in every sense of the word. I’m sitting shotgun in a Toyota Camry pace car, being driven around Daytona International Speedway by Frank Kelleher, the president of the facility.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR returns to Daytona International Speedway to finalize its 16-car playoff lineup, with two spots up for grabs and a win-and-you’re-in opportunity for any driver yet to visit victory lane this season.