David Ragan claims his first career NSCS victory at the Coke Zero 400

Ragan celebrates his first Cup victory.
Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Fireworks came a half lap early at Saturday night’s Coke Zero 400 as the field was attempting the second green-white-checkered finish at Daytona International Speedway in a race that saw 57 lead changes among 25 drivers.  David Ragan got his first NASCAR Sprint Cup win with a strong push by teammate Matt Kenseth and won under caution as a massive crash took place behind him.

Smoke and spinning cars made it difficult for fans in the stands to tell who and how many cars were involved in the crash or the order the cars finished.  When the smoke settled, it was Kenseth was scored second, followed by Joey Logano, Kasey Kahne and Kyle Busch.  As Ragan headed to Victory Lane, massive fireworks were set off in the sky over the speedway.

Ryan Newman and Denny Hamlin dominated much of the evening but a win was not in the cards for either.  The duo stayed together all evening and Newman was leading the race when an untimely caution flew on lap 158 or the 160 scheduled laps.  The field restarted on lap 162 but another crash occurred.  On the last attempt at lap 168, Newman started second but was collected in a 15-car crash.

Carl Edwards, who came into Daytona leading the Sprint Cup standings, was involved in an early crash and finished 37^th, giving up the top spot in the standings to Kevin Harvick.