While Michael Jordan arrived at Daytona International Speedway to support his 23XI Racing team in a critical NASCAR weekend, he felt compelled to recognize a brilliant power move from Justin Haley. The third-year Cup Series driver continued a historic day at NASCAR's most hallowed ground by swiftly overtaking Austin Cindric to grab the lead with just 40 laps remaining, a move that left Jordan's mouth hanging open from the luxury accommodations. Haley looked to complete a stunning playoff coup as he led the field during the final stage in Daytona, entering the race in 28th place overall in the Cup Series standings without a career top-5 finish as a full-time Cup Series driver.
Saturday evening also proved historic for Haley's Rick Ware Racing, which had just led four Cup Series laps ever in their near three-decade history before Haley's contending effort. NASCAR Daytona red flagged after Josh Berry flips over and violently hits wall upside down Daniel Suarez's car bursts in flames as NASCAR driver suffers terrifying ordeal However, a massive crash at the front of the field would implicate Haley and several other drivers, forcing the 25-year-old to restart in 14th and ultimately slump to a 32nd-place finish as he was unable to finish the race. Haley was among 15 drivers awarded a DNF in Saturday's fiery penultimate Cup Series event, with Daniel Suarez and Josh Berry suffering particularly scary wrecks in Florida .
Ultimately, it was Harrison Burton who managed to overtake two-t.