What’s Happening?
Ryan Blaney won a chaotic Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, capping off one of the best superspeedway races of the Next Gen era. Smaller packs, bold moves, and a four-wide finish highlighted a night when underdogs nearly stole playoff spots, and a sold-out crowd witnessed NASCAR at its best. Catch Eric Estepp’s full breakdown in this week’s Out of the Groove, featuring the Groovy Gauge, powered by Lectric eBikes.
Groovy Gauge Score: 90%
- Eric left Daytona relieved, calling it the best superspeedway race of the Next Gen era and a much-needed reminder of what NASCAR’s biggest stage can deliver. Yes, the pack still gridlocked at times, but with shorter stages, timely cautions, and a smaller field after early wrecks, drivers spent most of the night racing nearly flat out. The result was constant action, bold moves, and a four-wide finish that left fans buzzing.
- The event carried all the spectacle expected from Daytona: a massive crowd—the largest summer audience in seven years—prime-time drama, and playoff implications that nearly saw underdogs steal the final playoff spot. Ryan Blaney held off hungry challengers to score the victory, while several bubble drivers came heartbreakingly close to shaking up the postseason field.
- For Eric, Daytona’s energy was a breath of fresh air. After skipping the race, expecting another fuel-mileage parade, he admitted regret as this year’s edition broke the mold and finally lived up to the hype. His 90% Groovy Gauge score reflected the thrill of seeing Daytona racing at its best. A race to remember, this time for all the right reasons.
2025 Groovy Gauge Score Tracker
| Race | Score | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Daytona 500 | 70% | Watch HERE |
| Atlanta | 90% | Watch HERE |
| COTA | 80% | Watch HERE |
| Phoenix | 85% | Watch HERE |
| Las Vegas | 65% | Watch HERE |
| Homestead | 78% | Watch HERE |
| Martinsville | 50% | Watch HERE |
| Darlington | 60% | Watch HERE |
| Bristol | 40% | Watch HERE |
| Talladega | 60% | Watch HERE |
| Texas | 65% | Watch HERE |
| Kansas | 70% | Watch HERE |
| All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro | 85% | Watch HERE |
| Coca-Cola 600 | 90% | Watch HERE |
| Nashville | 75% | Watch HERE |
| Michigan | 85% | Watch HERE |
| Mexico City | 75% | Watch HERE |
| Pocono | 55% | Watch HERE |
| EchoPark Speedway | 90% | Watch HERE |
| Chicago Street Course | 65% | Watch HERE |
| Sonoma | 65% | Watch HERE |
| Dover | 60% | Watch HERE |
| Brickyard 400 | 70% | Watch HERE |
| Iowa | 50% | Watch HERE |
| Watkins Glen | 40% | Watch HERE |
| Richmond | 90% | Watch HERE |
| Daytona | 90% | Watch HERE |