POINTS BATTLE
1st #19 Liberty
2nd #11 Marshall -39
PLAYOFF CUTOFF
16th #23 Claw +32
—-
17th #54 Coral -32
18th #99 Tracker -43
We're finally here. The final race of the regular season. The Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona. Everyone will do whatever it takes to win, especially the drivers who are not locked in. Zuma and Shade each claimed a playoff spot last week on points, meaning there's only one spot left. Everyone was running black paint schemes, but the number and parts of the car will be glowing for every door number on every car. For example, Tracker's #99 would be glowing emerald and Claw's #23 would be glowing purple. Codi Gizmodi, The Whoosh, and Jake are part time drivers that will be racing at Daytona.
Drivers who could win their way into the playoffs:
#23 Claw
#54 Coral
#99 Tracker
#16 Wildcat
#48 Mayor Humdinger
#9 Chase
#2 Tuck
#31 Leo
#41 Gasket
#10 Duke of Flappington
#38 Al
#7 Alex
#43 Rex
#3 Harold Humdinger
#21 Dwayne
#14 The Cheetah
#77 Copycat
FRIDAY (PRESS CONFERENCE)
Claw, Coral, Tracker, and Chase all were sitting at a table getting ready to answer questions.
Reporter #1: We're gonna start with Claw. Claw, how's your mindset going into Saturday night knowing that if someone below you wins, they take your playoff spot?
"I'm not worried about points. Coral, no disrespect, but she's not gonna make up 32 points on me unless something catastrophic happens to me. I just need to stay out of trouble and hope that no one below the cutline wins. I control my own destiny." Claw answered.
Reporter #2: Coral, you are 32 points behind Claw. Do you see yourself pointing your way in?
"I would rather just win to keep myself safe. Unless Claw has issues early in the race, I don't see it happening. Either way, I've had a good rookie season and I'm happy no matter what happens tomorrow night. I just need to stay out of bubble trouble to even have a chance at the end." Coral said.
Reporter #3: Tracker, you come into Daytona 43 points behind Claw. Are you worried about points, or is it win or bust for you?
"Negativo. We're not gonna make up 43 points on Claw. I gotta win, and I gotta stay out of trouble to do it. I hope if I'm leading at the white flag, and Sweetie is behind me, she'll stick to the plan and get me in the playoffs." Tracker replied.
Reporter #4: Last but not least, Chase. I know this season hasn't been the best for you. If you win tomorrow night, do you guys think you can make a run at the championship?
"Honestly… either way I'll be out of my misery after this race. I either win and make the playoffs and I don't. This season has been a nightmare, and after tonight, my focus will be on 2024." The German Shepherd replied.
(QUALIFYING)
The Duke was on provisional pole for Daytona, and the Cheetah was the only car who could take it away from him. #14 Radio: Go get it Carly.
Rick: The Cheetah's lap is looking meh right now, but she's gaining in turn 3!
Dale Jr.: She's in the green as she makes her way in turn 4! Coming to the line… she got it! Jeff: Carly Humdinger wins the pole for Daytona! She runs 31st in points, but what an upset this would be for her!
#14 Radio: Yes! That's pole position!
"HAHA! We're gonna shock the world tomorrow!" The Cheetah cackled.
SATURDAY NIGHT (RACE DAY)
STARTING LINEUP
1. #14 2. #10 3. #21 4. #23 5. #54 6. #36 7. #5 8. #12
9. #41 10. #4 11. #17 12. #6 13. #19 14. #22 15. #20 16. #2
17. #16 18. #8 19. #11 20. #45 21. #3 22. #99 23. #9 24. #43
25. #1 26. #62 27. #24 28. #31 29. #42 30. #77 31. #48 32. #47
33. #51 34. #15 35. #38 36. #13 37. #78 38. #7 39. #34
STAGES 35/60/65
As soon as the command was given, the engines were fired up, and the door numbers started glowing.
(PACE LAPS)
#9 Radio: Chase, no matter what happens tonight, we're proud of what you've done all season.
"Thanks guys. Let's write the perfect ending tonight." Chase replied.
#23 Radio: Be there at the end. Control your own destiny.
"I'm ready." Claw confidently replied as he put the visor down on his helmet.
#14 Radio: #10 will play the team game here. Go win this shit Carly. Green flag.
GREEN FLAG
Rick: The final race of the regular season is underway here in Daytona!
Jeff: The Cheetah got a good launch on the outside and goes inside in front of the Duke. SHR stays 1-2.
LAP 23/160 Leader: The Cheetah
All 4 JGR cars and Claw had moved to the outside to get a huge run to the leaders with Marshall being the main car.
Rick: It pays to have your teammates as Marshall leads at the line! The Toyotas breeze by the Cheetah and she falls to 6th!
#11 Radio: You got all your teammates behind you and the #23. stay with them.
"Copy." The Dalmatian replied.
LAP 25/160 Leader: Marshall
All of the Toyotas excluding Everest got clear and were the top 5 cars in a single file line, but the Fords were making a plan.
#36 Radio: Codi, we're making a plan for the other Fords to push you, the #4, #22 and the #2 have your back
"You tell them they better push me like they want to win!" Codi demanded.
LAP 32/160 Leader: Marshall
#11 Radio: #36 has a huge run! Block, block!
Rick: Codi has a huge run, Marshall blocks- and he nearly wrecked himself! Boy, that was close!
#36 Radio: That #11 is a jackass. What a dumb block.
"Tell him I'm not helping him at all in this race."
LAP 34/160 Leader: Marshall
Marshall was holding the lead wonderfully, but the outside was charging with Codi Gizmodi, Zuma, and Rubble.
Jeff: Marshall blocks Gizmodi again! This is incredible blocking from the Dalmatian!
"You tell that punk dog, I'm turning him next time I get the chance!" Codi said as she was getting more furious.
LAP 35/160 Leader: Marshall
#11 Radio: #36 has a huge run, block her! Rick:
Rick: Down the backstretch, Marshall blocks Codi, and here comes Zuma through the middle! Marshall blocks and Liberty is side by side with her!
#36 Radio: So much for teammates.
"Yep. You can't trust anybody." Codi said.
#4 Radio: Go outside, #22 and #2 will help you, Zuma.
Dale Jr.: Into turn 3, Zuma goes outside! Not gonna help Marshall who will fall back, and Liberty is now clear for the lead!
#11 Radio: Goddangit. #4 car just ditched us.
#19 Radio: #11 got hung out to dry, coming to the green checkered.
Rick: Through the tri-oval, Liberty wins stage 1 with Skye and Zuma behind!
LAP 36/160 Leader: Liberty
CAUTION
#19 Radio: Excellent work. We're 46 points ahead of the #11, so it's all good right now.
"Good car guys. I feel we did what we needed to do, and we got a little lucky." Liberty replied.
LAP 37/160 Leader: Liberty
Everyone would come to pit road for tires and fuel, but it would be Rubble claiming the race lead.
#22 Radio: You know how to win here. Hang on to that lead Rubble.
LAP 41/160 Leader: Rubble
GREEN FLAG
Rick: Stage 2 is underway here in Daytona!
Jeff: Rubble got a good push from Zuma and he's already clear of Liberty!
#22 Radio: Just block the best you can.
LAP 47/160 Leader: Rubble
They were three wide except for the driver currently leading, and one driver charged to the front.
Dale Jr.: Look at Chase on the outside! He's clear of Rubble to the lead- oh he nearly gets turned! Here comes Wildcat with the help from Rocky! What great racing and we're only on lap 47!
#16 Radio: #9 inside, you got help from the #8. Clear.
LAP 50/160 Leader: Wildcat
#9 Radio: Back up to the #22.
Rick: Rocky trying to push Wildcat, but Rubble pushes Chase to the lead! The crowd roaring for the German Shepherd as he leads at the line!
"WOOO!" Chase howled as soon as he got the lead.
LAP 51/160 Leader: Chase R
ick: Chase has the lead, but now Wildcat takes it back! This is incredible!
Dale Jr.: Wildcat's making a statement saying "I didn't just come to play, I came to win!"
LAP 53/160 Leader: Wildcat
Rick: Rubble's been trying to get the lead and is fighting, but Wildcat on the outside! He takes back the lead as they cross the line! Remember, if he wins, he's in the playoffs!
#16 Radio: #22 is clear, just manage your blocks
LAP 55/160 Leader: Wildcat
Jeff: That #16 has runs behind him! Coral on the inside, Sweetie in the middle! They're three wide for the race lead in three and four.
#1 Radio: Be aggressive. It's okay to do so.
"Yeah, I'm trying!" Sweetie replied.
LAP 57/160 Leader: Sweetie
Rick: Coral has fallen out of the picture, now it's just the #16 and the #1 fighting for the lead here at Daytona!
Dale Jr.: Big push from the #22 car! Rubble makes sure Sweetie clears Wildcat and secures the race lead!
#16 Radio: Don't sweat it Wild. Still a long way to go.
"Yeah. Just sucks to lose the lead." The feline replied.
LAP 59/160 Leader: Sweetie Once Sweetie got the race lead, everyone settled in single file, and they were coming closer to green flag pit stops.
#1 Radio: Sweetie we'll be pitting in about just over 20 laps.
"Just make sure I stay up here." Sweetie told her team.
LAP 75/160 Leader: Sweetie
Still single file into turn 3- and Gasket pulls out from behind Rubble! She wants second place, and might even get the lead here!
#41 Radio: Gasket, come on. We're gonna be pitting soon!
"I want to lead a lap! Let me try!" Gasket replied.
LAP 76/160 Leader: Sweetie
Gasket couldn't make the inside line work and fell down to 5th, but there was another challenger Sweetie had to face for the lead.
Rick: Top 3 single file. Sweetie, Ella, Rubble- Ella goes to the inside! Sweetie can't block it and Ella takes the lead here at Daytona!
#12 Radio: #22 is a real one. "Thank you Rubble." Ella said.
LAP 80/160 Leader: Ella
Rick: Wheeler is now charging on the outside! He clears Ella, and now he leads! Could the Daytona sweep happen for the pointer pup?!
#47 Radio: We'll be pitting next lap. Not sure how many cars will come with us. "Got it crew chief." Wheeler replied.
LAP 81/160 Leader: Wheeler
Rick: Let's see if any cars come to pit road, and Wheeler is coming, so is Sweetie, all the Toyotas, both Legacy cars, and a few others pitting.
Jeff: Looks like they are all taking fuel only to get to the end of the stage, and Sweetie comes out ahead of Wheeler.
LAP 82/160 Leader: Duke of Flappington
Dale Jr.: More cars coming to pit road! Ella, Rubble, Zuma, all three Kaulig cars, others pit as well!
Jeff: And they also take fuel only, and we'll wait to see where they blend on the track.
Rick: We talk about the crew not making mistakes. This is a big one for Marshall and the #11 team. Crew member over the wall too soon. He'll have to do a pass-through.
#11 Radio: Sorry Marshall, you did nothing wrong there.
"Are we gonna lose a lap?" Marshall asked.
#11 Radio: Affirmative.
LAP 84/160 Leader: Duke of Flappington
Rick: And now everyone else comes to pit road! They're taking fuel only except the Duke! 4 tires and fuel for him to improve their fuel situation for the end!
Dale Jr.: Let's see where everyone blends in, and Dwayne is now the race leader! Hubcap is behind him in second!
#21 Radio: 12 laps to go in the stage. Block like hell.
LAP 86/160 Leader: Dwayne Rick: Everyone is catching the leaders now! Rocky on the outside! Dwayne goes to block! He really wants that stage win!
#8 Radio: Damn #21.
LAP 88/160 Leader: Dwayne
Jeff: Look at the outside! It's Tracker! With the help from Mayor Humdinger! It would be special for Trackhouse if Tracker goes on to win this race.
Dale Jr.: But the #48 will be desperate as well, as he also has to win to make the playoffs.
#99 Radio: #21 is clear, #48 still pushing you. You got the lead!
Let me concentrarse, concentrate por favor!" The potcake replied.
LAP 89/160 Leader: Tracker
Jeff: Dwayne gets another big run! He's going for it! And he retakes the lead as they cross the line! 6 laps to go in the stage!
LAP 90/160 Leader: Dwayne
#21 Radio: #99 is clear, #8 and #6 gonna get a run here.
Dale Jr.: He's making sure that #99 stays behind him, but a big run coming from Rocky and Shade into turn 3!
Rick: Tracker goes inside to take second away, and Dwayne is losing several spots because of that.
#21 Radio: Sorry Dwayne. I didn't think the run would be that big.
"It's fine. Thanks for getting me to the lead and I did the best I could." Dwayne smiled in the car.
LAP 94/160 Leader: Rocky
Jeff: The top 3 are single file currently, but can anyone do anything to pass that #8 car?
Dale Jr.: There's cars that are being lapped right now. The #11 and the #15, but everyone gets by them okay.
#54 Radio: #12 is gonna give you a huge push. #8 Radio: #54 big run outside, stay inside.
Rick: As we enter the final lap in stage 2, a big run is coming on that outside!
LAP 95/160 Leader: Rocky
Jeff: Coral with a huge run! Nothing Rocky can do! Ella pushes her and Coral gets the lead of the race!
#54 Radio: Clear of the #12. #20 pushing her, she'll stay with you more than likely.
Jeff: Down the backstretch they go! Coral leads, but Ella is backing up to Skye to get a huge run!
Rick: The #12 has a huge run, she goes inside, and is ahead into turn 3!
Dale Jr.: Skye is gonna give a push to her teammate Coral- OH THE #54 IS AROUND! ELLA TAKES A HARD HIT! EVEREST, WHEELER, WILDCAT, TUCK, HAROLD, OTHERS ARE IN IT!
#6 Radio: Wrecking up high! Clear, you got it.
#8 Radio: Low! Low! Low! You're good.
#99 Radio: Wrecking big, wrecking big! Missed it, coming to the line.
CAUTION
Jeff: Shade is gonna win stage 2, followed by Rocky and Tracker, but a terrible wreck just happened off of turn 4. I hope everyone is alright.
LAP 96/160 Leader: Shade
The glowing purple #54 on Coral's car went out, meaning her race was over.
#54 Radio: Are you okay Coral?
"Ow… ah… I'm fine." Coral groaned.
#12 Radio: Talk to us Ella. "I'm good." Ella said.
#3 Radio: Left front is destroyed. We're out.
"So much for the playoffs." Harold groaned.
Cars out: #2, #3, #12, #15, #36, #47, #54
Cars involved, but still running: #4, #5, #11, #17, #20, #21, #45
RED FLAG
#20 Radio: Coral's okay, but she's not happy right now Skye.
"I'm sorry. I tried to push her and I accidentally turned her. I ruined her chances of making the playoffs." Skye sadly replied.
#19 Radio: Just an update Liberty. You have won the regular season championship. Congratulations.
"Those playoff points are gonna really help up these next 10 weeks." Liberty said.
#23 Radio: #54 crashed out, so if no one below us wins, you're in Claw.
"Thanks for the information.: Claw replied.
All the cars stopped on the backstretch so the safety workers could clear the track to go back racing.
"Uh, I smell something burning in the car, is it the engine?" Shade inquired.
#6 Radio: Engine looks fine, but you have a small fire coming out from the back of your car Shade. Try and put it out.
"Copy." Shade replied as she drove her car in circles to try and put it out.
#8 Radio: #6 is driving in circles. Sounds like she has a fire in the back of her car.
"Huh. Never seen that before." Rocky said to himself.
LAP 101/160 Leader: Shade
CAUTION
As soon as the red flag was lifted, everyone came to pit road, but it would be the Cheetah taking the lead.
#14 Radio: Go finish this race Carly.
LAP 105/160 Leader: The Cheetah
GREEN FLAG
Rick: The final stage of the regular season is underway!
Jeff: The Cheetah gets an excellent push from the Duke on the inside and clears Rocky!
Dale Jr.: I'm just curious how these two are gonna coexist with giant egos.
LAP 119/160 Leader: The Cheetah
Rick: Look at this! SHR and RFK have formed some sort of alliance. They all want to win this race, but you can't do it alone.
#17 Radio: Rory, once the pit cycle ends, this alliance ends. Work with Shade. "Got it." The feline replied
"How long do we have to keep this dumb alliance?" The Cheetah asked, a little annoyed.
#14 Radio: Until the final pit stop. Just keep your cool Carly.
LAP 142/160 Leader: The Cheetah
Rick: The #13 car of the Whoosh is the first car on the inside lane! And Gasket goes to block! She wants to lead the race!
Jeff: Oh she washed up the track! And Gasket falls outside the top 20, and unless something happens up front, it's over for her.
"Shit! I'm sorry guys." Gasket apologized.
LAP 144/160 Leader; Zuma
Rick: And here comes a lot of cars! Chevys and Toyotas! And they're all taking fuel only!
Dale Jr.: Now who leads out? It's Rocky followed by Sweetie and Tracker!
#8 Radio: Good job Rocky. We need to wait for the Fords to pit now.
LAP 147/160 Leader: The Cheetah
Dale Jr.: Everyone else is on pit road. They're also taking fuel only! Who's coming out in front? It's Zuma followed by Chase and the Duke with Rory and Shade behind!
LAP 148/160 Leader: Zuma
Jeff: A huge gap separates the two packs! Zuma might have played this perfectly into his paws to get this win!
#4 Radio: Chase is gonna be desperate. Just be ready if he tries to make a move
LAP 154/160 Leader: Zuma
Rick: Chase has Ryder behind him! He's multiple laps down, but I don't think he cares!
#5 Radio: Get Chase in Ryder
Dale Jr.: Into turn 3, here comes Chase! Side by side for the race lead! But the outside has the momentum, Zuma clears Chase again!
LAP 155/160 Leader: Zuma
Rick: Down the backstretch, Rory makes the move on Chase! Shade goes with her! The felines now run 2nd and 3rd behind Zuma!
#17 Radio: We're gonna stay like this until the last lap. #6 Radio: Play the team game Shade.
LAP 156/160 Leader: Zuma
Rick: Less than five laps to go, as they go down the backstretch- OH WE GOT A CRASH!
Dale Jr.: OH GASKET IS FLIPPING! BARREL ROLLING IN THE GRASS AND IT'S STILL GOING AND FINALLY COMES TO REST AFTER FLIPPING 11 TIMES, AND THAT CAR IS ABSOLUTELY DESTROYED. I HOPE GASKET IS OKAY!
CAUTION
#41 Radio: Holy fuck, Gasket say something.
There was no answer.
#41 Radio: GASKET, PLEASE SAY SOMETHING!
The destroyed #41 Ford Mustang sat there in the grass as safety workers and ambulances surrounded the wrecked race car to make sure Gasket was okay.
"Is she okay? Has she gotten out?" Zuma asked.
#4 Radio: Umm… no information on that yet Zuma. She hasn't gotten out.
"No… please tell me she's okay." Zuma worriedly replied.
"GASKET! IS SHE OKAY?!" Dwayne shouted on the radio.
#21 Radio: She hasn't gotten out.
"Please tell me she's okay." Dwayne said as tears came down his face.
The Cheetah was another car involved in the crash. She was out, but that was not her concern as she drove to pit road.
#14 Radio: Yeah, we're out. Sorry Carly.
"Who was the car flipping?" The Cheetah inquired
#14 Radio: It was Gasket, the #41 car.
"Shit. I hope she's alright," THe Cheetah said.
The workers got Gasket out of her car. She was responding, but was placed on a stretcher in an ambulance and was transported to the hospital. As soon as everything was cleared up, everyone's focus was back on the race. Zuma, Rory, and Shade were the top 3, and Chase, the Duke, and Mayor Humdinger running behind. If any of them win, Claw is out
#4 Radio: She got out Zuma. You've got a race to win man. You can do it.
#17 Radio: Rory, Shade is gonna help you. You got this.
#9 Radio: This is our last chance Chase. Push Zuma as hard as you can on this restart.
#23 Radio: We cannot have the #9, #10, or #48 win this race. We gotta hope for the best.
GWC ATTEMPT #1 Leader: Zuma
GREEN FLAG
Rick: Overtime is underway here in Daytona! Zuma edges ahead but has no help! Chase didn't get a good start! Rory on the outside with the help from Shade is already clear!
#17 Radio: You're clear of the #4. #6 is still pushing you.
Dale Jr.: As it stands right now, Claw would be in the playoffs!
Rick: Through the tri-oval, Rory will see the white flag! One lap to go presented by Credit One Bank!
WHITE FLAG
Jeff: Chase trying everything to get to the lead, but the RFK cars are holding their own! #6 Radio: All bets are off. Pass the #17 if you can.
Dale Jr.: Shade trying everything to pass her teammate, but Rory is headed to victory!
Rick: OUT OF TURN 4, SHE'S GONNA WIN ON THE BIGGEST STAGE! RORY WINS AT DAYTONA!
"AWESOME! DAYTONA, WHERE YOU AT?!" Rory exclaimed.
#17 Radio: Rory, that's three of the last five races you've won! Fantastic race!
"Thank you Shade!" Rory said as she saw Shade drive alongside her.
#23 Radio: #17 got the win. YOU MADE IT IN! YOU MADE THE PLAYOFFS CLAW!
"WOOOOOO! YES! I was so nervous! Thank you guys for a good car! Let's go kick some ass next week!" The Doberman shouted.
#9 Radio: That's it… we're out.
"Guys… we will be stronger next year. I promise." Chase said as he started to tear up.
"Tell Shade I want her to do a burnout with me." Rory told her team.
#6 Radio: Shade, Rory wants you to do a double burnout with her.
"I'd be honored." Shade replied. The two RFK locked bumpers and started to burn rubber. The neon number and parts on Rory's car started to flash on and off as she did her burnout. The cyan smoke made the burnout even better and the fireworks made it a beautiful scenery.
Reporter: Three of the last five races, we've seen this #17 car go on to win. Rory, I think you can safely say, you have been the best driver currently these past few races.
"Absolutely, I wanted to get just one win when this season began, but I never imagined getting three wins in the last five races. I can't thank Shade enough on the final restart. She has been nothing but good to me all season, and we're ready to make a statement these next 10 weeks.
RESULTS
1st #17 Rory
2nd #6 Shade
3rd #10 Duke of Flappington
4th #9 Chase
5th #22 Rubble
6th #48 Mayor Humdinger
7th #8 Rocky
8th #24 Arrby
9th #4 Zuma
10th #7 Alex
11th #77 Copycat
12th #23 Claw
13th #34 Hubcap
14th #62 Jake
15th #13 The Whoosh
16th #20 Skye
17th #1 Sweetie
18th #43 Rex
19th #51 Charger
20th #99 Tracker
21st #31 Leo
22nd #42 Ben Allen
23rd #78 Ladybird
24th #19 Liberty
25th #45 Everest
26th #11 Marshall (-1)
27th #5 Ryder (-2)
28th #21 Dwayne (-3)
29th #16 Wildcat (-3)
30th #14 The Cheetah (DNF)
31st #41 Gasket (DNF)
32nd #38 Al (DNF)
33rd #3 Harold Humdinger (DNF)
34th #47 Wheeler (DNF)
35th #54 Coral (DNF)
36th #12 Ella (DNF)
37th #2 Tuck (DNF)
38th #36 Codi Gizmodi (DNF)
39th #15 Mix (DNF)