Miami, Fla. – October 22, 2023
The NASCAR Cup Series swung into the South Beaches of the Sunshine State Sunday, October 22, 2023, for the Dixie Vodka 400 hosted by Homestead-Miami Speedway. The 1.5-mile track of Homestead-Miami Speedway was set to host race two of three in the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Championship Playoffs.
Dixie Vodka 400 – Recap:
Stage 1
Kyle Larson exchanged the lead with Keselowski. Keselowski was the latest victim of Larson, who overtook Brad’s top position sharpshooting the low line for advancement with 25 laps remaining in Stage 1.
Championship Points leader Kyle Larson added to his points tally by winning Stage 1 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Dixie Vodka 400 – Results:
Stage 1
1. Kyle Larson
2. Brad Keselowski
3. Ryan Blaney
4. William Byron
5. Martin Truex Jr
6. Denny Hamlin
7. Tyler Reddick
8. Austin Dillon
9. Christopher Bell
10. Ty Gibbs
Dixie Vodka 400 – Recap:
Stage 2
Kyle Larson repeated his track dominance within Stage 2 drafting Brad Keselowski. Larson continued to have a 4 second safety barrier separating the lead with 40 laps to decide Stage 2.
Unfortunately for Kyle Larson, this buffer was tested, as track traffic played a vital role on Larson’s progression.
Playoff Contender Ryan Blaney dived into the Low Line to surpass Larson as Kyle defended his position with 5 circuits remaining in Stage 2.
Ryan Blaney returned to Championship Form winning Stage 2 Honors at South Beach.
Dixie Vodka 400 – Results:
Stage 1
1. Ryan Blaney
2. William Byron
3. Kyle Larson
4. Denny Hamlin
5. Brad Keselowski
6. Martin Truex Jr
7. Tyler Reddick
8. Ty Gibbs
9. Austin Dillon
10. Joey Logano
Dixie Vodka 400 – Recap:
Final Stage
After the smoke cleared from a non-contender’s collision with 50 laps to go, contributors Ross Chastain, JJ Yelley and John H. Nemechek invited the caution flag as takers vied for pit attention.
Christopher Bell made a hard charge for current leader Ryan Blaney. Bell will reach the two front runners and choose the low line to sharpshoot to the lead with 35 laps to decide the victor.
A few laps later Martin Truex Jr’s Day ended thanks to engine failure while Denny Hamlin’s bad luck continues with car issues and another caution flag.
Both Championship Contenders were unable to get the positive finish needed to continue forward in the Playoff reign.
A final move with 16 Laps remaining cleared a path for Christopher Bell to gather William Byron and take the lead.
Christopher Bell’s Sunday South Beach drive was rewarded with a Checker flag and more importantly, Playoff momentum.
Dixie Vodka 400 – Results:
Final Stage
Pos | Driver
1. Christopher Bell
2. Ryan Blaney
3. Tyler Reddick
4. William Byron
5. AJ Allmendinger
6. Bubba Wallace
7. Ty Gibbs
8. Joey Logano
9. Aric Almirola
10. Austin Dillon
11. Kevin Harvick
12. Austin Cindric
13. Ryan Preece
14. Erik Jones
15. Chase Elliott
16. Daniel Suarez
17. Chase Briscoe
18. Kyle Busch
19. Alex Bowman
20. Corey LaJoie
21. Chris Buescher
22. Michael McDowell
23. Justin Haley
24. Ty Dillon
25. Todd Gilliland
26. Ryan Newman
27. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
28. Brad Keselowski
29. Martin Truex Jr
30. Denny Hamlin
31. Ross Chastain
32. John Hunter Nemechek
33. JJ Yeley
34. Kyle Larson
35. Josh Bilicki
36. Harrison Burton
NASCAR Cup Series Points Standings
(After Dixie Vodka 400)
10/22/23
Pos | Driver | Wins | Points
1. Christopher Bell / 1 Win
2. Kyle Larson / 1 Win
3. William Byron / +30
4. Ryan Blaney / +10
— Championship Cutline —
5. Tyler Reddick / -10
6. Martin Truex Jr / -17
7. Denny Hamlin / -17
8. Chris Buescher / -43
The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the Old Dominion State for the Xfinity 500 hosted by Martinsville Speedway with Green Flag scheduled:
Sunday, Oct 29, 2023
2p.m.
NBC / SiriusXM 90 NASCAR Radio