Wild Daytona finish produced something not seen in 52 years

Only Todd Gilliland (sixth), Ty Dillon (eighth), Cody Ware (13th) and Riley Herbst (14th) have failed to post a top-five finish among full-time drivers this season, pointing to the parity and competitiveness in the series.

While drafting-style tracks like Daytona, EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta) and Talladega are known to produce chaotic finishes and surprise results, that is an astounding number of drivers to place inside the top five through 26 races.

Although it was surprising to see Custer and Haley in contention for the win Saturday night, considering they had two combined top-10 finishes going in, they drove their way to the front and put themselves in position to win the race despite sitting 30th or worse in points.

Of the 14 race winners this season, only six have won multiple races, speaking to the balance throughout the field at the sport's highest level.

It was not that long ago that a handful of drivers — referred to as start-and-park drivers — were retiring from the race within the first few laps, while the remaining drivers toward the back of the field were off the pace for most of the event.

As much as the inability to make passes and a lack of tire falloff at most tracks have caused an uproar amongst the fan base, the field is as competitive as it has ever been from the front to the back.

The playoffs will be front and center for the final 10 weeks of the season, but the historic number of drivers with top-five finishes through the first 26 races should not be ignored as a reminder of how ultra-competitive the sport currently is.