In a whirlwind of heart-pounding action, the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway left fans gripping the edge of their seats. From shocking strategy shifts to last-lap betrayals, this race had it all. The RFK Racing duo, composed of Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski, stole the show with a stunning 1-2 finish that will undoubtedly be etched in history. But beneath the triumphant cheers and tire screeches lay a tale of rivalry, missed opportunities, and a questionable maneuver with everyone talking about Tony Stewart’s team.

As the green flag dropped, the anticipation was palpable. The spotlight shone on Aric Almirola, whose fateful decision to align with the RFK cars over his teammate raised eyebrows and fueled the rumor mill. Was this the telltale sign of an impending departure? Traditionally, helping a teammate might not be mandatory at speedways, but aiding someone in outracing your own ally? That’s a line that few dare to cross.

Fan Fury: Social Media Erupts with Discontent Over Strategic Choices

The chaos didn’t stop there. The #4 of Kevin Harvick, #9 of Chase Elliott, and #10 Aric formed a tantalizing trio on the inside line, conjuring hopes of a formidable challenge against the RFK Racing cars. However, the alliance fell short as the #9 couldn’t maintain his position due to a lack of support from behind. It was a pivotal moment that showcased the importance of teamwork in this high-speed chess game. The tension was at an all-time high, with alliances crumbling and opportunities slipping away. And this blow to Tony Stewart and his racing team left fans and experts fuming.

As the race ended, various voices resonated from social media, expressing diverse opinions about the perfect culmination for the regular season.

“The 10 lining up behind the RFK cars instead of his teammate and the 9 cost him a chance at the win & definitely cost the 4,” one fan wrote on Twitter.

Another added, “Aric Almirola! By choosing to line up with the RFK cars and help push them past his teammate! This is proof he is not returning next year! Most owners rules at speedways are you don’t have to help your teammate, but don’t help someone beat your teammate!”

“If NASCAR wants to end the regular season at one of the speedways. I honestly think they should pick Dega. I could see the 10 and 9 dumping the 4 and RFK to go 4 wide coming out of turn 2. Chase lost his chance to win when he didn’t block the outside with 10 to go,” another one chimed in.

A NASCAR enthusiast wrote, “Agree! @keselowski knows on RED , you sit! And as for @Aric_Almirola, where the heck was he helping out @KevinHarvick. Seriously! Both of them could of been #1 & #2 Both of there experience combined could of put the rest of the field to shame! @KevinHarvick not happy.”

“Our only way in the playoffs was to Win the 4 had an opportunity to help us on the last lap and didn’t,” someone commented.

“You’re right! Prior to that move, the 10 had an opportunity to push the 4 and didn’t. Harvick lost his lane fast. Both could have benefited like BK & CB did, easily,” one more fan angrily wrote.

The entire stage was a rollercoaster ride of alliances and rivalries. Stewart-Haas Racing Fords roared back to the forefront, and Almirola was poised for glory. A strategic pit stop shook things up, with Kevin Harvick leading the charge. Almirola hung on, still in the mix, eyeing the prize within reach.

WATCH THIS STORY: A Sobering Reminder NASCAR World Joins Tony Stewart As They Mourn Tragic Demise of Teammate

But fate had other plans. The #10 driver racing for Tony Stewart spoke about this after the race.

The Twisted Fate of Tony Stewart: Almirola’s Determination and Heartbreak on the Final Lap

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Almirola, the wily superspeedway veteran of Tony Stewart, knew the secrets of drafting. The pages of history held his triumphant tales. Not just once or twice, but thrice, he had soared into Victory Lane in the Cup Series. February had witnessed his commanding conquest in the Bluegreen Vacations Duel races, a testament to his prowess. His #10 team was armed with a daring plan: win or bust.

As reported by jayski.com, during the recent post-race interview, the Stewart-Haas Racing driver stated, “I thought I was going to win tonight. All race long, I thought I was doing everything that I needed to do to win. I finished third, I didn’t get it done.”

For the race’s penultimate restart, Almirola’s choice of the outside lane showcased his determination to seize control. The green flag unfurled, and the No. 10 car propelled forward. With Joey Logano’s bumper in his sights on the last lap, Almirola pushed harder, yearning for one final burst of speed. Yet, victory eluded his grasp even as he crossed the finish line ahead of Chase Elliott.

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