Winn-Dixie 250 Returns to Daytona

Name Change and Sponsorship Details

Daytona International Speedway announced on July 7 that the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series finale will be renamed the Winn‑Dixie 250. The race, which powered by Coca‑Cola, revives a title last used by the grocery chain for six seasons in the 2000s. Speedway President Frank Kelleher called the return “a memorable hit of nostalgia” that lines up with the start of postseason play. Winn‑Dixie, headquartered in nearby Jacksonville, is again listed as an entitlement sponsor alongside Coca‑Cola Beverages Florida.

The grocery chain last appeared on the Daytona event in July 2008, when Denny Hamlin secured his first victory at the track. NASCAR highlights the brand’s deep roots in the community, noting that Winn‑Dixie’s presence helped create “memorable moments for generations of racing fans.” The renewed partnership is presented as a way to bring customers, communities, and fans together during race weekend.

Race History and Legacy

Speedway officials framed the name revival as part of a broader effort to reconnect fans with classic racing traditions. “NASCAR has long been part of the fabric of many communities we serve,” said Gayle Shields, chief merchandising and marketing officer for Winn‑Dixie. The return of the Winn‑Dixie 250 is tied to the upcoming Chase for the Championship, adding extra excitement for followers of the Xfinity Series.

Last year’s O’Reilly Auto Parts race at Daytona saw Parker Kligerman step in for an injured Connor Zilisch, taking the checkered flag and earning a spot in Victory Lane. The image from that event shows Zilisch (jr Motorsports, WeatherTech Chevrolet) congratulating Kligerman after the win at the 2025 Xfinity Wawa 250. This year’s race is slated for 7:30 p.m. on August 28, followed by the Cup Series’ Coke Zero Sugar 400 on August 29.

The name change and sponsor return aim to blend nostalgia with the modern chase for postseason points, giving fans a familiar branding alongside the established Coca‑Cola sponsorship. As the track prepares for the August weekend, the Winn‑Dixie 250 is positioned as a centerpiece of the final Xfinity Series regular‑season race, promising another chapter in Daytona’s rich racing history.