<P> From 1984 to 2007, the race was sponsored by PepsiCo, and for many years was known as the Pepsi 400 . In 2008, as part of a multi-year deal between ISC and The Coca - Cola Company which made it the exclusive beverage supplier of ISC's tracks, including Daytona, Coca - Cola was granted the title sponsorship rights for the race . It was subsequently named for the Coca - Cola Zero brand . With Coke Zero becoming Coca - Cola Zero Sugar in 2018, the race will now be known as the Coke Zero Sugar 400 . </P> <P> The event is recently known for its close finishes, posting a 0.154 s average margin of victory in its last 21 races including the tied fourth closest margin of victory in NASCAR Cup Series history at 0.005 s; high speed high - density crashes under the lights, and a broad display of fireworks during post-race celebrations . </P> <P> Erik Jones is the defending winner of the race . </P> <P> Prior to the opening of the track, and prior to the inaugural Daytona 500, tentative plans were made to host a 300 - mile USAC Championship (Indy car) race on Independence Day weekend of 1959 . However, following two separate fatal accidents to drivers Marshall Teague (testing) and George Amick (Daytona 100), speedway officials cancelled the race, citing dangerously high speeds, as well as low turnout . Bill France Sr. announced plans to hold a 100 - lap / 250 - mile NASCAR stock car race instead, scheduled for July 4 . </P>

Who is the defending coke zero sugar 400 champion