After Alex Bowman wrecked early Saturday, he was left to sit and watch and hope. And then Ryan Blaney delivered him the ultimate gift.

Alex Bowman's playoff fate rested in the hands of others on Saturday. When the checkered flag dropped at Daytona, Ryan Blaney had saved Bowman's season.

As the opening stage of the race unfolded, chaos struck when several cars became entangled in a wreck, catching Alex Bowman in the aftermath. Despite recent strong performances with Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet, Bowman’s vehicle suffered extensive damage that could not be repaired quickly enough for him to return to the track.