Daytona 500 Qualifying: Duel Races Set the Stage for NASCAR’s Biggest Event
DAYTONA BEACH – After a long wait, the roar of engines returned to Daytona International Speedway for the Duel at Daytona, a pair of 150-mile sprint races that determined the starting lineup for the prestigious Daytona 500. These qualifying races, steeped in NASCAR history, delivered thrilling action and crucial insights into the contenders for Sunday’s main event.
The Duel at Daytona: A Recap
Thursday’s events featured two races, each with a field of 22-23 cars. The first race kicked off shortly after 7 p.m. ET (TV: Fox Sports 1), followed by the second around 9 p.m. ET. Earlier in the day, practice sessions for the ARCA Series and Truck Series provided valuable track time for teams. The Daytona Beach News-Journal provided comprehensive live updates throughout the day.
Race 1: Logano Claims Victory
Joey Logano emerged victorious in the first Duel, securing his fourth win in the event (2019, 2020, 2023, and 2026) – the most among active drivers. A late-race caution involving Austin Dillon, Chris Buescher, Bubba Wallace, William Byron, and Chandler Smith reshaped the competition, ultimately benefiting Logano. Ryan Preece initially led through 38 laps, but Logano’s strategic positioning proved decisive.
Race 2: Elliott Takes the Win
Chase Elliott dominated the second Duel, finishing ahead of a fierce battle for second place between Carson Hocevar and Kyle Larson. Michael McDowell and Christopher Bell rounded out the top five. Elliott expressed his excitement, stating, “That was a great way to get the blood pumping. Looking forward to Sunday!”
The Final Spots: Who Made the Daytona 500?
The Duel races weren’t just about wins; they were about securing a place in the Daytona 500. Following a post-race tech inspection disqualification for Anthony Alfredo, BJ McLeod claimed the final Daytona 500 spot based on his performance. In the second Duel, Alfredo initially secured a starting spot with Beard Motorsports, a small team with limited resources, but the disqualification shifted the landscape.
Notable Moments & Veteran Presence
The day also saw a special appearance from the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, who will perform a flyover before Sunday’s race. NASCAR legend Dave Marcis, a veteran of 883 Cup Series races and a record 33 Daytona 500 starts, made a rare return to Daytona, reminiscing about his storied career.
How to Watch & Ticket Information
The Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, and fans can catch all the action on FS1. Streaming options are available through services like Fubo, which offers a free trial. As of February 12, tickets were available on StubHub, with prices starting at $104 for grandstand seats and $263 for two-day passes.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN).
Source: USA Today
