Joey Logano emerged victorious in the first 150-mile, 60-lap Duel race at Daytona International Speedway, besting 22 other drivers to claim the win. This triumph guarantees him the third starting spot in the upcoming Daytona 500 scheduled for Sunday, February 15. Logano’s skilled performance during the race showcased his ability to seize control in critical moments, setting a positive tone for the highly anticipated event.
While Logano celebrated in Victory Lane, Casey Mears, an open driver racing with a “go or go home” mindset, earned cheers from his team after qualifying for The Great American Race by finishing in eighth place. Contrasting those high spirits, two drivers packed up their equipment, having failed to secure a place on Sunday’s starting grid, highlighting the relentless competitiveness of the Duels.
The top five finishers included Ryan Blaney, Austin Dillon, Brad Keselowski, and John Hunter Nemechek, showcasing the strength of established contenders alongside Logano’s success.
Logano’s Fourth Duel Win Highlights Team Penske’s Dominance
Starting from sixth position, Logano skillfully maneuvered his No. 22 Team Penske Ford into the lead by employing the high line, a tactic that contributed considerably to his victory. This marks Logano’s fourth win in Duel events, more than any other active driver, reinforcing his status as a formidable competitor at Daytona.
Behind him, fellow Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney finished second, driving the No. 12 Ford, emphasizing the team’s strong showing in this preliminary race.
“It was great teamwork all the way through,”
Logano commented.
“Ryan Blaney was a fantastic teammate there, which is expected. He’s always been that for us and we try to work together the best we can and when we’re able to do that correctly. We can see success together like this. First of all, I’ve got to thank him.”
?Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
“Obviously, Nick Hensley, my gas man, that gave us position off of pit road to where we could defend and not have to try to move forward, so he did a great job. Coleman Pressley (spotter) up on the roof did a fantastic job with the info.
It’s all the things you work on over the offseason, but it’s awesome when it all comes together and you’re able to actually work out the plan. A lot of times people say there’s a plan and it goes out the window on lap one, but for us we were able to work it all the way to the end.”
Casey Mears Secures Daytona 500 Spot Despite Early Challenges
During Daytona Speedweek, only eight non-chartered drivers had the chance to qualify based on speed, which Justin Allgaier and Corey Heim secured in the qualifying session. This left one qualifying spot available in each Duel, intensifying the battle among drivers without guaranteed entries.
Casey Mears took advantage of every opportunity despite experiencing a setback early in the race. After being involved in the first of three cautions and falling a lap behind, Mears capitalized on the second caution to regain his position on the lead lap. He took the damaged No. 66 Ford safely into the Daytona 500 when Corey LaJoie spun out on the final lap.
“When I was sitting there spinning in the grass I was worried about going two laps down,”
Mears said. “Once we got back on the lead lap, I just worked my way up front.
“When they all wrecked, I got around everybody but the No. 99, and fortunately, I hit him so square that my car didn’t get too tore up. I was able to get it back.
So, just super happy. I can’t believe we made it. It is just absolutely amazing.”
?Casey Mears, NASCAR driver
Corey LaJoie and Chandler Smith Fail to Qualify for Daytona 500
Corey LaJoie and Chandler Smith both faced disappointment after failing to make the starting lineup for the Daytona 500. LaJoie, driving the No. 99 RFK Ford and running as the highest-finishing open team late in the race, lost his chance when he crashed in the final laps as Mears passed him. Meanwhile, Smith was caught up in a multi-car collision with five laps remaining.
Both drivers will not be part of the 68th running of The Great American Race, underscoring the relentless pressure to perform during the Duel qualifiers.
Race Had Multiple Cautions Affecting Strategy and Outcomes
The pace of the Duel was frequently interrupted by cautions, which influenced team tactics and the race’s momentum. On Lap 45, when drivers were entering pit road under green flag conditions, Noah Gragson in the No. 4 Ford locked up his brakes near the pit entrance and collided with Casey Mears, causing both to slide into the infield grass.
Gragson managed to return to pit road, but Mears remained stuck, prompting NASCAR to call a caution. This allowed teams to make their pit stops under yellow flag conditions, changing the dynamics for several drivers.
Later, with just five laps left, Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota spun on the backstretch, triggering another crash that collected Austin Dillon, Chris Buescher, Chandler Smith, and William Byron. Byron, the reigning Daytona 500 champion, suffered the most significant damage among the cars involved.
The Daytona 500 will be broadcast live on FOX-TV, MRN Radio, and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio beginning 2:30 p.m. ET Sunday, promising fans an exciting showdown following Sunday’s intense qualifying Duels.
