Ahead of the 68th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, four NASCAR drivers have been penalized for switching to backup cars following accidents during the first Duel race on Thursday night. This adjustment to their vehicles forces the drivers to start at the rear of their respective lanes for Sunday’s race. The penalties come as part of NASCAR’s rules to maintain fairness after unapproved repairs or vehicle changes.
The incidents occurred on the 2.5-mile high-banked oval in Daytona Beach, Florida, during the 60-lap Duel races, which serve as qualifying events for the Great American Race. Additionally, Anthony Alfredo of Beard Motorsports was removed from the Daytona 500 lineup when officials found a loose transaxle cooling hose and an improperly attached driver cooling hose after his 18th-place finish in Duel 2.
Impact of Penalties on Starting Positions and Backup Car Assignments
Three of the drivers affected—Ross Chastain from Trackhouse Racing, William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports, and Chris Buescher representing RFK Racing—had already finished near the back in the first Duel race, posting 21st, 22nd, and 23rd positions, respectively. Since they were initially set to start from the final spots in the inside lane, their penalties for moving to backup cars do not alter their starting positions.
William Byron’s situation adds intrigue to the race, as his effort to win a third consecutive Daytona 500 will now begin from the 20th row, driving a backup car. Byron previously won the Daytona 500 under similar circumstances after a wreck in a Duel race two years earlier.
Conversely, Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suarez faces a more significant setback. Despite finishing seventh in the Duel race and securing 15th place for Sunday’s starting grid, Suarez’s shift to a backup No. 7 Chevrolet moves him to 35th position. He will start just ahead of Chastain, Byron, and Buescher in the 18th row on the inside lane.
Potential for Additional Penalties and Race Day Expectations
The field remains subject to further adjustments as officials verify vehicle compliance and investigate any other unapproved changes before race day. Drivers may still be required to relinquish their Duel race starting spots due to unapproved alterations or pre-race infractions, which could push them further to the rear of the grid.
Fox will broadcast live coverage of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, starting at 2:00 p.m. ET, with the race anticipated to begin shortly after 2:30 p.m., depending on weather conditions. NASCAR fans can keep track of all the unfolding developments as teams prepare for the 200-lap showdown at the iconic Florida track.
“William Byron won the Daytona 500 in a backup car following a Duel race wreck two years ago.” ?NASCAR Analyst
