Matt DiBenedetto and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane crew got off to a solid start in their first qualifying session as a team, posting the 16th fastest speed in pole qualifying for the 62nd annual Daytona 500.
Only the top-two starting spots are locked in for the 500, with the rest of the line-up determined by the twin Duel qualifying races on Thursday night. DiBenedetto will line up in eighth place in the second 150-mile qualifier.
“Today is important; it is still an important day,” DiBenedetto told reporters after posting a speed of 191. 685 miles per hour in Sunday’s time trials. “A better starting spot for the Duels is nice. It isn’t the end-all, be-all for sure, but it is always important.
“It is the first qualifying of the year and for the Daytona 500, so it means a lot to the teams and the speed of the car is a testament to the teams.”
DiBenedetto and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang have shown good speed in the early runs at Daytona International Speedway.
He was 10th fastest in Saturday’s opening practice session with a best lap at 201.902 mph, and was eighth among drivers with a best 10-consecutive-lap average of 197.936 mph.
In the second session, with the focus on a single-car run, he was 18th fastest, running just three laps with a best lap at 192.732 mph.
Thursday’s Duel qualifying races are set to start at 7 p.m. with TV coverage on Fox Sports 1.
The Daytona 500 is scheduled to start just after 2:30 p.m. on Sunday with TV coverage on FOX.
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About Motorcraft
Motorcraft® offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended and approved by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under-hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford and Lincoln dealers, independent distributors and automotive parts retailers are backed by Ford Motor Company’s two-year, unlimited-miles Service Parts Limited Warranty. Ask for Motorcraft by name when you visit your local auto parts store or your favorite service facility. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.
About Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers
Ford’s Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers routine vehicle maintenance such as oil and filter changes, light repair services including brake repair, and tire replacements on all vehicle makes and models. With more than 800 locations and growing, customers can visit www.quicklane.com to find a center that is closest to them, print savings coupons and review maintenance tips to keep their vehicles running at peak efficiency. This site includes information on how to spot tire wear, how to jump-start a battery and even a series of tips to improve a vehicle’s fuel economy.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 200,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glen Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glen’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Matt DiBenedetto in the famous No. 21 racer.
