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Wood Brothers Racing Race Report: Duel at Daytona

Event: Duel at Daytona
Location: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2026
Start: 13th
Finish: 6th

Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team saved their best for the last of Thursday’s second America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona, charging from 17th to sixth place to earn the 14th starting spot for Sunday’s Daytona 500.

Berry started Thursday’s 150-mile qualifying race from 13th place and ran in the back half of the field for most of the race that ran under the green flag from start to finish.

He was in the final group to make a green-flag pit stop with 12 laps remaining. He briefly pulled up in front of a pack of oncoming leaders but wound up dropping to 17th. He moved into the outside line initially and steadily weaved his way forward.

“The top was just faster, and we had to stay up there to make it happen,” Berry said.

Overall, Berry said his Thursday night ride in the No. 21 painted, to look like the Mercury that David Pearson drove to victory in the Daytona 500 fifty years ago this Sunday was a great time.

“It was a lot of fun,” he said. “We finally got up to the front there the last few laps. I’m pretty happy with the decisions I made the last five to ten laps of the race to get us up there and just needed a little more time.

“It was a lot of fun, and I learned a lot. The team did a great job and the car is in one piece and we didn’t wreck so it was a good day.”

Berry and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team will have two more practice sessions to tune their Mustang Dark Horse for the 500. The first is scheduled for Friday at 5:35 p.m. and the final one for Saturday at 3 p.m.

Sunday’s race is set to start just after 2:30 p.m. with Stage breaks planned for Laps 65 and 130.

FS1 will carry the TV broadcast of the preliminary events, with coverage switching to FOX on Sunday.

Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series Race Report – Duel at Daytona

Duel at Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Beach, Florida – February 12, 2026

AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 DISCOUNT TIRE FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE

START: 8TH FINISH: 17TH DAYTONA 500 STARTING POSITION: 36TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric and the No. 2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang Dark Horse took to Daytona International Speedway on Thursday night for the second of two 150-mile qualifying races that set the final starting lineup for the Daytona 500. Rolling off from the eighth position, Cindric immediately settled into the draft and maintained a strong presence inside the top 10 through the opening laps as the field ran tightly packed and two wide around the 2.5-mile superspeedway. Working the bottom lane, he kept the No. 2 Ford in contention while the momentum shifted between the inside and outside lines. As the race approached the halfway mark, the shuffle of the draft pushed Cindric just outside the top 10 as lane momentum continued to ebb and flow. Despite the constant movement in the pack, he remained composed and relatively quiet on the radio through the opening half, focused on maintaining position and keeping the car clean. A quick, two-second fuel-only stop with 12 laps to go ensured the No. 2 Ford had what it needed to reach the checkered flag. In the closing laps, the pack charged three wide with Cindric leading the low lane as drivers jostled for position in the final dash to the finish. He ultimately crossed the line in 17th, bringing home a clean Discount Tire Ford Mustang Dark Horse and solidifying his starting position for Sunday’s 68th running of the Daytona 500.

CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “The third lane was super dominant there at the end with the laps on tires, but we actually probably overachieved on the pit cycle there and was able to come out second on the cycle, but I had too big of a gap to some of the cars behind. I zig zagged and got hooked up with Todd. We were making the bottom work for quite a while, but it just lost strength and that’s kind of where we faded back and then you’re just taking runs after you lose track position, so it’s a shame we don’t have a better starting spot for our Discount Tire Ford, but I definitely learned a lot from tonight and I’m looking forward to applying it on Sunday.”

RYAN BLANEY No. 12 MENARDS/PEAK FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE

START: 11TH FINISH: 2ND DAYTONA 500 STARTING POSITION: 5TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney came away with a second-place finish in the first of two Duel races at Daytona to secure a fifth-place starting position in Sunday’s 68th running of the Daytona 500. Blaney worked the No. 12 Menards/Peak Ford Mustang Dark Horse methodically between lanes before moving up to lead the outside line around the halfway point of the qualifying race. On lap 45, Blaney was called to pit road with the first group of cars for fuel only when a spin at the back of the pack coming on to the pit lane brought out the caution shortly after. After the remainder of teams pitted for fuel under yellow, Blaney lined up to take the ensuing restart from fourth in the running order behind teammate Joey Logano with 11 laps remaining. Blaney was able to push Logano clear to the lead with seven to go, but a multi-car incident on the backstretch reset the field and set up a green-white-checkered finish as the Penske teammates lined up with each other at the front of the outside row. The two battled as the inside line fought to draw even with Logano as Blaney continued to push him at the front, but the caution flag flew for an incident in turn three as the field was coming to the checkered with Blaney scored second in the running order.

BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “Luckily, we were just ahead of the chaos. There were a couple close calls. That one before the green-white-checkered I actually got tagged in the left-rear by [William Byron], but it was just very minimal and nothing happened. I got control of the race with Joey [Logano] and myself after the pit stop and that caution happened. Then we were just able to line up and push really well together and maintain control of the race and run it to the end. I’m proud of the effort. Good teamwork tonight with a couple of fast cars and I look forward to going to Sunday. I’m happy the thing is in one piece.”

JOEY LOGANO No. 22 SHELL-PENNZOIL FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE

START: 6TH FINISH: 1ST DAYTONA 500 STARTING POSITION: 3RD

RACE RUNDOWN: Joey Logano came away with his fourth-career Duel at Daytona win Thursday night, leading 15 laps in an overtime finish as the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse team secured a third-place starting spot for Sunday’s 68th running of the Daytona 500. Logano worked between the inside and outside lanes at the start of the scheduled 60-lap event before he was called to pit road on lap 45 with the first group of teams taking fuel only. Logano was first to the line after the stop, but a caution for a spin at the back of the group coming to pit road allowed the Shell-Pennzoil Ford to assume the lead after the rest of the field pitted under yellow. Logano took the restart from the outside of row one with 11 laps to go before Penske teammate Ryan Blaney pushed him to the lead with seven laps remaining as the duo worked to fend off a charge from the inside lane. With four laps left, the No. 23 spun on the backstretch at the front of the field to bring out the caution and set up a green-white-checkered finish as Logano and Blaney were able to get by unscathed. The teammates once again chose the top two spots in the outside row prior to the overtime restart as Blaney was able to push Logano clear once again with the field coming to take the white flag. With Logano continuing to maintain the lead down the backstretch and into turn three, the caution flag flew for a multi-car wreck with the No. 22 scored as the leader, signaling the end of the race as Logano secured the checkered flag.

LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “We definitely learned a lot. It was great teamwork all the way through. 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. 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. And Coleman Pressley 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.”

Up next, NASCAR Cup Series drivers will take to the track Friday afternoon for the second practice session of the week, which is set for 5:35 p.m. ET on FS1.

CHEVROLET NCS AT DAYTONA: Duels Post-Race Report

NASCAR CUP SERIES
DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
DAYTONA 500
TEAM CHEVY POST-DUELS REPORT
FEBRUARY 12, 2026

Team Chevy Unofficial Duel #1 Results

Pos. Driver

3rd – Austin Dillon

6th – Shane van Gisbergen

7th – Daniel Suarez

10th – Alex Bowman

11th – Cole Custer

17th – Cody Ware

18th – Kyle Busch

20th – AJ Allmendinger

21st – Ross Chastain

22nd – William Byron

Duel #1: Post-Race Driver Quotes

Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Finished: 3rd

“Everyone at RCR and ECR Engines did a great job in the offseason. Our Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Chevrolet was fast tonight. The new Chevy Camaro has shown some speed for sure, and it’s nice to be able to shove a line. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to fight those Penske guys up there, and that was kind of fun tonight. We can work on some stuff to help me when getting pushed, but past that, really happy with the speed. The biggest thing for Sunday is to execute. I have to sharpen up some moves but it’s nice to have the feeling that you can go out there and play offense.”

Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Finished: 6th

“We obviously didn’t qualify as well as we would have liked. We missed it a little bit. But once the race started, our No. 97 SuperFile Chevy was really nice. We were just patient at the start; saving fuel and riding in the back being safe. Once we were ready to go, I could creep up the pack quite nicely. It was really fun to be competitive and put ourselves in a good spot. We got close to a couple of wrecks, but missed them. We had a good pit stop and it worked out really well. It’s a good starting spot for Sunday.”

Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet

Finished: 17th

“Just really proud of this team. We had a really fast No. 51 Jacob Construction Chevrolet for the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday. I got to really have my first race on a full-size track in a Chevrolet, so to be out there, know the horsepower and the speed, it was great. The car feels like it’s drafting really well, so I feel like we have all the pieces of the puzzle to go have a phenomenal Sunday afternoon.”

Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Finished: 18th

“Thanks to the hard work of everyone at RCR and ECR we brought an extremely fast No. 8 zone Jalapeno Lime Chevrolet to Daytona and I’ll start the 500 on the pole for the first time in my career. While we didn’t get the finish in the Duels we wanted, we finished with a clean car and are ready to go chase a win that’s eluded me in 20 prior starts.”

Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Finished: 21st

Chastain on how the new Chevy body felt:

“I got pushed really well. Chandler (Smith) pushed me early in the race, and yeah, it was better than in the past. I don’t know if that’s our rear tail or if he was just taking care of me, but I felt good.

We were all saving fuel during the first stint, and then when we went hard, I felt competitive around people. I got pushed better than I probably remember, but that’s also the first time I’ve been pushed in five-six months, so it’s been awhile.”

What happened there at the end?

“I don’t know. I just saw a car spinning and somebody ran into the back of me a couple of times. I was just slowing down and I got turned.”

Did you learn anything that you feel like will help you on Sunday?

“Not really, nothing crazy. The No. 1 Busch Light Chevy drove good. It seemed like it burnt through the tires evenly through that first fuel run.”

AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

Finished: 20th

“It just looked like Corey (LaJoie) just got touched, nothing malicious. It looked like whoever was behind him, maybe the No. 7 (Daniel Suarez), was trying to push him and it just turned Corey straight up into me. I just happened to be the lucky guy that was right next to him when it happened. I thought I almost had it saved up on the banking, but when the banking caught it, it spun me back down. I don’t know how much damage is on the car. I didn’t really get hit a lot. Maybe the splitter is going to have to be redone, but we’ll see. Unfortunately, I got hit right at the end in the back of the car that did some damage. Just tried to play it smart and be there at the end, like usual, but it’s just kind of the way it’s going here.”

William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Finished: 22nd

Byron on the incident that ended the No. 24 team’s night early in Duel #1:

“I felt like I was in a good spot and moving forward in the middle. The No. 23 (Bubba Wallace) got squirrely on the bottom. It looked like he kind of saved it, I’m not exactly sure. And then, whoever was next to me, hit me in the left rear. I kind of straightened it out against the wall, and then they hit me again and I spun.

It’s just a bummer. We’ve won this race with a backup car, so I’m not super worried on that aspect. But it does suck that you put a lot of work into the primary and you don’t get to race it. Maybe we will, who knows. In front of the left rear tire, it was pretty hurt, so I don’t know if that’s fixable. But we’ll see. It just stinks to start in the back and not get the points tonight, but we’ll just move on and get ready for Sunday.”

Did you learn anything on the new Chevy body?

“I didn’t really push or get pushed as much as I would have liked to. Honestly, it looked like a lot of the cars were just super unstable getting pushed. I noticed that from the beginning. It just seemed like guys were moving around a lot. My car felt fine, but yeah, I never got a chance to get up there and control it.”


Team Chevy Unofficial Duel #2 Results

Pos. Driver

1st – Chase Elliott

2nd – Carson Hocevar

3rd – Kyle Larson

4th – Michael McDowell

7th – Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

15th – Connor Zilisch

16th – Ty Dillon

18th – Anthony Alfredo

19th – BJ McLeod

21st – Justin Allgaier

22nd – JJ Yeley

Duel #2: Post-Race Driver Quotes
Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Finished: 1st

Chase, you said you wanted to get after it in this Duel. New body, feel it out. What is your opinion of it?

“A great way to get the blood pumping for sure on a Thursday night. There was a lot going on those last handful, really ever since we came off of pit road after the cycle, we were getting after it. It was a lot of fun. Had some great support there. Carson did a great job helping me control those lanes, helping get Team Chevy for Victory Lane tonight. Certainly, owe him an appreciation for just kind of sticking with it, also pushing me well. It’s real easy to get people out of control. So, appreciate that and its nice to get the NAPA Chevy a win. Not a 500. I’ve been here before and not the other one, so you have to kind of learn to take it a day at a time. Look, a great way to start the speed week for our team. Really proud of our effort, everybody at Hendrick Motorsports, the boss, from top to bottom. Their commitment and will to win, is pretty darn high. Proud to be a part of their team. Good night. Looking forward to Sunday.”

How does getting this win, knowing how your team executed, set you guys up for Sunday, trying to win your first Daytona 500?

“Yeah, it’s been a little bit of a rocky road. We’ve had a couple close opportunities. Fortunately, we’ve won this race here tonight before, like I said. I’m excited, but I’m also kind of cautiously realizing what Sunday brings. Obviously, that’s the big prize we all want. Certainly, will enjoy tonight and we’ll think about what we can do to do better. Definitely some things we can improve on before Sunday. The track is going to deteriorate. It’s going to be a bit warmer, sunshine being out. A lot to think about between now and then, but appreciate effort. We’ll be ready to come to work come Sunday.”

Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Finished: 2nd

“First of all, it’s great to see the Hendrick Engine Shop go one-two-three, and then I had a Spire Motorsports teammate (Michael McDowell) try to push me to the win. It was just a great execution by us. We got nine points and that’s very important for us. We wanted eight and we got nine, so we overachieved on this No. 77 team. Our Spectrum Chevy was really good. I would have loved to have won, but it’s only a one-point difference and the DAYTONA 500 pays a lot more.”

Kyle Larson, No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet

Finished: 3rd

“We were just kind of saving fuel the majority of that first run there. I think we were just kind of pacing off each other, and then the two in front of me were probably pacing off of me. We had the pace really slow. I kind of fell back further than I wanted to be during the green-flag cycle, but our pit crew did a great job. Our gas man did a great job to get us efficiently through our pit stop to still leap frog a lot of the guys we pitted with. And then, yeah, it got crazy there for a while. I’m not really sure how we ended up shaking out into third in line there, but was happy when it finally got single file. I knew it would be difficult to get to the lead. I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I just wanted to be ready to be able make a move.”

Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Finished: 4th

“I learned that our No. 71 Modo Casino Chevrolet was fast. Those Spire Chevy’s were very fast. I was hoping that I could push Carson (Hocevar) there to the win. I know it’s just the Duel, but it’s fun to get a trophy. There are a few things I think we can make better, but overall, the car drove really well and it pushed well. Everybody at the Hendrick Engine Shop did a great job. There were four Chevy’s up front there. It was a little tricky because obviously the No. 5 (Kyle Larson) was trying to get a run and I knew his run could possibly jeopardize Carson not getting there, but we had four Chevy’s up front and we were able to control it and not let the Toyota’s get around us. I felt like we did a good job with the execution.”

Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Finished: 15th

“I don’t think I made the most of what I had. I was running probably fifth or sixth in line on the top, and when I got down, I just didn’t get the pushes I needed to make the lane go. But overall, we ran up front and I felt everything I wanted to. I did what I came here to accomplish. We get to race this car on Sunday, so I’m excited for it with his No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team and everybody that makes this happen.

I’m glad I got to run upfront. I think I led a lap or two. I ran at the back and ran at the front. I saved fuel, so I checked a lot of boxes tonight, which is what I wanted to do. Although the result isn’t quite what we wanted, Sunday is a long race.”

Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

Finished: 16th

“I felt like our No. 10 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Chevy was strong. It handled pretty well and it pushed well. We did everything we could. Just with our pit cycle, we kind of came out in the back end of our group and almost the draft there. We were kind of fighting from behind at that point. I had a big run and tried to make something happen and get some spots, but it just didn’t fall through. The first superspeedway with everybody is good to shake-off the rust. I felt like we did things well, and we have a car in one piece to make better for the DAYTONA 500.”

Anthony Alfredo, No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet

Finished: 18th

“I definitely don’t love being in that position. Making it in on time is a lot easier, but this is the third time and it’s really cool. My first race ever and I was sitting right there. My career has had its ups and downs, and you never know when you are going to get another shot to race on any Sunday, especially the Daytona 500 the Great American Race. So, I have all my family here, my baby girl Everleigh. I think I have only been chocked up this much in my life, when she was born and qualify for the Daytona 500. It wouldn’t be possible without Beard Motorsports, it’s just a tremendous family and the only women-owned NASCAR team carrying on with a dream of Mark Beard Sr.’s legacy. And Dude Wipes, I wouldn’t be where I am at in my career without them. They have been my flagship partner in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and we have done some Cup races together and excelled, but to come here and to make the Daytona 500 together, it’s a dream come true. Missing it last year has haunted me until this very moment. This is the only thing that could blow that black cloud over.”

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

TOYOTA RACING – NCS Daytona Duel 2 Post-Race Report – 02.12.26

THREE TOYOTA TOP 10s IN SECOND DAYTONA DUEL
Christopher Bell Leads Camry Contingent with Fifth-Place Result

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 12, 2026) – Three Toyota Camry drivers finished in the top-10 in Duel 2 at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday night, including Christopher Bell (fifth), Ty Gibbs (ninth) and Denny Hamlin (10th).

Toyota Post-Race Recap
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Daytona International Speedway
Duel 2 – 150 miles, 60 laps

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS

1st, Chase Elliott*
2nd, Carson Hocevar*
3rd, Kyle Larson*
4th, Michael McDowell*
5th, CHRISTOPHER BELL
9th, TY GIBBS
10th, DENNY HAMLIN
11th, ERIK JONES
12th, TYLER REDDICK
13th, RILEY HERBST
20th, CHASE BRISCOE

*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

CHRISTOPHER BELL, No. 20 DEWALT/Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 5th

Car is clean and top-five finish. Can you tell us what you learned tonight for Sunday?

“I think I learned just a little bit of race craft, and understanding where to position your car at and where not to position your car. The Interstate Batteries, DEWALT Camry handled really well and did a lot of the things I needed it to do. Just the race was difficult – I went from starting on the third row to all of way in the back and then had to work my way back forward again. Just a lot to digest and hopefully, I can race good on Sunday.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 48,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 35 million cars and trucks at our 11 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Ford Racing Notes and Quotes – Berry and Gilliland Post Top 10 Finishes in Duel 2

Ford Racing Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Duel Race 2 — Daytona International Speedway
Thursday, February 12, 2026

Ford Finishing Order:

6th – Josh Berry
8th – Todd Gilliland
14th – Zane Smith
17th – Austin Cindric

JOSH BERRY, No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “It was a lot of fun, honestly. We finally got up to the front there the last couple of laps. I’m really pretty happy with the decisions I made the last five to 10 laps of the race to get us up there and just needed a little more time. It was a lot of fun I learned a lot. The team did a great job and the car is in one piece and we didn’t wreck, so it was a good day.” THE 2 WAS LEADING THE INSIDE ROW AND YOU WERE AT THE BACK OF A FIVE-CAR PACK, BUT IT JUST DIDN’T SEEM TO MOVE. “It’s just hard. The top got running so well that I think we saw a few people make a good effort to go to the bottom, but the top was just faster and we had to stay up there to make it happen. There was a lot of momentum up there, so, like I said, overall I thought we all did a pretty good job and learned a lot. Sunday should be fun.”

AUSTIN CINDRIC, No. 2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “The third lane was super dominant there at the end with the laps on tires, but we actually probably overachieved on the pit cycle there and was able to come out second on the cycle, but I had too big of a gap to some of the cars behind. I zig zagged and got hooked up with Todd. We were making the bottom work for quite a while, but it just lost strength and that’s kind of where we faded back and then you’re just taking runs after you lose track position, so it’s a shame we don’t have a better starting spot for our Discount Tire Ford, but I definitely learned a lot from tonight and I’m looking forward to applying it on Sunday.”

TODD GILLILAND, No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “It was OK. I felt like we were kind of stuck in the back the whole first half of the race. I feel like our on and off pit road was pretty good and then I got back going there OK. It was weird. Usually, it’s never gone single-file around the top like that in the Next Gen history here. It was kind of an odd race and probably not what the people expected. We kept trying to go to the bottom, but just no luck down there. I think we definitely have a lot to work on with our car. I was a little bit tight there, but we’ll keep working. We’ve got a clean car to keep buffing on it until Sunday.” YOU WERE ON THE BOTTOM PUSHING CINDRIC, BUT THAT BOTTOM LINE JUST DIDN’T SEEM TO MOVE. “Yeah, I felt like I was pushing the 2 really hard and we were just kind of barely maintaining, which was not the most fun thing because I felt like as soon as a guy bailed behind us we were gonna be toast and we definitely were. That’s how it goes I guess, so we’ll keep working.”

Rick Ware Racing: America 250 Florida Duel from Daytona

RICK WARE RACING
America 250 Florida Duel
Date: Feb. 12, 2026
Event: America 250 Florida Duel
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (2.5-mile oval)
Format: Twin 150-mile qualifying races that set the field for the Daytona 500

Note: Duel No. 1 was extended three laps past its scheduled 60-lap distance due to a green-white-checkered finish.

Duel No. 1 Winner: Joey Logano of Team Penske (Ford)
Duel No. 2 Winner: Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports (Chevrolet)

RWR Finish:

● Cody Ware (Started 14th, Finished 17th / Running, completed 63 of 63 laps in Duel No. 1)

Notes:

● Drivers earning odd-numbered positions from Wednesday’s pole qualifying session were assigned to the first Duel race. Drivers earning even-numbered positions from pole qualifying competed in the second Duel race. The starting positions for each Duel race were based on qualifying times.

● Only the top-10 finishers in each Duel were awarded regular-season points.

● This was Ware’s sixth appearance in the Duel. His best Duel finish remains 15th, earned last year.

● Ware will start 35th in the Daytona 500. His best Daytona 500 finish is 14th, earned in 2023.

Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 Jacob Construction Chevrolet:

“Just really proud of the team. We have a fast No. 51 Jacob Construction Chevrolet for the Daytona 500 on Sunday. This was my first race on a full-size track with the new Chevrolet – to be out there and feel the horsepower, the speed – the car feels like it’s drafting really well, so I feel like we’ve got all the pieces of the puzzle to have a phenomenal Sunday afternoon.”

Next Up:

The 68th running of the Daytona 500 takes place at 2:30 p.m. EST on Sunday with live coverage provided by FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

From Nicknames To Business Names: Creative Uses For Private Plates

Photo by depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/

Personalised registration plates have evolved far beyond their original function of vehicle identification. In the UK, they are increasingly seen as tools for self-expression, branding, and storytelling. A carefully chosen plate can reflect personality, celebrate achievements, or even act as a subtle marketing device. For drivers seeking to make an impression, private plates offer a unique opportunity to communicate identity without words.

From playful nicknames to professional business names, creative registration plates provide a way to leave a lasting impression on roads and beyond. They offer both practical benefits and a distinctive visual style, blending utility with individuality.

The Rise Of Personal Expression Through Plates

Over the past decade, private plates have become an extension of personal style. Drivers no longer view plates as mere legal requirements but as statements of taste, status, or humor. A plate can capture a personal nickname, initials, or an aspirational word, making it a portable badge of identity.

Many UK car owners use plates to:

  • Display personal milestones or family initials
  • Celebrate hobbies, interests, or favorite phrases
  • Highlight creative or witty wordplay
  • Reflect professional status or achievements

This evolution reflects a broader lifestyle trend where everyday objects are customised to convey individuality. Cars and their plates have become mobile canvases, blending functional compliance with personal flair.

Number 1 Plates And Their Role In Creativity

Number 1 Plates provide access to highly sought-after and memorable combinations. Their value lies in exclusivity and clarity, making them ideal for anyone seeking a distinctive personal or professional presence.

Business owners, creative professionals, and enthusiasts benefit from Number 1 Plates because they:

  • Offer short, easy-to-remember combinations for branding
  • Can be legally transferred between vehicles for continuity
  • Meet DVLA standards, reducing compliance worries
  • Serve as a subtle status symbol while remaining practical

By selecting from Number 1 Plates, drivers can find options that align with personal or business identities, ensuring their vehicle communicates the right message.

Practical Examples Of Creative Uses

Private plates are versatile and adaptable. For example, individuals often choose combinations based on nicknames, initials, or meaningful words. This can range from “SAM 1” for someone named Samuel to “ART 21” for a creative professional.

Business owners frequently select plates that reinforce brand identity. Examples include:

  • Using company initials like “JMS 5” for a consultancy
  • Short, catchy phrases that are easy to recall for marketing purposes
  • Vehicle fleets featuring consistent plate styles to enhance recognition

This versatility makes private plates an effective tool for both personal expression and professional visibility.

While creativity is encouraged, plates must comply with UK regulations. The DVLA enforces rules for font, spacing, size, and display. Plates that do not comply may be subject to fines or MOT issues. Drivers should also ensure that plates are compatible with their vehicle’s age identifier, maintaining both legality and visual cohesion.

Key considerations include:

  • Correct font and spacing for readability
  • Proper placement on front and rear of the vehicle
  • Completion of official retention or transfer procedures

Being aware of these rules ensures that a creative plate remains both stylish and legally valid.

Common Pitfalls And How To Avoid Them

Not every creative idea translates into an effective plate. Overly complex sequences, ambiguous wording, or novelty phrases can confuse or mislead viewers. Business-focused plates require careful consideration to avoid undermining professionalism.

Drivers should avoid:

  • Choosing difficult-to-read letter or number combinations
  • Overcomplicating designs that reduce memorability
  • Opting for fleeting trends that may date quickly

Instead, clarity, brevity, and alignment with personal or brand identity should guide plate selection.

Tips For First-Time Buyers

For those new to personalised plates, a methodical approach helps maximise value:

  1. Identify your objective: personal flair, professional branding, or both
  2. Shortlist available combinations that resonate with your goal
  3. Visualise the plate on your vehicle to assess impact
  4. Complete all official DVLA procedures before display

This approach ensures the plate enhances both the vehicle’s appearance and the driver’s desired message.

The Lasting Impact Of A Creative Plate

A personalised plate is more than decoration; it is a statement that travels wherever the vehicle goes. Whether reflecting personality, promoting a business, or commemorating a meaningful concept, the right plate leaves an impression long after the car has passed.

Number 1 Plates make this process simpler and more effective. Their combination of exclusivity, recognisability, and compliance helps drivers craft a creative identity that stands out on UK roads. By approaching selection thoughtfully, individuals and business owners alike can leverage private plates as a unique form of personal and professional expression.

Furnace Installation Cost in Colorado Springs: What You’re Actually Paying For (And How to Avoid Overpaying)

Comfort By Design works with homeowners across Colorado Springs every winter, and one pattern shows up constantly. People are overwhelmed by furnace quotes that feel vague, inconsistent, and impossible to compare. If you’re just starting your research, spending a few minutes on https://mycomfortbydesign.com/ will give you a clearer sense of how a local HVAC company approaches heating projects here.

Most sites throw out huge price ranges with no explanation. Most contractors give you a number without walking you through what’s included. In reality, furnace installation pricing in Colorado Springs varies because homes here vary. Older ductwork, elevation, high-efficiency system requirements, and code updates all change the scope of work. When you understand what drives the cost, it’s much easier to avoid overpaying and much harder to end up with a system you regret.

Here’s what actually goes into furnace installation cost in Colorado Springs and why the cheapest number is rarely the cheapest outcome.

The Furnace Price Is Only Part of the Cost

Most homeowners fixate on the sticker price of the furnace itself. That’s understandable, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

Your total installation cost includes:

  • the furnace unit
  • removal and disposal of your old system
  • labor and installation time
  • venting and flue adjustments
  • ductwork modifications (if needed)
  • gas line or electrical updates
  • permits and code compliance
  • startup calibration and safety checks

Two quotes can look similar on equipment but differ dramatically in long-term performance because of what’s included or quietly skipped.

Home Layout and Existing Ductwork Change Everything

Colorado Springs homes aren’t cookie-cutter. Older homes, split levels, basements, additions, and converted garages all create airflow challenges.

If your ductwork is undersized, leaking, or poorly routed, a new furnace won’t fix comfort issues on its own. Good installers account for this in their pricing because correcting airflow problems takes time and planning.

This is why furnace installs in Colorado Springs vary so much in cost. It’s not just about the furnace. It’s about how well your home can actually use it.

Efficiency Ratings Affect Both Upfront Cost and Monthly Bills

Higher-efficiency furnaces cost more to install, but they also lower monthly heating costs. In Colorado Springs’ climate, that tradeoff matters.

High-efficiency systems often require:

  • updated venting
  • condensate drainage
  • more precise installation
  • proper airflow balancing

These systems are less forgiving of sloppy installs. The price reflects the extra care required to make them perform the way they’re supposed to.

Cheap Installs Get Expensive Over Time

The lowest quote often assumes everything in your home is “good enough.” No duct evaluation. No airflow testing. Minimal calibration. No follow-up.

That’s how homeowners end up with:

  • uneven heating
  • noisy operation
  • frequent service calls
  • higher energy bills
  • shorter system lifespan

You don’t feel the cost on install day. You feel it over the next five winters.

Why Quotes Can Look Similar but Feel Completely Different

Two HVAC companies can quote the same furnace model at similar prices and deliver very different results.

The difference is in:

  • time spent sizing the system correctly
  • whether they inspect and adjust ductwork
  • how carefully they calibrate airflow
  • whether they pressure test the system
  • how thoroughly they explain your options

This is where Comfort By Design separates itself. Their heating installation process is built around the full system, not just the furnace swap. You can see how they approach heating installs here: https://mycomfortbydesign.com/services/heating/heating-installation/

What Impacts Furnace Installation Cost in Colorado Springs

Here’s what actually moves the price up or down:

  • Home size and layout
    Bigger homes and multi-level layouts require more airflow planning and longer install times.
  • Condition of existing system
    Old venting, outdated gas lines, or code issues increase complexity.
  • Efficiency level of the furnace
    Higher efficiency means more install steps, but lower monthly costs.
  • Access to the install location
    Tight crawl spaces and attic installs take more labor.
  • Upgrades for long-term comfort
    Air balancing, duct sealing, and thermostat upgrades aren’t always included in base quotes but dramatically improve results.

The Best Installers Price for Results, Not Speed

Good furnace installers don’t rush. They plan.

Comfort By Design is known in Colorado Springs for walking homeowners through:

  • what their home actually needs
  • where upgrades make sense
  • what’s optional vs necessary
  • what will impact comfort long-term

That transparency matters when you’re making a decision you’ll live with for the next 10 to 20 years.

What to Ask Before You Choose an Installer

Before you pick a company based on price alone, ask:

  • Will you evaluate my ductwork and airflow?
  • How will you size the furnace for my home specifically?
  • What’s included in the installation price?
  • Will the system be tested and calibrated after install?
  • What kind of follow-up or maintenance support do you offer?

If the answers feel rushed or vague, that’s your signal.

The Real Cost Is Whether You’re Comfortable for the Next Decade

The goal isn’t just to install a furnace. It’s to be warm, comfortable, and not thinking about your heating system every winter.

When a furnace is installed properly, you forget about it. When it’s done poorly, it becomes a constant annoyance.

If you’re researching furnace installation cost in Colorado Springs, start by understanding the process and who’s doing the work. The equipment matters. The install matters more.

If you want to explore your options with a local team that actually takes the full system into account, Comfort By Design’s heating installation service is a solid place to start: https://mycomfortbydesign.com/services/heating/heating-installation/

Using AI to Create Better Ads Without Hiring an Agency

The next step is to hire a marketing agency and have better ads, right? Creative experts, tactical planning, refined campaigns. However, would you not do it on a limited budget? Or you just wish to be in more control of your advertising?

The good news is in the fact that in 2026, you do not require a complete agency team to design high-performing ads. AI has changed the game. And this transition is strong in the case of small businesses in particular.

Now, we are going to discuss how you can make better ads without paying a professional to do it, while still maintaining the quality and the results.

Agency Dilemma in Small Businesses

Agencies come in with skills, but come with expenses. Monthly payments, charges in creative work, and campaign management. These costs may be daunting to startups and small businesses.

And still, even when you are using an agency, do you necessarily get immediate results? Not necessarily. Onboarding processes, strategy calls, and approval cycles exist. You simply just want to go quicker.

And the actual question is: can you get the performance of agency-level advertising without recruiting one?

Your Virtual Marketing Team | AI

Consider AI as an assistant of marketing, but not a substitute for creativity. It assists in generating ideas, developing creatives, data analysis, and optimization.

You do not need to use a big team, but rather, you use intelligent systems that have been trained on big data sets. These systems know what kind of advertisements will work, what images will get a conversion, and how users will act on the internet.

And that is what agencies do also, right? The difference is that now you can avail yourself of similar capabilities.

Producing Professional Quality Creatives

The creation of ads that are cheap is one of the greatest fears of small businesses. Design matters. Messaging matters. And consistency matters.

AI tools are useful in proposing layouts, headlines, and visual styles that are best practices. You do not need to begin all the way up. Rather, you perfect and tailor AI-generated options.

The result? Advertisements that appear upscale and professional yet do not require the services of a creative agency.

Faster Testing and Learning

Agencies normally lay emphasis on testing. However, testing involves numerous variants, and they may take a considerable amount of time to create manually.

AI simplifies this. In a few minutes, you can make some variations of an advertisement. Various headlines, pictures, and call to action. AI tools monitor performance and point out what works once it has been implemented.

Smarter Budget Management

Managing ad spend is tricky. It is easy to spend more on campaigns that are not working with limited experience.

The campaigns are tracked in real time by AI tools. They automatically change the budgets, give more priority to the performing ads, and cut on areas with poor results.

Such automation allows little businesses to keep their budgets safe and still grow successful campaigns.

Availability of Sophisticated Marketing Instruments

Sophisticated advertising tools could only be used by agencies and big businesses over the years. Now, things are different.

With limited budgets and small teams, AI marketing for small businesses makes advanced tools more accessible. You do not require a big group to examine the performance data or develop various ad variations. AI bridges that gap.

Staying in Control of Your Brand

Control is one of the advantages of using AI that have not been considered since it does not require an agency. By having ads in-house, you are kept close to your brand voice and message.

AI software enables you to specify brand rules, color, tone, and important messages. These guidelines are important in the sense that once established, they guarantee consistency in campaigns.

You are still the decision-maker. Artificial intelligence is just smarter and quicker.

Lessening Dependency and Delays

When dealing with an agency, one can expect to wait. Waiting for creative drafts. Waiting for revisions. Waiting for reports.

The workflow is instantaneous with the help of AI tools. Need to update a promotion? Launch a new product? Adjust messaging? You need not take weeks to do it, but hours.

Competitive markets would not be complete without agility.

Expanding and Growing without adding expense

With the expansion of your business, you need to advertise. Campaigning, testing, platforms.

An agency could be a costly option in the long run. However, AI tools often increase with you at predictable costs.

This renders the growth process easier and less risky in terms of finance.

Final Thoughts

We are coming into a time when small business entities do not require huge budgets to compete. AI is destroying a level playing field.

Rather than posing a question of whether we can afford an agency. The question is, then, does it make sense to leverage AI?

In the right hands, AI enables small businesses to make better advertisements, experiment with greater intelligence, and expand more quickly without losing control.

Therefore, the next time you consider using an agency to improve your advertising, you should consider the following question: how far can you go in case AI becomes your in-house marketing partner?

What Makes a Winning Suspension Setup on a Street Circuit

Street circuits challenge drivers and engineers in unique ways. Walls sit close to the racing line, braking zones are short, and uneven pavement tests control. Suspension setup often determines whether a car performs well in an urban setting.

Street racing demands precision. Mechanical grip and chassis balance must work together to maintain stability through tight corners and rough sections.

Key Characteristics of Street Circuit Racing

Urban circuits present distinct technical demands compared to permanent tracks. Narrow layouts, close barriers, and uneven pavement increase the need for precise suspension tuning.

Tight Corners and High-Pressure Corners

Street layouts feature tight hairpins, short straights, and heavy braking zones. Drivers must rotate the car quickly while maintaining traction on exit. Suspension tuning controls weight transfer under braking and acceleration.

Responsive steering supports fast direction changes. Engineers adjust spring rates and anti-roll bars to maintain stability under load.

Uneven Surfaces and Bumps

Public roads include patchwork asphalt, manhole covers, and elevation changes. These irregularities can unsettle a rigid chassis, so suspension must absorb impacts without losing tire contact.

Effective damping keeps the car composed over curbs and rough sections. A setup suited for smooth tracks may struggle on city streets.

Core Suspension Components for Street Circuits

Each part of the suspension system influences how the car behaves in tight, uneven environments. Engineers balance stiffness and compliance to match circuit demands.

Springs — How to Handle Cornering Forces

Springs support vehicle weight and control load transfer in corners. On street circuits, they must maintain sharp handling while absorbing rough sections. Overly stiff springs reduce grip when tires lose contact. Softer rates improve compliance but can increase body movement under braking.

Shocks and Dampers — Controlling Bumps and Rebounds

Shocks control compression and rebound after impacts. This function is vital on city tracks filled with bumps and curbs. Dampers help the car settle after surface changes and keep the chassis stable while maintaining consistent tire contact with the pavement.

Anti-Roll Bars — Reducing Body Roll

Anti-roll bars limit body lean during cornering. On narrow circuits, excess roll reduces steering precision. Adjusting bar stiffness fine-tunes front and rear balance. Proper calibration improves response without sacrificing stability.

Suspension Setup Specifics for Street Circuits

Fine adjustments separate a competitive setup from an average one on city tracks. Before major changes, many enthusiasts review vehicle history or search title by VIN to confirm the car’s background, especially if prior damage could affect alignment or structural integrity.

Ride Height and Ground Clearance

Urban tracks often include aggressive curbs and uneven pavement. Ride height must allow sufficient clearance to avoid bottoming out while keeping the center of gravity low. Too little clearance risks underbody contact, which disrupts stability. Excessive height reduces cornering efficiency.

Camber and Toe Angles

Camber angles affect tire contact in corners. Slight negative camber improves grip in tight turns where lateral forces remain high.

Toe settings influence turn-in response and straight-line stability. Engineers adjust these angles to suit the circuit’s mix of corners and short straights.

Shock Absorber Settings for Street Circuit Surfaces

Shock absorber adjustments control how the car responds to surface changes. Softer compression absorbs sharp impacts, while controlled rebound preserves stability after weight transfer. Proper tuning keeps the car predictable across varying grip levels.

The Trade-Off Between Grip and Comfort

Street circuits require a careful compromise between stiffness for precision and compliance for traction. An effective setup must address several competing factors:

  • Mechanical grip: Tires need consistent contact with the road surface.
  • Driver feedback: Predictable handling builds confidence near barriers.
  • Durability: Components must withstand repeated curb strikes and rough patches.
  • Consistency over distance: Setup must remain stable throughout the race.

Striking this balance enhances lap time and reduces driver fatigue. A car that feels composed across multiple laps allows the driver to focus on strategy and positioning.

Real-World Examples: Winning Suspension Setups

Top-level urban races show how suspension setup influences results. Monaco and Long Beach offer clear examples of these adjustments in action.

The Monaco Grand Prix — A Benchmark for Street Circuit Success

The Monaco Grand Prix runs on narrow streets with elevation changes and tight hairpins. Teams use slightly higher ride heights to handle bumps and curbs, while softer settings improve traction. Suspension compliance is crucial through the Fairmont Hairpin, where low-speed rotation and uphill acceleration demand precise control.

The Long Beach Grand Prix — An American Street Circuit Challenge

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach features concrete sections, heavy braking zones, and quick direction changes. Teams prioritize damping to control the bumpy Shoreline Drive straight, and suspension balance is critical in Turn 11 to prevent understeer under braking.

How the Right Suspension Setup Can Make All the Difference

Street circuits reward preparation and precision. Suspension components must work together to manage load transfer, absorb surface imperfections, and preserve tire grip.

A well-executed setup provides confidence in tight confines and stability over unpredictable pavement. On city streets where margins remain narrow, the difference between victory and frustration often begins beneath the chassis.