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Toyota GAZOO Racing – NCS Daytona Quotes – John Hunter Nemechek – 02.14.25

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Toyota GAZOO Racing – John Hunter Nemechek
NASCAR Cup Series Quotes

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 14, 2025) – LEGACY MOTOR CLUB driver John Hunter Nemechek was made available to the media on Friday after practice for the Daytona 500.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK, No. 42 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

Did you feel like your car was as good as your teammates?

“I didn’t like the way, necessarily, that our car drove last night to be completely honest with you. We made a lot of changes. We were able to look at the 43’s (Erik Jones) set-up and kind of go more that direction of what he had. He was probably the best car out of our group last night in the Duels. Definitely fought some things handling wise on my end, but after practice today, you are only with six or seven cars there – what we were drafting with. It is a little different than a full pack setting, but I feel better today after the adjustments that we made, so hopefully that is a good thing for condition wise where we are going to racing with on Sunday.”

Can you talk about your thoughts on what the Joe Gibbs Racing teams did on pit road last night?

“The first time I saw it was on broadcast – they were showing it right before practice today. I was like dang, that is pretty neat. That is pretty cool. A moment of that situation – you are coming down for fuel, the crew chief and the fueler kind of know how much time that he needs to be plugged in and how much fuel is going to dump in the race car – and let’s say four seconds of fuel. As a driver, if you know that information, you are kind of anticipating it once you stop – and you are kind of counting in your head – one, two, three, four – and getting ready for the launch, and then waiting for the crew chief to say go, go, go, go or whatever it may be terminology wise. Sometimes it feels way longer than four seconds – sometimes it doesn’t. I think the process and the procedure is really neat. It is just a matter of I guess timing that out from when he actually plugs in and getting enough fuel in the car. It is a really neat idea in my opinion, but it is risk versus reward as well. I don’t know. I think it is going to see almost every team look into now that it is out there. Who does it on Sunday, or who tries again on Sunday? I’m not sure, but it’s not bulletproof yet, I would say.”

So, are you looking back at the fueler on a fuel only stop?

“Yeah. For sure. You are looking in the left side mirror or in your rear view camera – waiting for him to kind of shake his head and get back to the gas and go.”

Have you discussed the new DVP policy?

“I definitely think it’s something that teams discuss internally on if it’s going to be faster to try and make it back to pit road or if it’s going to be faster to go straight to the garage and try and fix it. You’re going to have to be very descriptive of what is damaged in my opinion and what you feel in the race car to be able to – you can’t see it, right? Especially sitting on the back stretch here. Like if you wreck back there and you’re down low the spotter can’t see it. The only thing you’re really going to see is what’s being broadcasted through the TV. There’s not going to be a lot there. So, a driver is definitely going to have to describe what he’s feeling and what he feels like is broken or damaged. Then it’s going to be up to the crew chief and the team to figure out where they want to go whether that’s pit road or the garage.”

Is their one manufacturer that you feel like you have to beat?

“I don’t necessarily think so. Both Chevy and Ford and in my case, relatively the Toyota’s haven’t qualified very well in the past superspeedway races, but the 19 (Chase Briscoe) is super fast and the 20 (Christopher Bell) and 11 (Denny Hamlin) seem like they have good speed as well. I feel like all of our Toyota teammates are pretty good in the draft as well with Bubba (Wallace) winning last night and Erik (Jones) coming really close. I feel like the Toyotas are strong, but come Sunday it’s going to be a mix I feel like among manufacturers for sure. Fords are good, Chevys are good. I feel like this year the playing field is relatively equal.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 31 electrified options.

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

New NASCAR Xfinity Series Journey for Greg Van Alst Begins at Daytona International Speedway

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.: The offseason is officially over, and former ARCA | CRA Series champion Greg Van Alst is ready to get down to business and have a successful NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Sat., Feb. 15, 2025.

The United Rentals 300 is the debut of Van Alst at Daytona in NASCAR competition. Still, two years ago, in 2023, the likable driver from Anderson, Ind., delivered the ultimate underdog story, taking a nearly all-volunteer group to Victory Lane in the ARCA Menards Series season-opener outdueling some of the sport’s powerhouse entries and superspeedway masters at the iconic 2.5-mile superspeedway.

With his ARCA Menards Series team handed off to a new owner during the offseason, Van Alst has spent the nearly three-month break getting mentally and physically active ahead of an aggressive 18-race schedule with the Mooresville, N.C.-based team.

Knowing the components of what it takes to deliver under the pressure of the “World Center of Racing,” Van Alst believes his team can be competitive and contend for a strong finish.

“The competition is great in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, so I’m preparing myself for every situation possible on Saturday afternoon,” said Van Alst. “I know what it takes to be successful at Daytona, and I’ve certainly endured and embraced the positives and negatives, but I believe that our No. 35 Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen team can show up and surprise some people.

“Having good track position for the start of the race will allow us to shine, but no matter where we start on Saturday afternoon, I believe that our car will be strong enough to stay in the lead draft and execute moves that will keep us a contender.

“Joey (Gase, co-team owner) showcased what the team was capable of last spring at Talladega, even though he ended up sideways coming to the checkered flag. He was running inside the top five, and then aggression took over, and Joey ended up on the wrong side of it. Our team has the confidence knowing they’ve been to the front before, and we can get back there again.”

Van Alst looks forward to working with his co-owner Gase, who will pilot a second Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen entry.

“I’m looking forward to working with Joey throughout the race,” Van Alst explained. “We both know the importance of the draft and when we need to execute a plan to get us to the finish. I hope we can stay close together and use our experience to carry our team to a strong start.”

Beginning at Daytona and throughout the 2025 Xfinity season, Van Alst’s No. 35 Chevrolet will carry continued support from Anderson, Ind.-based CB Fabricating.

Headquartered in Anderson, Ind., CB Fabricating offers a complete list of fabricating from design, laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, welding, powder coating, and assembly.

Nestled in Van Alst’s hometown, CB Fabricating’s partnership will continue for a fifth consecutive season.

“Chris is always fond of coming to Daytona,” added Van Alst. “This year, it’s on a larger pedestal, and he’s been smiling for weeks, ready to get back on track and see what we can accomplish with our new team.

“I’m excited to have his support and ready to deliver him results.”

In addition to CB Fabricating, Van Alst and his No. 35 team welcome Access Pro, CBT (Car Boat Truck) Detail, East Coast Diesel & Marine, Florida Quick Steel LLC., Mid-Florida Aluminum & Rescreens, Phil’s Heating and Cooling, Top Choice Fence and Vern’s Concrete as associate marketing partners for the first of two NASCAR Xfinity Series at Daytona this season.

“It’s great and even overwhelming to have so much support from the state of Florida,” thanked Van Alst.

“I’ve been fortunate to welcome new support while continuing to embrace our returning partnerships. I owe to them to go out there on Saturday and leave nothing on the table.”

In Friday afternoon’s lone NASCAR Xfinity Series practice, Van Alst delivered the 39th fastest lap.

Since 2002, Van Alst has 53 ARCA Menards Series starts to his credit, one win, five top-five and 26 top-10 finishes.

For more on Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen, please like them on Facebook (Joey Gase Motorsports) and follow them on Instagram (@joeygasemotorsports) and X | Twitter (@J_G_Motorsports).

For more on Greg Van Alst and Greg Van Alst Motorsports, please visit GregVanAlst.com, like them on Facebook (Van Alst Motorsports) and follow him on X | Twitter (@GregVanAlst35).

The United Rentals 300 (120 laps | 300 miles) is the first of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. The 38-car field will take the green flag shortly after 5:00 p.m., with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Lone Star Racing Looks Ahead to Final Four IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Rounds After Competitive Rolex 24 and Productive Sebring Test

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  • No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 Team and Co-Drivers Dan Knox, Scott Andrews and Eric Filgueiras Participate in Official IMSA Testing This Week at Sebring International Raceway in Preparation for Next Month’s 12 Hours of Sebring
  • Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) SPARK Interns Live and Learn with Lone Star Racing for 24 Hours and More at Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (February 14, 2025) – A competitive Rolex 24 At Daytona and productive two-day Official IMSA Test this week at Sebring International Raceway have bolstered the positive outlook the No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 team and co-drivers Dan Knox, Scott Andrews and Eric Filgueiras have heading into the final four rounds of this year’s IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup (IMEC) GT Daytona (GTD) Championship.

The team and its driver trio put in two full days and one night of testing Tuesday and Wednesday in the IMSA test at Sebring International Raceway in preparation for the next round of both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and IMEC GTD at the 73rd running of the 12 Hours of Sebring, March 12 – 15.

January’s Rolex 24 opener came to an unfortunate end after the No. 80 team and drivers battled at the front of the GTD pack for more than half the race, but the overall competitive and race-leading run at Daytona – combined with the gains from the Sebring work this week – give Lone Star plenty to build on ahead of its second 12 Hours of Sebring.

“We’ve got a great start here,” said Knox, Lone Star Racing team owner and driver. “It’s a good building block to start the season. We’ve still got some work to do to be where we want to be. We’re still not quite there but we’ll get there. We’ve always managed to get to the top with one of the fastest cars. We’re close. We’ve just got a few more things to work out. For me, a lot of it is just getting used to the car again. It’s been over a year since I’ve driven a GT3. I’ve been driving GT2 and GT4 Mercedes-AMGs the last couple of years, and just how much more grip and downforce the GT3 is something to relearn, but I’m getting there and am excited about it.”

Lone Star is contesting the IMEC GTD Championship – which awards the top performers in the year’s five endurance races – for the second straight year with first time IMSA endurance race drivers Knox and Filgueiras joining returning team pro Andrews in the No. 80 Mercedes-AMG GT3. The trio was joined by Mercedes-AMG driver Ralf Aron for the Daytona opener.

Shaking off some procedural and competition related penalties early in the Rolex 24 on Saturday, solid stints at the wheel by all four drivers put the No. 80 back on the lead lap and soon battling for the GTD lead as Midnight approached. Andrews and Filgueiras each stepped up to lead race laps early Sunday morning as the No. 80 stayed in GTD contention throughout the night.

Andrews and Aron traded off driving stints at Daytona while running in the GTD top three as Sunday dawned, but disaster hit during a crowded restart just past 8 a.m. EST as the field raced into Turn 1. Andrews got caught up in a multi-car incident and limped the damaged No. 80 back to the pits. The Lone Star Racing team repaired the right rear suspension on the No. 80 to get the car back in the race several laps down but voluntarily withdrew later on Sunday morning with no realistic chance of gaining any significant finishing positions in the GTD field. The final results listed the No. 80 in 14th place in GTD running order.

Lone Star Racing is run by longtime Team Manager and Technical Director AJ Petersen.

“We’re just working hard,” Petersen said. “In Daytona, we had a fast car. We had some hiccups in the race but we battled through them. Running at the front legitimized what we did last year. It wasn’t a fluke. We’re just continuing to build on everything. We have a really nice, tight small team and we’re all driven to reach the same goal. As cliche as all that stuff is, that’s what we’re doing and you can feel it. We’re all excited about this year. Dan’s driving great. Scott and Eric are good teammates, and it was great to have Ralf join us at Daytona to help us get off to the competitive start. They work well together and complement each other, there’s nothing but optimism here.”

Professional driver Andrews has been a fixture at Lone Star Racing in both GT3 and GT4 competition in recent IMSA seasons. He is the only returning driver from last year’s Rolex 24 and IMEC GTD debuting team that co-drove to a respectable eighth-place showing for Lone Star at Daytona . Andrews also won his and Lone Star’s first IMSA pole position in the No. 80 in 2024’s season-ending Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

“The Daytona pace was really, really good, and we worked well as a unit,” Andrews said. “Racing stuff happens, so just put it behind us and move onto the next race. The two days at Sebring this week were really positive here. We learned a lot with the car. We can take what we learned into March and fight for a podium in the 12 Hour. All of the teams are doing well, and we’re all relatively close to each other. It’s really going come down to who leads going into the last 40 minutes and who doesn’t make any mistakes throughout the race. The new torque sensors take a lot of work but have brought the racing a little bit closer. It’s definitely evens out the playing field a little bit. The Lone Star team is able to adapt, which we’ve been able to do, and it helps really, really well.”

Florida-native Filgueiras co-drove with Steven McAleer to the 2023 GT World Challenge GT3 Pro Championship and now made his IMSA WeatherTech debut at the “World Center of Racing” with Lone Star. He has even more experience on the legendary 3.74-mile Sebring circuit where he has won in both GT3 and GT4 competition, including a GT4 America sweep last year.

“From a performance standpoint, Daytona checked all the boxes for us,” Filgueiras said. “It was everything we would have wanted. Even though it wasn’t the result we would have hoped for, it left us with a really promising idea of how we can come to the 12 Hours of Sebring. I consider Sebring more of my home track from a driving standpoint than Daytona because we don’t get to Daytona very often. I’ve spent a ton of time at Sebring, not only coaching but also racing in the past in in GT3 and GT4 and have won in those categories. That gives me a lot of confidence coming into it, as well the fact I love the track. It’s a challenge, and the 12 Hours of Sebring is just a classic staple of endurance racing. It’s the fan turnout, it’s everything that makes the 12 Hours of Sebring what it is and the Sebring track what it is. I’m just so excited about it.”

Estonian Aron joined Knox and Filgueiras in making his Rolex 24 debut at Daytona. He has been part of the Mercedes-AMG junior driver roster since 2023.

“The Daytona result was very, very bittersweet, but I know everybody’s happy that we got to prove what we could do,” Aron said. “But to be honest, the first time I sat in the car in December, I came out smiling because I knew what we could do. Lone Star Racing has done a great job, the car is mega, and also a big thanks to Mercedes-AMG as well. Definitely, we were the manufacturer that needed to catch up on the new torque sensors and the guys basically pulled a miracle because we were super competitive in the race and had cars fighting for the wins to the end. I was just really happy to be there and super happy I got the opportunity. I mean, we were flying on track. We were in the lead pack in the fight for the win, which is all I wanted. Sometimes things go like this and unfortunate events happen. I guess we just move on and hopefully I get invited back here. I am looking forward to watching what our Lone Star Racing teammates are going to accomplish this season in the remainder of the endurance cup.”

Next up for Lone Star Racing in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competition is the 73rd running of the 12 Hours of Sebring, March 12 – 15, at Sebring International Raceway.

Noteworthy

  • For the second-straight year, Lone Star Racing called on the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America’s SPARK program for both some needed manpower and to give something back to the motorsports community while competing in the Rolex 24 At Daytona. SPARK stands for “Students Preserving American Racing Knowledge” and is the Hall’s student education program that guides high school, trade school and college-age aspirants to careers in motorsports. After SPARK student Parker Rossman, then a Senior at North Florida University in Jacksonville, embedded with Lone Star at last year’s Rolex 24, the team doubled up on SPARK interns this year. A pair of 18-year-olds from Tampa, Michael Mitchell – a Senior at H.B. Plant High School – and Tyson Boyd – a Senior attending Robinson High School – worked with the Lone Star Racing from early Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon. The students were primarily assigned to assist the team’s tire specialist put in well over 24 straight hours of paddock and pitside work on race day.

“It was fun running the tires all over the place,” said Mitchell, who aspires to be an aerospace engineer but has an eye on the aerodynamics of cars. “Taking the old tires over to Michelin and having the new tires put on and then taking them back. It’s like following the entire life span of the tire. That was really cool. It was pretty demanding. I got about five minutes of sleep on some tires and 10 minutes in a chair as we were really up for close to 36 hours. SPARK is just an amazing program, this has been one of the most amazing opportunities I’ve ever been given, and it’s been a blast. It’s been great.”

Both SPARK students helped the Lone Star crew get the No. 80 back on track after Sunday morning’s incident.

“They put this special duct tape called Bear Bond on the car and patched it right up,” said Boyd, who wants a career in motorsports engineering but would also like to drive in competition someday. “They had heat guns covering up the side pod. There was a huge crack in the side of the door, there was a hole in our radiator and a chunk out of the front wing. We just took that tape, patched it up, cleaned the car and sent him back out there. I would love to be a race car driver on this track one day and become an engineer in aerodynamics or any way of modeling parts to take a different approach and philosophy in how to sculpt a car to be the most efficient at cutting through the air.”

  • Knox took his first laps at Sebring this week since his only previous experience on the track over a decade ago in the Viper Racing League. “Not much has changed in 13 years,” Knox said. “It’s still very rough. Bumpy. In 13 years, I’ve done a lot, so getting back and remembering the track was a little mixed. Some of it I remembered, some of it I didn’t, but I got up to speed really quick and I’m ready to go.” About Lone Star Racing: Based at Motorsport Ranch within the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area in Cresson, Texas, Lone Star Racing is competing in the No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the 2025 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup in the GTD class. Lone Star Racing and its team members have won races across North America spanning sprint and endurance racing formats. The crew has worked together on many different teams and various types of cars, developing a strong bond and proven capability that gives them a competitive and winning advantage. Lone Star Racing competes with the support of primary partner ACS Manufacturing, Inc. (www.ACSManufacturing.com). Look for Lone Star Racing and team owner/driver Dan Knox on Facebook and follow the team on YouTube at Lone Star Racing, on Twitter and Instagram at @LSRTeam and on the official team web site at www.LoneStarRacingTeam.com.

NASCAR Moves Up Start of DAYTONA 500

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Start of 67th running of The Great American Race moved up one hour to 1:30 p.m. ET

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2025) – Due to potential weather forecasted for the Daytona Beach area late Sunday, NASCAR today announced the DAYTONA 500 will move up one hour from its originally scheduled time to now begin at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Gates and hospitality will now open at 9 a.m. ET, and the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone will open at 8:30 a.m. ET. Parking lots will open at 6 a.m. ET.

Due to increased security measures, Daytona International Speedway encourages all attendees to arrive early for the event. Please be aware that traffic may be unpredictable, so allow extra time for potential delays. Additionally, expect longer lines at the entry gates because of enhanced screening processes.

Fans in attendance will still get to enjoy the pre-race performance by Pitbull and the pageantry of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds performing the flyover at the conclusion of the National Anthem.

Fans can find additional schedule details for pre-race festivities in the fan guide at daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

The original broadcast networks remain unchanged. The DAYTONA 500 will be live on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Suburban Propane and NASCAR Unveil Propane-Powered Track Dryer at the DAYTONA 500

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2025) – Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE: SPH), a nationwide distributor of propane, renewable propane, renewable natural gas, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity and investor in low carbon fuel alternatives, today joined forces with NASCAR to unveil a propane-powered track dryer at the iconic DAYTONA 500. This innovative solution will complement NASCAR’s current track drying efforts and help get race cars back on the track as quickly as possible.

The utilization of propane in this dryer is more fuel efficient than diesel or gasoline, and results in less overall pollutants. This aligns with NASCAR’s work towards optimizing its operations and building a healthier race track environment.

“The partnership between NASCAR and Suburban Propane will enhance the fan experience by providing reliable, convenient propane services at our tracks,” said Michelle Byron, NASCAR Executive Vice President, Chief Partnership and Licensing Officer. “Whether it’s fueling the campgrounds or helping get race cars back on the track, Suburban Propane helps ensure NASCAR fans stay powered up through the race weekend.”

Suburban Propane’s role extends beyond the track dryer. As the Official Propane of NASCAR, the company powers concession stands, ensuring fans enjoy their favorite foods and beverages with seamless, reliable, and cleaner energy. Additionally, Suburban Propane supports the energy needs of campgrounds, providing NASCAR’s dedicated fan base with the propane they need to cook, heat, and celebrate race weekend in comfort.

“Our partnership with NASCAR is a natural fit,” says Nandini Sankara, Vice President, Marketing & Brand Strategy, and Spokesperson, Suburban Propane. “Propane is a quiet, yet dependable contributor to race day, providing consistent, versatile, and clean energy solutions that touch nearly every aspect of the event. From drying the track to fueling the fan experience, we’re proud to power the passion that makes the NASCAR experience a truly extraordinary event.”

The DAYTONA 500 serves as the perfect stage to showcase this innovation. As the season opener and the biggest event in motorsports, the race brings together millions of fans to celebrate the speed, skill, and strategy that define the sport.

About Suburban Propane:

Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (“Suburban Propane”) is a publicly traded master limited partnership listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban Propane has been in the customer service business since 1928 and is a nationwide distributor of propane, renewable propane, renewable natural gas (“RNG”), fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity and producer of and investor in low carbon fuel alternatives, servicing the energy needs of approximately 1 million residential, commercial, governmental, industrial and agricultural customers through approximately 700 locations across 42 state.

Suburban Propane is supported by three core pillars: (1) Suburban Commitment – showcasing Suburban Propane’s almost 100-year legacy, an ongoing commitment to the highest standards for dependability, flexibility, and reliability that underscores Suburban Propane’s commitment to excellence in customer service; (2) SuburbanCares – highlighting continued dedication to giving back to local communities across Suburban Propane’s national footprint; and (3) Go Green with Suburban Propane – promoting the clean burning and versatile nature of propane and renewable propane as a bridge to a green energy future and investing in the next generation of innovative, renewable energy alternatives.

For additional information on Suburban Propane, please visit www.suburbanpropane.com.

About NASCAR:

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.

Young’s Motorsports Daytona International Speedway February Team Preview

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Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series
Daytona International Speedway | Fresh From Florida 250

Fast Facts

No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Nathan Byrd

Primary Partner(s): Sonesta International Hotels

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado RST

2025 Driver Points Position: N/A

2024 Owner Points Position: 33rd

Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

● Welcome Back: The 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series season is here and Young’s Motorsports is proud to welcome back Nathan Byrd to command the team’s flagship No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Friday night’s Fresh From Florida 250.

The season-opening race will mark Byrd’s inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series track debut at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

● About Nathan: Byrd, 24, began racing go-karts in 2018, just after graduating High School, and he entered his first car race in February 2020.

Since then, the Goodyear, Ariz. native has raced over 30 types of cars in 348 total races at 67 different race tracks, effectively becoming one of the most diverse and interesting race car drivers in the world.

Completing more than 300 races in the first four years of his career, Byrd is no stranger to piloting race cars.

In 2024, the Indianapolis, Ind. resident turned his attention to NASCAR. He successfully made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Portland International Raceway and delivered a respectable 21st-place finish for DGM Racing.

In September, Byrd made his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series debut at Kansas Speedway, earning a respectable 19th-place finish after starting 32nd.

● All-Aboard!: For the first of 25 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races this season, Sonesta International Hotels will serve as the primary marketing partner on the No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado RST for the 100-lap race on Friday night.

Sonesta International Hotels is an American hotel company with an ever-growing portfolio of hotel brands in eight countries and three continents.

As the eighth largest hotel company in the world with 1100+ properties, they have a room or suite perfect for every individual and occasion.

● Nathan Byrd Truck Series Daytona International Speedway Stats: Friday night’s Fresh From Florida 250 will mark Byrd’s first career Truck Series start at the iconic 2.5-mile superspeedway nestled in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The Fresh From Florida 250 officially kicks off the 2025 NASCAR season with the first points-paying race of the season. It also serves as part of a tripleheader weekend with the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series.

The Truck Series set the tone for a massive weekend of racing in the Sunshine State with 100 laps under the lights, eyeing one of the biggest trophies of the race season at the “World Center of Racing.”

The next afternoon, the Xfinity Series will have their opportunity for a nail-biting 120 laps to determine the first driver and team eligible for the 2025 Playoffs with the United Rentals 300.

On Sunday, February 16, the NASCAR Cup Series will have its shot at commencing its 2025 season with the 67th annual running of the Daytona 500.

Daytona International Speedway marks the first of an expanded 2025 Truck Series schedule, which increases its season by two races from the 2024 calendar.

● Nathan Byrd Truck Series Career Stats: Entering Daytona, Byrd, since 2024, has three career Truck Series starts with an average finish of 24.7.

The popular driver made his Truck Series debut for the family-owned team at Kansas Speedway in September, finishing an impressive 19th. He returned to the team in October at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway before drawing the curtain on the 2024 season by participating in the year’s final race at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ 21st NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series start at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

The organization posted a team-best finish at the track of fourth with Truck Series veteran Spencer Boyd at the wheel in the 2019 NextEra Energy Resources 250 on February 15, 2019.

Since 2014, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 20.9 and an average finish of 16.7 in 20 Daytona International Speedway starts overall.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series History: Since entering the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series in 2012, the Mooresville, N.C., – based organization has logged 509 starts from 70 drivers, resulting in solid performances that include two victories (Talladega Superspeedway 2019 and 2021), seven top-five finishes and 33 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 23.2 and an average finishing position of 22.2.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Nathan Byrd, please visit byrdracing.com, like him on Facebook (Nathan Byrd), and follow him on Instagram (@nathanjbyrd) and X |Twitter (@nathanjbyrd).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Nathan Byrd Pre-Race Quote:

On Daytona International Speedway: “I’m excited to be racing my very first superspeedway race this Friday night at Daytona! There will be a lot of firsts, and I’m excited to learn the craft of superspeedway racing as quickly as possible.

“I’m a little nervous because of all the unknowns, but I’m doing my best to prepare for it all and can’t thank all of our partners and the Young’s Motorsports team enough for the opportunity.”

On Goals for Daytona International Speedway: “My primary goal for Friday is to finish the race first, which I think will be huge. I also want to continue improving on pit lane and progress on that front because that will translate to the rest of my races this year.

“My final goal will be just to continue to learn as much as I can and quickly build my trust with the truck and with my spotter and team, who will be guiding me throughout the race.”

Race Information:

The Fresh From Florida 250 (100 laps | 250 miles) is the first of 25 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races on the 2025 schedule. Qualifying is set for race day, Friday, Feb. 14, starting at 3:00 p.m. The 36-truck field will take the green flag shortly after 7:30 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Xfinity Series

Daytona International Speedway | United Rentals 300

Fast Facts

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Anthony Alfredo

Primary Partner(s): DUDE Wipes

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott

2025 Driver Points Position: N/A

2024 Owner Points Position: 27th

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

● New Faces, New Places: In January, Young’s Motorsports announced that NASCAR Xfinity Series veteran driver Anthony Alfredo would join the team full-time for its sophomore season behind the wheel of the team’s No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the entire 33-race season beginning with Saturday afternoon’s United Rentals 300 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

● About Anthony: A popular driver, Alfredo, a native of Ridgefield, Connecticut, joins Young’s Motorsports with an array of Motorsports experience, including starts in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, respectively.

The 2025 season will mark Alfredo’s fourth full-time Xfinity Series campaign, and he joins the Mooresville, N.C.-based team after spending the 2024 season with Our Motorsports.

The 25-year-old finished the 2024 Xfinity season 15th in the championship driver standings, collecting an Xfinity Dash 4 Cash win at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway and adding two more top-fives and seven top-10s to his impressive statistics in 118 career Xfinity Series starts.

● All-Aboard!: For the first of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races this season, DUDE Wipes will serve as the primary marketing partner on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 120-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

DUDE Wipes is the flagship product of DUDE Products, a men’s hygiene company that was founded in 2012 by lifelong friends in Chicago.

The U.S.-based company introduced DUDE Wipes as the first flushable wipe for adults, marketed as a better hygiene solution to dry toilet paper.

The brand is available online and in 20,000 stores nationwide, including Walmart, Target and Amazon.

● Anthony Alfredo Xfinity Series Daytona International Speedway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s season-opener will mark Alfredo’s eighth career start at the 2.5-mile superspeedway.

Alfredo earned a track-best seventh after starting 16th in the 2022 edition of the Beef. It’s. What’s. For. Dinner. 300 for Our Motorsports.

The green flag officially waves this weekend on the 2025 season for all three NASCAR national series.

Alfredo and the Young’s Motorsports team look to punch their ticket towards the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs with a stunning victory in the first of 33 races this season.

In addition to the United Rentals 300, Young’s Motorsports will participate in Friday night’s NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250.

On Sunday, February 16, the NASCAR Cup Series will have its shot at commencing its 2025 season with the 67th annual running of the Daytona 500.

The Xfinity Series veteran driver will look to improve his overall Daytona speedway average Xfinity finish of 20.3.

● Anthony Alfredo Xfinity Series Career Stats: Entering Daytona, Alfredo has 118 career NASCAR Xfinity Series races to his credit, earning a career-best third-place finish twice, most recently at Talladega Superspeedway after starting 11th in the 2024 edition of the Ag-Pro 300 for Our Motorsports.

Since 2020, he has earned one pole, five top-five, and 22 top-10 finishes and has an average finish of 19.3.

● Calling the Shots: Guiding Alfredo as crew chief of the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief Andrew Abbott.

On Saturday, he will be crew chief in his 131st NASCAR Xfinity Series race. In his previous 130 races, he has four top-five and 13 top-10 finishes.

The season’s first race will be his 12th tango at Daytona as crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series at Daytona International Speedway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ third NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Daytona International Speedway.

Last February, the team successfully made their NASCAR Xfinity Series debut by qualifying, but a late-race accident spoiled a solid performance.

The team rebounded in August and finished in ninth place after starting 20th, one of two top-10 finishes during the team’s inaugural season of competition.

While the family-owned team has just two NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Daytona, since 2014, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 20.9 and an average finish of 16.7 in 20 Daytona International Speedway Truck Series starts overall.

The organization posted a team-best finish at the track of fourth with Truck Series veteran Spencer Boyd at the wheel in the 2019 NextEra Energy Resources 250 on February 15, 2019.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History: Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 33 starts and maintains an average starting position of 27.3 and an average finish of 23.5.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Anthony Alfredo, please visit AnthonyAlfredo.com, like him on Facebook (Anthony Alfredo Racing), follow him on Instagram (@anthonyalfredo) and X | Twitter (@anthonyalfredo).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Anthony Alfredo Pre-Race Quote:

On Daytona International Speedway: “I am itching to get back behind the wheel this season, and there is no place better than Daytona. I have put a lot of work in as a driver to become a regular at the front of the field at superspeedways, so I look forward to applying what I’ve learned in these races and carrying momentum from last year into the season opener.

“It’s a dream of mine to win at Daytona, and there is no place I’d rather stand on Saturday night than in victory lane there with my Young’s Motorsports team.”

On The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season: “My goal this year with Young’s Motorsports is simple: to win a regular-season race and make the Playoffs.

“It’s certainly a tall order, but we can make it happen. We will build this program from the ground up and make that goal a reality.”

Race Information:

The United Rentals 300 (120 laps | 300 miles) is the first of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Practice will take place on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, from 4:35 p.m. to 5:25 p.m., and the qualifying session begins on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 10:00 a.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag shortly after 5:00 p.m., with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Berry Leads Six Laps in First Duel, To Start 29th in Daytona 500

By
Official Release
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#21: Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing, Motorcraft / Quick Lane Ford Mustang #9: Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports, NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet #71: Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports, Go Bowling Chevrolet #3: Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing, Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Chevrolet #16: AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing, Celsius Chevrolet #19: Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing, Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry #7: Justin Haley, Spire Motorsports, Chili's Ride the 'Dente Chevrolet #66: Chandler Smith, Garage 66, Quick Tie Ford Mustang#8: Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing, zone Chevrolet

Josh Berry had the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Mustang Dark Horse up front and competing for the lead for the early portions of the first of two Duel qualifying races at Daytona International Speedway Thursday night. He eventually fell back and finished 14th, which puts him starting 29th in Sunday’s Daytona 500. But he was able to get some valuable experience and some good ideas for fine tuning the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang for Sunday’s Great American Race.

After starting third in his 60-lap qualifying Duel, Berry ran in the top three before taking the lead for the first time on Lap 6. He led four laps before dropping to second place. After a pit stop during a caution period at Lap 16, he returned to the track in second place but took the lead again on Lap 20. He led two laps, ran in the top two for the next three laps before dropping back. He returned to the top 10 for a time just past the halfway point, then wound up 14th at the finish.

Berry told reporters afterward that his time at the front was good experience.

“I was glad to get to race up front for a little bit, and we just need to make our car a little bit better in traffic for Sunday, just to get it driving a little bit better in some different situations,” he said. “But the car has good speed. We just need to tweak on it a little bit, and go back and watch everything and learn and get ready for Sunday.”

He said his drop to the rear was caused by getting in a bad spot and getting aero loose headed into Turn One. “Really from then on we just battled to get the track position back, but we definitely learned a lot,” he said. “We’ll work on it and make it a little better.

“It’s in one piece, and we’ll go race Sunday.”

The second practice session of the week is planned for Friday at 5:35 p.m., and the final, Happy Hour session is set for Saturday at 3:05 p.m.

The 67th running of the Daytona 500 is scheduled to get the green flag on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Stage breaks are planned for Laps 65 and 130 of the 200-lap race. Fox Sports 1 will carry the TV coverage of the practice session on Friday, and Fox Sports 2 will broadcast Saturday’s final practice. The action switches to FOX for the Daytona 500.

About Motorcraft®
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.”

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Ford Performance
Ford Performance is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO British GT, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with RedBull Ford Powertrains. Ford Performance also maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing’s activities, please visit Performance.Ford.com or follow @FordPerformance on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.

About Wood Brothers Racing
Founded in 1950 by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood in Stuart, Virginia, Wood Brothers Racing holds a special place in NASCAR history as the sport’s longest-running team. Over eight decades, the team has earned 100 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with 120 poles, and remains proud of its longstanding relationship with Ford Motor Company, fielding only Ford products since its inception. Glenn’s brother, Leonard Wood, played a key role in shaping modern racing by developing the techniques behind today’s pit stops. With a rich legacy rooted in innovation and tradition, Wood Brothers Racing continues to honor its heritage while adapting for the future as it competes in NASCAR’s premier series with Josh Berry.

Buescher Flexes Muscle in Daytona Duel, As RFK Racing Readies for Daytona 500

By
Official Release
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Ryan Preece Earns P13 Finish in Duel 1; Chris Buescher Finishes P3, Brad Keselowski P20 in Duel 2

Daytona, FL (Feb 13, 2025) – Chris Buescher led three times for 13 laps in Thursday’s second Daytona Duel, boosting confidence for Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) heading into Sunday’s 67th running of the Daytona 500. During the twin 150-mile races that set the field for The Great American Race, RFK’s three-car team of Brad Keselowski, Buescher, and Ryan Preece each showed moments of strength while gaining knowledge that could propel them to strong finishes on Sunday.

6 Recap
Seeking his second career Daytona Duel victory (2022), Brad Keselowski rolled off 8th in Thursday night’s second race. During an intense first half of the 60-lap race, Keselowski navigated what was sometimes 2- and 3-wide lanes of traffic. Using a calculated strategy, he patiently waited to make a move until misfortune ended his night early on lap 48. Keselowski was collected in a crash when Daniel Suarez ricocheted off the wall and collected the No. 6 Cottonelle Ford. Keselowski could not escape the incident and finished 20th. Prior to the incident, the No. 6 team had received a pit road penalty for exiting their pit stall with equipment when the gas can was not completely removed when Keselowski left pit road.

While still assessing damage—mainly to the right front—Crew Chief Jeremy Bullins and the No. 6 team are aiming to repair the primary car for Sunday’s Daytona 500, where Keselowski is slated to start 34th.

Keselowski is encouraged by how well the car raced prior to the incident, showing good balance and a strong ability to work the draft. Although an abbreviated race, the 2012 champ took valuable lessons about the draft and fuel mileage into Sunday.

17 Recap
Chris Buescher restarted on the front row with eight laps remaining, but a late surge on the bottom lane proved to be too much as the No. 17 team settled for a third-place finish in Duel 2. After starting ninth, Buescher quickly dropped to the back of the pack and began saving fuel during the long green-flag run. He brought the Fastenal Ford to pit road for a gas-only stop on lap 48 and cycled to the lead before a three-car crash on the backstretch reset the field.

“We had a really strong night and implemented a lot of strategy there in the beginning that ended up helping us out at the end,” Buescher said. “Glad to race up front with a bunch of (Ford) Mustangs, and I’m feeling really good about our chances this Sunday.”

With the No. 01 car behind him, Buescher jockeyed for the lead with Penske teammates Austin Cindric and Joey Logano anchoring the bottom lane. He held on to P3 and will start 6th in the Daytona 500, marking his second-best starting position at Daytona.

60 Recap
Ryan Preece overcame a mechanical issue early in the race, drove to the front, and led three laps en route to a 13th-place finish in Duel 1. Problems with the No. 60 car forced Preece to pit and restart at the back just 14 laps into the race. However, Preece was able to regain the lost ground and drove up to ninth before debris brought out a caution just shy of the halfway point.

“We had a good car and overcame some adversity there in the beginning, but got it all sorted out,” Preece said. “I think we have a fast Ford Mustang, and I’m excited about the opportunity we have this Sunday.”

The BuildSubmarines Ford continued to work and led three laps before being shuffled out of line and filing in towards the back. He maintained position in the middle of three-wide racing, finishing 13th, earning him the 27th starting spot in the Daytona 500.

Up Next
The starting lineup is set for Sunday’s 67th running of the Daytona 500 at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX. Buescher will be 6th on the starting grid for Sunday, with Preece 27th and Keselowski 34th.

About RFK Racing
RFK Racing, in its 38th season in 2025, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, with NASCAR Champion Brad Keselowski and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988, and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass 300 wins and capture eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content, and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

Rick Ware Racing: Duel at Daytona

By
Official Release
-

RICK WARE RACING
Duel at Daytona
Date: Feb. 13, 2025
Event: Duel at Daytona
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
Duel No. 1 Winner: Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing (Toyota)
Duel No. 2 Winner: Austin Cindric of Team Penske (Ford)

RWR Finish:

● Corey LaJoie (Started 17th, Finished 6th / Running, completed 60 of 60 laps in Duel No. 2)
● Cody Ware (Started 22nd, Finished 15th / Running, completed 60 of 60 laps in Duel No. 2)

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 LaJoie’s ninth appearance in the Duel. His best finish remains fifth, earned in 2023.
● This was Ware’s fifth appearance in the Duel. His 15th-place result bettered his previous best finish in the Duel – 16th, earned in 2022.
● LaJoie will start 12th in the Daytona 500. His best Daytona 500 finish is fourth, earned in 2024.
● Ware will start 28th in the Daytona 500. His best Daytona 500 finish is 14th, earned in 2023.

Corey LaJoie, driver of the No. 01 DuraMAX/Take 5 Oil Change® Ford Mustang Dark Horse:

“You forget how special this race is, right? When you have to race for it, you have to earn it because when you race fulltime, it’s just the first one of 36. But when it’s the one that you think about for months, it means that much more and it means so much for the Rick Ware group, those guys work so hard. And for DuraMAX and Take 5 to be in their first Daytona 500 means a lot. I’m pumped up, man. I wasn’t that stressed going in, but I am super relieved right now. We’ve got 500 miles on Sunday to see if we can get a little closer to the front.”

Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 Jacob Construction/Parts Plus/Pronto Auto Service Center Ford Mustang Dark Horse:

“I’m not sure (what happened), I’ll have to go back and look at a replay. I just know that we were hanging out all race and next thing I know, I’m turned sideways and into the wall. So it’s a really frustrating way to end Thursday after some mechanical hiccups in qualifying, and then to wreck out in the Duels, it’s been a trying week so far, to say the least. Just from looking at the front end, it looks like it’s pretty severe mechanical damage, but I’ve got faith that my team is going to do the best that they can to get us on track for Sunday, and we will try to do our best like we always do here at Daytona.”

Next Up:

The 67th 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.

Austin Cindric awarded second Duel victory

By
Andrew Kim
-
Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Austin Cindric emerged as the winner of the second of two Duels at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, February 13, amid a photo finish with Erik Jones that was initially awarded to the latter, but then awarded to the former who was out in front at the moment of caution on the final lap amid a multi-car wreck.

The 2022 Daytona 500 champion from Mooresville, North Carolina, led six of 60 scheduled laps after starting on the pole. He led the first lap before he spent the remainder of the second Duel event mingling towards the front with his fellow competitors. Being granted the opportunity to contend for a Duel win instead of preserving his car for Sunday’s Great American Race, Cindric restarted on the front row during the final restart period with seven laps remaining

The Action

After swapping the lead with Chris Buescher throughout the final restart period, Cindric muscled ahead from the field with drafting help from teammate Joey Logano prior to the final lap. Starting at the backstretch on the final lap, he then dueled with Erik Jones approaching the finish line as a six-car multi-car wreck ensued. With Jones having initially beaten Cindric to the line, the latter was ruled the official winner due to being ahead of Jones when NASCAR opted to display the caution for the carnage.

Before the event, Austin Cindric, who achieved a front-row starting spot for the 2025 Daytona 500, started in pole position and he shared the front row with teammate Joey Logano, the latter of whom posted the fourth-fastest qualifying lap during Wednesday’s single-car qualifying session.

Green Flag

Christopher Bell, the reigning Duel 2 winner, dropped to the rear of the field prior to the event due to unapproved adjustments made to his No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry XSE entry.

When the green flag waved and the second Duel event commenced, Cindric launched his No. 2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang Dark Horse ahead from the outside lane before he quickly darted to the inside and in front of teammate Logano’s No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse entry through the frontstretch.

Through the first two turns and the backstretch, Cindric kept Logano drafting him as both transitioned from the inside to the outside lane. This, however, allowed Denny Hamlin to gain a run from the inside lane as he challenged Cindric for the lead through Turns 3 and 4. Despite Hamlin’s strong run from the inside lane, Cindric barely led the first lap through the frontstretch.

Over the next four laps, Hamlin and Cindric dueled against one another in front of two-stacked lanes, with Hamlin having drafting help from Kyle Larson on the inside lane while Cindric continued to receive assistance from teammate Logano on the outside lane.

Both Hamlin and Cindric would continue to duel for the lead during the next three laps until Hamlin muscled his No. 11 National Debt Relief Toyota Camry XSE entry ahead from the inside lane. As Hamlin led the event, where he would proceed to lead the Lap 10 mark, Larson challenged Cindric for the runner-up spot while Logano, Chris Buescher, Alex Bowman, Noah Gragson, Todd Gilliland, rookie Riley Herbst and Brad Keselowski were battling inside the top 10 ahead of rookie Shane van Gisbergen, Ryan Blaney, Corey LaJoie, Daniel Suarez, Cody Ware, Jimmie Johnson, John Hunter Nemechek, Cole Custer, Christopher Bell and Erik Jones.

Through the first 15 scheduled laps, Hamlin maintained the lead ahead of the 22-car field, with Cindric, Logano, Larson and Bowman trailing in the top five. Then as the field fanned out to three lanes, Erik Jones rocketed his No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE entry into the lead.

As Jones led the Lap 16 mark, he was followed by his team owner, Jimmie Johnson. With more shuffling ensuing in the pack, Ryan Blaney challenged Jones for the lead on Lap 17 with drafting help from Daniel Suarez and Bell. The field would continue to fan out to three lanes as Jones rocketed back ahead and maintained the lead over Johnson and Blaney by Lap 20.

The Halfway Mark

At the halfway mark on Lap 30, Jones, who had maintained the lead over the last 10 laps, dueled with Suarez. Both drivers were ahead of two-stacked lanes that included Johnson, Hamlin, Blaney, Larson, Bell, Bowman, Gilliland and John Hunter Nemechek, eacing in the top 10.

Meanwhile, Johnson was the highest non-chartered competitor on the track while Corey LaJoie and Anthony Alfredo, both of whom were battling Johnson for transfer spots into the Daytona 500, were mired in 11th and 14th, respectively.

Towards the Lap 35 mark, Johnson, who was racing towards the front, pitted his No. 84 Carvana Toyota Camry XSE entry. By then, his driver Erik Jones was shuffled back towards the top-10 mark while both Suarez and Blaney dueled for the lead in front of Cindric, Hamlin and the rest of the field. In addition, Johnson’s move to pit allowed Alfredo to move up into a transfer spot over LaJoie.

The Final Laps

Down to the final 20 laps of the event, Suarez was the lead competitor on the inside lane. He was followed by Hamlin, Larson, Blaney, Alfredo, Cindric, Bowman, Logano, Jones and Gragson. By then, Johnson was lapped by the field. Over the next three laps, Blaney had his two Team Penske teammates, Cindric and Logano, drafting him from the outside lane. They were pursued by Ford teammate Gragson while Suarez kept Hamlin, Larson and Alfredo drafting him to the lead from the inside lane.

Then with 16 laps remaining, a late cycle of green flag pit stops occurred. Suarez led all the Toyota and Chevrolet competitors racing on the inside lane to pit road for fuel. During the pit stops, Hamlin, along with Kyle Larson and John Hunter Nemechek, was penalized for speeding on pit road.

Half of the Ford competitors, led by Blaney, pitted for fuel a lap later. The remaining half of the Ford drivers, led by Keselowski, Keselowski, Chris Buescher, Cole Custer and Cody Ware, pit under green with 14 laps remaining.

Following the pit stops, Buescher exited pit road with the lead as he was followed by Keselowski and Custer. Custer, however, would be overtaken by a bevy of competitors that pitted earlier and that was led by Cindric through the backstretch with 14 laps remaining. Cindric would then zip by Keselowski during the following lap before he got stalled by Buescher entering the backstretch.

Then as Buescher made a sharp left-hand turn to block Cindric from overtaking him amid the draft, an ensuing stack-up resulted with Bowman, Suarez and Keselowski bumping, colliding and wrecking into one another in the backstretch as the caution flew. Before the incident, Keselowski was penalized for removing equipment out of his pit box.

Down to the final seven laps of the second Duel event, the field restarted under green. At the start, Buescher and Cindric dueled for the lead entering the first two turns until Cindric muscled ahead from the inside lane with drafting help from teammate Logano. Buescher, however, would fight back from the outside lane as he had drafting help from LaJoie and Blaney through the backstretch before Cindric muscled back ahead entering Turns 3 and 4 as he would lead the next lap through the frontstretch.

With five laps remaining, Cindric and Buescher continued to duel for the lead in front of two-stacked lanes as Logano and LaJoie followed suit in the second row. By then, Gragson and Blaney also followed suit as Logano kept drafting teammate Cindric to the front from the inside lane. In addition, LaJoie was in prime position of claiming a transfer spot to the Daytona 500 over Anthony Alfredo, the latter of whom was mired within the top-10 mark.

The Winner

When the white flag waved and the final lap started, Cindric remained in the lead. over teammate Logano and Erik Jones as the field started to fan out to three lanes. Through the first two turns, Cindric remained ahead of Logano as Jones ignited a run from the outside lane with drafting help from Buescher. This allowed Jones to draw even with Cindric exiting the backstretch as both continued to battle dead even through Turns 3 and 4.

Then entering the frontstretch, a multi-car wreck that involved Larson, Shane van Gisbergen, Riley Herbst, Alfredo, Cole Custer and Cody Ware ensued. Amid the carnage, Jones and Cindric remained dueled for the win until Jones managed to edge Cindric at the finish line to initially claim the victory. Upon a review of the footage and the battle for the win, however, NASCAR determined that the caution was displayed before the field crossed the finish line to complete the event. At the moment of caution, Cindric barely scored ahead of Jones and was ruled the official winner.

The Conclusion

With the victory, Cindric, who finished in second place in a Duel event over the last three seasons, notched his first Daytona Duel career victory, the eighth overall for Team Penske and 10 championship points. Having qualified on the front row for this year’s 67th running of the Daytona 500, Cindric became the first front-row starter for the Great American Race to win a Duel event since Chase Elliott won the first Duel event in 2017 days after he won the pole position for the main event.

As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season marks Austin Cindric’s fourth consecutive overall as a full-time competitor in the series, it will also mark a season where the North Carolinian will attempt to become the 13th competitor overall to win the Great American Race multiple times this upcoming weekend.

Quotes

“Cool, I feel bad for Erik [by] having to go all the way over [the frontstretch],” Cindric said on pit road on FS1. “Obviously, they made a great move on the last lap there. Joey [Logano] and I were sitting ducks with the middle lane fading there. We had [a] really fast Discount Tire Ford Mustang. Super proud of my team and everyone to go out here and execute. Thank you to [crew chief] Brian [Wilson] for letting me race.

“It was very difficult to maybe persuade that, but it was his birthday, so this is a good birthday present for him. It’s cool, but still a lot to go for the [Daytona 500].”

Erik Jones led a race-high 16 laps. He initially drove to the frontstretch to celebrate but was awarded second place,. Jones will start in fourth place for this year’s Daytona 500. Chris Buescher, Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano finished in the top five in the second Duel event while Corey LaJoie, Todd Gilliland, Ran Blaney, John Hunter Nemechek and Christopher Bell completed the top 10 in the final running order.

Corey LaJoie secures Daytona 500 berth

Meanwhile, Corey LaJoie was also victorious as the highest non-chartered competitor in the second Duel event As a result, he muscled his No. 01 Rick Ware Racing Ford Mustang Dark Horse entry into the Daytona 500 LaJoie, a third-generation racer from Charlotte, North Carolina, will make his ninth consecutive start in the Great American Race this upcoming weekend.

Securing a 2025 Daytona 500 berth was a redemptive moment for LaJoie, who was unable to secure a full-time Cup Series ride for this season after he was traded to Rick Ware Racing from Spire Motorsports midway into the 2024 season.

Photo by David Myers for SpeedwayMedia.com.

“You forget how special this race is,” LaJoie, who was relieved, said. “When you have to race for it, you have to earn it. Because when you’re racing full-time, it’s just the first [race] of 36, but when it’s the one that you think about for months, it means that much more. It means so much for that Rick Ware group. I’m pumped up, man. I wasn’t that stressed going in, but I am super relieved right now. We got 500 miles on Sunday to see if we can get a little closer to the front.”

With LaJoie securing his spot for this year’s Daytona 500 based on his on-track result from the second Duel event, Jimmie Johnson, who ended up in 19th place, fell back on his qualifying trials from Wednesday night to make the main event.

Meanwhile, Anthony Alfredo and BJ McLeod were the two “non-chartered” competitors that did not qualify for the 2025 Daytona 500.

There were 16 lead changes for seven different leaders. The event featured two caution for six laps. In addition, 19 of 22 starters finished on the lead lap.

Results:

1. Austin Cindric, five laps led

2. Erik Jones, 16 laps led

3. Chris Buescher, nine laps led

4. Denny Hamlin, 14 laps led

5. Joey Logano

6. Corey LaJoie

7. Todd Gilliland

8. Ryan Blaney, five laps led

9. John Hunter Nemechek

10. Christopher Bell

11. Kyle Larson

12. Riley Herbst

13. Anthony Alfredo

14. Shane van Gisbergen

15. Cody Ware

16. Cole Custer

17. BJ McLeod

18. Noah Gragson

19. Jimmie Johnson

20. Brad Keselowski – OUT, Accident, two laps led

21. Daniel Suarez – OUT, Accident, nine laps led

22. Alex Bowman – OUT, Accident

With the starting lineup for this year’s 67th running of the Daytona 500 officially set, the main event is set to commence on Sunday, February 16, which will also mark the official start of NASCAR’s 77th season of premier series competition. The coverage for this year’s Great American Race is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

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