The 38-year-old Almirola from Tampa, Florida, led 17 of 60 laps, including the final two to claim a second row starting spot for the Great American Race with his second career Duel win.
The reigning two-time Cup Series champion from Middletown, Connecticut, led the final 29 laps and edged Bell in a photo finish to win the first of two Duel events at Daytona.
NASCAR’S 75th season officially kicks off this week at Daytona International Speedway. Country music recording artist Dierks Bentley will provide the entertainment Sunday afternoon prior to the running of the historic 65th Daytona 500.
Tuesday evening, NASCAR announced that Jeremy Clements Racing was issued an L2 penalty following Friday’s Xfinity Series win at Daytona International Speedway following a post-race inspection. As a result, Clement’s victory will not advance him to the Playoffs.
Martin Truex Jr. finished 8th at Daytona, but it wasn't enough to put him in the playoffs as first-time season winner Austin Dillon took the surprising win.
The 32-year-old Dillon from Welcome, North Carolina, became the 15th different competitor of the 2022 season to win and clinch a spot for the Cup Series Playoffs.
The end result of a bizarre regular-season finale at Daytona resulted with Blaney edging Truex for the final berth to make the 2022 Cup Series Playoffs.