The starting positions for the Daytona 500 were finalized on February 12 at Daytona International Speedway during the second NASCAR Duel 150 race. Chase Elliott emerged victorious, earning the right to start fourth in Sunday’s main event. Driving the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, Elliott took the lead late in the 60-lap contest, marking his fourth career Duel win.
Elliott’s triumph came after a fiercely competitive race where he was trailed by Carson Hocevar, Kyle Larson, Michael McDowell, and Christopher Bell, the top-five finishers. This performance cements Elliott as a strong contender heading into the Daytona 500.
Race Unfolds Without Interruptions and Highlights Strategic Pit Stops
Unlike the first Duel race, the second duel unfolded without any cautions over the 150-mile, 2.5-mile trioval at Daytona. A crucial factor in the outcome was the varied pit stop strategies. Drivers opted to refuel on three different laps: a group of five pitted on lap 46, another set of five on lap 47, and the remainder also stopped on lap 47.
After the pit cycles, Elliott advanced to the front, battling through tight two- and three-wide racing. The final stretch featured a Chevrolet sweep of the top four positions, underscoring the strength of those teams.
A great way to get the blood pumping for sure on a Thursday night,
Elliott said.
“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.”
?Chase Elliott, Driver
Carson (Hocevar) did a great job helping me control those lanes, I certainly owe him an appreciation for just kind of sticking with it, also pushing me well. 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.
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.
We’ll be ready to come to work come Sunday.
Anthony Alfredo Secures Final Open Slot for Daytona 500
Anthony Alfredo, driving the No. 62 Chevrolet for Beard Motorsports, earned the last available open spot for Sunday’s race by finishing 18th. This appearance marks Alfredo’s third start in the prestigious event.
When I came here with Beard Motorsports before, we made it on speed in qualifying,
Alfredo explained.
“I wasn’t too stressed about having to race our way in this year. I was fairly confident we could get the job done based off how we were in practice.”
?Anthony Alfredo, Driver
Alfredo praised the performance of his car, especially its drafting ability alongside fellow Chevrolet teams, saying the group led the race at one point. He credited team owners Amy and Linda Beard for building a squad with ambition to win.
The reason I dropped back at the end is because I was being smart with our car. We all saw what happened in the first race. When I found out the two guys I had to beat were 15 seconds behind me, I took my foot off the gas a bit.
Two Drivers Miss Out on the Daytona 500 Field
With only one remaining open position for three non-chartered entries, BJ McLeod and JJ Yeley were unable to secure a berth for the Daytona 500. McLeod, who drives the No. 78 Chevrolet for his own Live Fast Motorsports team, and Yeley, who piloted the No. 44 Chevrolet for NY Racing, will not participate in Sunday’s race.
As the 41-car roster is now complete, the focus shifts to the Daytona 500, a 200-lap, 500-mile showdown to crown the 2026 champion. The race is scheduled to broadcast live on FOX-TV, with radio coverage provided by MRN Radio and Sirius XM Radio, starting at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Implications for the Upcoming Daytona 500
Chase Elliott’s commanding performance in Duel 2 positions him strongly for the Daytona 500, reflecting his consistent competitiveness and skill at Daytona International Speedway. Anthony Alfredo’s successful qualification exemplifies the determination of smaller teams like Beard Motorsports, who continue to challenge the established field.
Meanwhile, the absence of BJ McLeod and JJ Yeley underscores the stiff competition faced by non-chartered teams attempting to break into the premier event.
As anticipation builds, drivers and teams will analyze performances from the Duel races to fine-tune strategies, knowing that success at the Daytona 500 requires both speed and tactical mastery over the grueling 500 miles ahead.
