On February 12, 2026, during the high-stakes Duels Qualifiers at Daytona, NASCAR driver Joey Logano secured a crucial win amid intense competition and numerous crashes. The events, held at the superspeedway, are a vital step for drivers seeking their starting positions for the upcoming Daytona 500, with Brad Keselowski’s risky choice for the race ultimately falling short.
Veteran Casey Mears Returns with Strong Performance
Casey Mears, driving the No. 66 Ford Mustang for Garage 66, earned his place in the Daytona 500 by finishing seventh in Duel 1. After a six-year break from NASCAR’s main events, Mears reentered the competition in 2025 for five races. Team owner Carl Long took a notable risk signing Mears for the prestigious race, a decision that paid off despite a race filled with crashes and tight battles.
Keselowski’s Driver Corey LaJoie Struggles in Duel 1
Brad Keselowski entrusted Corey LaJoie with driving the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford during Duel 1, where LaJoie faced fierce rivalry from Casey Mears and Chandler Smith. After recovering from an earlier crash involving Noah Gragson, LaJoie was unable to avoid chaos in the final laps, resulting in a last-lap wreck that eliminated his chance to race in the Daytona 500.
Final Laps Marred by Multiple Crashes and Tumult
The closing laps of Duel 1 were marked by a series of collisions, including Keselowski’s aggressive moves against Smith and a large multi-car pile-up just before the finish. As chaos unfolded, Logano seized the opportunity to pull ahead and claim victory, while Ryan Blaney, Logano’s teammate from Team Penske, secured second place.
Racing Weekend’s Significance and Future Expectations
With the Duels Qualifiers setting the field for Daytona, Logano’s win establishes him as a major contender for the upcoming Daytona 500. Meanwhile, Keselowski’s unsuccessful gamble with LaJoie underlines the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing, where split-second decisions and crashes can drastically alter outcomes. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely as the main event approaches, with anticipation high for how these dynamics will unfold during the weekend’s marquee race.
“Casey Mears advances to the Daytona 500. Joey Logano wins Duel 1,”
Jordan Bianchi, The Athletic reporter
“.@joeylogano wins Duel 1 and multiple cars get tangled at the rear of the pack. pic.twitter.com/mWLYItAdqb”
NASCAR Twitter Account
.@joeylogano wins Duel 1 and multiple cars get tangled at the rear of the pack. pic.twitter.com/mWLYItAdqb
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 13, 2026
