On February 12, a debate emerged among NASCAR fans when the 2026 Daytona 500 Duel lineups were released for the upcoming qualifying races at Daytona International Speedway. Confusion arose over why Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, despite qualifying seventh and ninth, were assigned to Duel 2 rather than Duel 1. NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass clarified the rules that determine the duel assignments, which relate to the classification of drivers as charter or open entries and how they are ranked within those groups.
The two Duel races, each 60 laps, set the remainder of the Daytona 500 starting grid behind the front row. Odd-numbered qualifiers compete in Duel 1, setting the inside row behind pole-sitter Kyle Busch, while even-numbered qualifiers race in Duel 2, forming the outside row behind Chase Briscoe. However, this split is applied separately for chartered drivers and open entries rather than the full combined qualifying order.
Explanation of the Charter and Open Entry Ranking System
Larson and Elliott’s qualifying times placed them seventh and ninth overall, suggesting they would be in Duel 1 based on a pure track position ranking. Yet, the key factor is the internal ranking among chartered drivers versus open cars. The 36 charter teams and Jimmie Johnson, racing under an Open Exemption Provisional, are considered one group, while open entries compete in another. Larson ranks sixth among chartered drivers and Elliott eighth, which places both in the Duel 2 lineup.
Bob Pockrass explained this on X, stating,
“Drivers are split among duels in two ways. The 36 charter cars and Johnson are split based on where they rank among themselves. The eight open cars that were vying for spots are split based on where they rank among themselves. So Larson is 6th among chartered cars, so in 2nd duel.”
This system affects the composition of each Duel race, with Duel 1 filling odd-numbered outside positions and Duel 2 covering the even-numbered row.
Impact of Open Cars on Qualifying Order and Duel Assignment
The role of open cars further complicates the lineup. Nine non-chartered entries attempted to qualify, with four ultimately competing in the Daytona 500. Jimmie Johnson utilized an Open Exemption Provisional to lock his spot. Corey Heim and Justin Allgaier secured qualifying positions, along with Heim’s strong fifth-place lap, which shifted overall rankings and affected how the internal groups were ordered.
Alex Bowman, William Byron, and Kyle Larson, all Hendrick Motorsports drivers, reached the final round of qualifying. Bowman recorded a 49.152-second lap, narrowly ahead of Larson’s 49.158, while Elliott’s 49.220 placed him ninth. Bowman and Byron are slated for Duel 1, while Larson and Elliott will compete in Duel 2. The two Duel races will ultimately finalize the starting field, with four open cars being eliminated before the Daytona 500.
Kyle Larson’s Contract Renewal with Hendrick Motorsports
Ahead of the Daytona Duels, Kyle Larson secured his long-term future with Hendrick Motorsports, signing a five-year contract extension that keeps him with the team into the next decade. HendrickCars.com confirmed a matching five-year sponsorship deal, and crew chief Cliff Daniels also agreed to a multiyear contract continuation for the No. 5 team.
Larson has achieved most of his NASCAR Cup success with Hendrick, accumulating 26 of his 32 career victories with the organization. Reflecting on the deal, Larson expressed the value of stability within the team. He stated,
“I think anytime you can sign a contract, it’s a good thing,”
Larson told NASCAR.com.
“Obviously, I believe Hendrick Motorsports is the best in the sport, and to be associated with that for a good part of the next future is super exciting… And I think tying it together with Cliff Daniels and I both aligning is really important for the strength of the 5 team and where we continue to head.”
This extension cements HendrickCars.com as the primary sponsor for 35 of 38 Cup events, including exhibition races. With this secured backing, Larson turns his focus back to Daytona, where the Duel races taking place on February 12 at 7:00 PM ET will determine his exact starting position in the Daytona 500.
Significance of the Duel Assignments and What Lies Ahead
The clarification of duel placements based on the charter and open entry rankings offers insight into NASCAR’s qualifying procedure, which can be confusing for fans tracking overall qualifying times. For top drivers like Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, understanding the nuances of these rules helps contextualize their presence in Duel 2 despite their strong qualifying runs.
As the Duel races set the final starting lineup for the prestigious Daytona 500, outcomes from these events will influence race strategy and positioning. The elimination of four open cars after Duel 2 will finalize the 41-car field, a critical moment for both drivers and teams as the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series officially kicks off at the renowned Daytona International Speedway.
Drivers are split among duels in two ways. The 36 charter cars and Johnson are split based on where they rank among themselves. The eight open cars that were vying for spots are split based on where they rank among themselves. So Larson is 6th among chartered cars so in 2nd duel https://t.co/bVlJB7CLaw
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 12, 2026
