Daytona Duels

Lore & Background

Positions 33 through 36 are filled by the four drivers who posted the fastest lap times during pole qualifying but did not lock in a position via the Duels. The remaining spots, positions 37 through 40, are determined by the four cars highest in the 2019 owner's points that failed to secure a spot in the Duels and were not among the fastest four timed laps from qualifying. This complex format ensures that speed on pole day and consistency in the heat races both play critical roles in determining the field for the Daytona 500.

In Their Own Story

The structure of the Duels relies heavily on the results from pole qualifying day to split the field. Drivers who lock in their positions based on qualifying times must still run in one of the two 60-lap races, though their finishing order does not affect their starting spot unless they fail to finish or are disqualified. For those racing for spots 3–32, every lap counts as they jockey for position in a 41-car field. The format creates distinct scenarios: odd qualifiers fight it out in the first race, while even qualifiers battle in the second. The stakes are high, as a single mistake can drop a driver from a front-row lock to starting near the back of the pack.

Reader's Guide

Daytona International Speedway is one of three superspeedways hosting NASCAR races, alongside Atlanta Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. The track features four turns banked at 31 degrees, with the front stretch, where the finish line sits, banked at 18 degrees. This unique geometry allows for high speeds and intense drafting battles characteristic of the Duels. In 2026, Jimmie Johnson utilized the Open Exemption Provisional (OEP) to guarantee a spot in the Daytona 500 field, highlighting how legacy drivers can still secure entry despite performance metrics.

Did You Know?

• The first race of the Duels sets the lineup for cars that qualified in odd-numbered positions on pole qualifying day.
• The second Duel determines the starting order for drivers who locked in even-numbered spots during qualifying.
• Positions 37–40 are awarded to the four highest-placed cars from the 2019 owner's points standings that did not make it through the Duels or qualify via fastest lap.
• The Duels consist of two races, each exactly 60 laps and 150 miles (240 km) in length.