DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Bluegreen Vacation Duels at Daytona Int’l Speedway on Thursday evening will set the field for the 63rd Daytona 500 this Sunday.
Hendrick Motorsports teammates Alex Bowman and William Byron are the only drivers whose starting positions have been set, with Bowman and Byron qualifying on the front row for the Great American Race during Wednesday’s qualifying session.
The remainder of the 40-car starting lineup will be set Thursday. In addition, the final two drivers to earn their spots in the Daytona 500 will be decided during the Duel races.
Ryan Preece and David Ragan secured guaranteed starting positions in the Daytona 500 based on their qualifying times on Wednesday.
The highest finishing Open drivers, drivers who don’t have a guaranteed starting position via a NASCAR charter, will earn positions in the Daytona 500 field.
If Preece or Ragan finish highest among the Open drivers in either Duel race, then the next fastest driver during Daytona 500 qualifying will earn a place in the race.
The six drivers vying for the final two spots in the 63rd Daytona 500 are Noah Gragson, Ty Dillon, Timmy Hill, Austin Cindric, Kaz Grala and Garrett Smithley.
Duel No. 1 Starting Lineup
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Duel No. 2 Starting Lineup
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