Slicing and dicing his way to the lead, NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick captured the first of a pair of Duel races Thursday night at the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway.
Duel 1 consisted of odd-number finishers from time trials and provided the drivers track time after not being able to practice prior to Wednesday’s qualifying session.
Surrounded by Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman, the 23XI Racing pilot saw an opening and dropped down to slingshot past the three Hendrick Motorsports drivers.
X (Twitter) fans reacted to seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson coming back on the final lap to qualify for Sunday’s Daytona 500 …
The term “never say never” now has a new meaning for me. #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/qe2mdaik7n
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 15, 2024
Reddick started 19th but made a clutch last-lap move to claim his first career Duel victory …
Tyler Reddick wins Duel 1 at Daytona! Jimmie Johnson races his way in. #NASCAR #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/t9i2o7igOr
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2024
Before the opening green flag, NASCAR fans started taking their seats and some found their “happy place” …
Officially back in my happy place for my favorite sport! Now it truly feels like NASCAR season is back! Let’s Duel! #NASCAR #BluegreenDuel pic.twitter.com/nHcZOVP2dE
— Dr. Race Chaser (@DrRaceChaser) February 15, 2024
Daytona Speedweeks started Wednesday night with Joey Logano capturing the Daytona 500 pole and Michael McDowell showing off surprising speed to earn a start on the outside of the front row …
You want a spot in the #DAYTONA500? Duel it out ⚔️#BluegreenDuel pic.twitter.com/PNxHaMpZmd
— Daytona International Speedway (@DAYTONA) February 16, 2024
Speedweeks continued Thursday with the start of Duel 1 …
We got Thursday Night Lights, folks!
Engines are fired for Race No. 1 of the #BluegreenDuel! pic.twitter.com/miy028AU1H
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 16, 2024
The season’s first moments of NASCAR green-flag racing …
We are greeeeeeeeeen for Duel 1 from Daytona! #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/zlSPCzqQdo
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2024
Larson produced the season’s first lead change on the first lap. The 2021 Cup champion has led at least one lap in his past three Duel outings, but has yet to earn a checkered flag. He was near the front during the final lap, but placed ninth …
DUEL 1 IS UNDERWAY!@KyleLarsonRacin leads lap 1 ahead of #Daytona500 pole sitter @joeylogano.#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/IR2tMCumpS
— NASCAR on TSN (@NASCARonTSN) February 16, 2024
For those interested, here’s a public service announcement on Kevin Harvick’s new podcast …
🏁 HOT OFF THE TRACK 🏁@KevinHarvick announces new @FOXSports podcast live on-air during the @NASCAR Duel on @FS1:
Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour presented by NASCAR on FOX (@HarvickHappyPod) with Kevin, @kaitlynvincie & @MambaSmith34 starts Tuesday!
✍️: https://t.co/To4lk6GXVE pic.twitter.com/8emJrfNSvo
— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) February 16, 2024
Martin Truex Jr. Took the lead on Lap 27, but went from leading to losing the draft to running out of fuel. He hopes his luck changes for Sunday as he chases his first Daytona 500 title …
Martin Truex Jr. said he doesn’t know if not having a Daytona 500 win would feel like a void on his resume. He hopes to never find out. His outlook as he tries to earn his first Daytona 500 victory: pic.twitter.com/2jvIfyBaNZ
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 9, 2024
The previous three Duel 1s ended caution-free. The street ended Thursday when Ricky Stenhouse Jr. spun Daniel Hemric along Turn 4. Johnson and Austin Dillon were also involved …
Trouble in Turn 4! @JimmieJohnson is involved! pic.twitter.com/XUfAFW5bFp
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 16, 2024
Driving a Toyota for the first time, Johnson needed a strong run to make it as an “open” driver. He moved up to P5 after 11 laps and fought off JJ Yeley on the last lap to make the circuit’s season-opening showcase …
A last-lap move @JimmieJohnson will never forget! #BluegreenDuel pic.twitter.com/yMMBSvwGwI
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 16, 2024
A two-time Daytona 500 champion, Johnson never had to “race his way in,” but when Yeley went outside on the last lap, Johnson remained on the inside and edged his “open” competitor. “Hats off to JJ Yeley,” Johnson told Fox Sports after the race. “Right spot … right time” …
Right spot. Right time. @JimmieJohnson fans, your driver is in! #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/5T6XX5wwIq
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 16, 2024
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