The opening of Daytona Speedweeks on Wednesday ignited a new era in the NASCAR Cup Series, 101 days after Ryan Blaney earned the 2023 circuit championship.
Showing off their newly designed Ford Mustang Dark Horse machines, Joey Logano and Michael McDowell earned the top two starting positions during a qualifying session for Sunday’s Daytona 500.
X (Twitter) users responded to stock car racing beginning a new campaign and Logano earning his first pole for the “Great American Race” …
REPOST to congratulate @joeylogano!
The 2015 winner wins the pole for this year's #Daytona500! pic.twitter.com/hx0ctJatsC
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) February 15, 2024
Logano reacted to his strong run …
It’s all smiles when you’re this fast. pic.twitter.com/i4ih5xnjmy
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 15, 2024
Here’s a quick preview of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series campaign …
If you are waiting for the game and want to pass the time … Top 24 storylines for 2024 NASCAR season: Chase Elliott's rebound and more @NASCARONFOX https://t.co/cOsA1s76nA
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 11, 2024
The Cup Series’ garages opened for the start of the new season …
This will get you ready. #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/imzzQryH2m
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 14, 2024
The drivers fulfilled their media obligations before qualifying commenced …
Daytona 500 media day✅📸 pic.twitter.com/TTY3RNTB94
— Chase Elliott (@chaseelliott) February 14, 2024
Explaining Wednesday’s qualifying session …
Here's how single-car qualifying will work tonight in Daytona. #NASCARonFS1 pic.twitter.com/vDruYJcpos
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 15, 2024
Alex Bowman, the 2023 pole-sitter, entered Wednesday with six consecutive front-row starts for the season-opening showcase. The Hendrick Motorsports driver faltered during his cold lap and finished 17th …
Alex Bowman DOES NOT go to the top of the chart! In fact, he didn't even make the Top 10!
Chad Knaus reacts as Bowman's #Daytona500 front row streak comes to an end pic.twitter.com/kY64ipNPP8
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) February 15, 2024
The drivers did not have any practice time before qualifying. Bowman said told NASCAR Race Hub he didn’t know what to expect, considering he hadn’t “launched a Cup car to qualify since Phoenix (last November), so, hopefully, I don’t stall leaving pit road and we’ll go from there.” The cold start didn’t appear to bother McDowell …
This lap is going to be tough to beat! @Mc_Driver makes a statement and goes to the top of the board! pic.twitter.com/3x5IC2f2pd
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 15, 2024
Hendrick Motorsports’ nine-year streak of placing a driver in the front row ended Wednesday. Kyle Larson (181.635 mph) placed third, Chase Elliott (181.178) fifth and William Bryon (181.174) sixth. The race team stumbled a bit before its 40th anniversary celebration …
Tune in for a surprise!
Thursday, February 15 at 3 p.m. ET 📺 https://t.co/U08IwqlNhg pic.twitter.com/52TgvULTU7
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) February 12, 2024
Anthony Alfredo, driving for a team with only one full-time employee, qualified for another one of the open spots. Of the four remaining open competitors, the remaining two slots will be filled during Thursday’s two Duel races. Kaz Krala, JJ Yeley, BJ McLeod and Jimmie Johnson, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, will compete for the opportunity …
Plenty of hugs to go around.
This is your #DAYTONA500 moment, @anthonyalfredo. pic.twitter.com/CoqB8XBEIl
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 15, 2024
David Ragan claimed another one of the open spots for Sunday’s event …
Spot secured! @DavidRagan is locked in for the Great American Race after his single-car qualifying run.#DAYTONA500 | @NASCARonFOX pic.twitter.com/4gFLNQ7Mpd
— Josh Sims (@JoshRSims) February 15, 2024
Here’s a Daytona 500 flashback to the iconic 1979 fighting finish …
It wouldn't be #DAYTONA500 week without this iconic highlight. pic.twitter.com/K0AtgEgocl
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 14, 2024
Blaney said he is out to emulate Dale Jarrett …
It's a pretty short list.
Ryan @Blaney wants to add to it. #Daytona500 pic.twitter.com/P5DLtUYJgp
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) February 14, 2024
Speaking of Jarrett, Wednesday was the 31st anniversary of his dramatic Daytona 500 championship, broadcasted by his father, Ned …
31 years ago TODAY, Ned Jarrett called his son @DaleJarrett home to his first #Daytona500 win. pic.twitter.com/LQ3Dl17HKE
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) February 14, 2024
Buckle up for Thursday …
The Duel at Daytona. Thursday on FS1. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/qLRFMdt7yP
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 12, 2024
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