Joey Logano has won the first Daytona 500 qualifying race under caution, and a late crash changed who made NASCAR's opener.

Joey Logano took the win in Thursday's America 250 Duel at Daytona, but the story was Casey Mears, who rallied from a lap down to make the Daytona 500 field.

Joey Logano and Chase Elliott captured Daytona Duel wins while Casey Mears and B.J. McLeod earned the final berths into the Daytona 500.

Alfredo finished 18th in Duel #2, besting both BJ McLeod and JJ Yeley to race his way into the 500. He failed to qualify for the race in 2025, and was extremely emotional over the prospect of competing in NASCAR's biggest race for just the third time in his career.

Tennessee fans know the Daytona 500 is more than just a race — and anything can happen. Here's the weather forecast in Daytona.

Casey Mears raced his way into the 2026 Daytona 500, while BJ McLeod also qualified after Anthony Alfredo's finish was disallowed.

Daytona International Speedway saw two Duel races replete with wrecks, passes and drama Thursday night. Here’s what happened — and the Daytona 500 starting lineup.

Casey Mears, once a lap down in the first NASCAR Daytona duel race, made the Daytona 500 field after Corey Lajoie crashed on the final lap.