Time Trials Just First Step In Qualifying For 55th Daytona 500

Time Trials Just First Step In Qualifying For 55^th Daytona 500

Qualifying for the Feb. 24, 55^th running of the Daytona 500 is unique. Only the two front row starting positions will be set during a single afternoon of qualifying on Sunday, Feb. 17 (1 p.m. ET live, FOX, MRN, SIRIUSXM NASCAR Channel 90). The majority of the 43-car field will be determined through the Budweiser Duels, a pair of 60-lap, 150-mile qualifying races taking place Thursday, Feb. 21 (2 p.m. ET live, SPEED, MRN, SIRIUSXM).

 

The Daytona 500 starting lineup will be comprised of the two fastest qualifiers from time trials; the top 15 finishers from each Duel; the next four fastest speeds from time trials; six provisional positions based upon 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup car owner standings; and an eligible past champion.

 

Carl Edwards won the Coors Light Pole for last year’s Daytona 500 but finished eighth. The most recent pole winner to win the Daytona 500 was Dale Jarrett in 2000, one of two drivers (Bill Elliott is the other) to sweep the Sprint Unlimited, pole and race in the same season.