The field for the Daytona 500 was set on Thursday night, as the Can-Am Duels at Daytona would decide the starting lineup for the 58th running of the Great American Race. And the two duels were not without excitement.
In the opening duel, the only major incident occurred when Cole Whitt (#98 Ford) would spin and damage his car, eliminating his chances to enter the Daytona 500. Meanwhile, out front, Dale Earnhardt Jr. (#88 Nationwide Chevy), would cruise to victory after passing Denny Hamlin (#11 FedEx Toyota) for the lead.
Then, in second duel of the night at Daytona, it was the dominance of Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing that was on display. Matt Kenseth (#20 Dollar General Toyota) led much of the way, before giving way to Kyle Busch (#18 M&M’s Toyota). Busch would cross in victory after a wreck on the final lap took out many contenders, including Kenseth.
However, more important than the winners on Thursday night were the drivers able to lock themselves into NASCAR’s Super Bowl. Michael McDowell (#59 K-LOVE Chevy) and Robert Richardson Jr. (#26 Stalk-It Toyota) would make the field with help from the drivers that already locked themselves into the field in Sunday’s time trials. Four cars would not make the field.
Are you ready for some racing? The 58th running of the Daytona 500 comes to you this Sunday. Be sure to join our LWOS Racing fantasy league here to pick the winner.
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Main Photo Credit: DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s 75 Toyota, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Can-Am Duels at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2016 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
