Daytona 500 Sees Underdogs Punch Tickets as Legends Watch From the Sidelines

Daytona Beach, FL – The unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing was on full display Thursday night as the Can-Am Duel qualifying races at Daytona International Speedway set the field for the 66th annual Daytona 500. In a dramatic turn of events, smaller teams BJ McLeod Motorsports and Garage 66, fielded by Carl Long, secured their spots in "The Great American Race," triumphing over entries from prominent organizations like RFK Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and a Richard Childress Racing affiliate.

Casey Mears, driving the No. 66 Garage 66 Ford for Carl Long, encapsulated the sentiment perfectly, stating, "Anything can happen at Daytona." This timeless adage proved true as Mears and McLeod found themselves among the fortunate few to qualify on speed, defying expectations and highlighting the unique opportunities presented by restrictor-plate racing. The very essence of these duels lies in the potential for chaos, where a well-timed draft or a fortunate caution can propel even the most underfunded teams into the prestigious 500-mile event.

Mears acknowledged the inherent volatility of the Daytona track. "I think when it comes to the superspeedways and places like Daytona, absolutely," Mears commented when asked about the unpredictable outcomes. "I can’t tell you throughout my career, I’ve been with some of the best teams and I’ve been with some of the smallest programs, and nothing surprises me here." He elaborated on his past experiences, noting, "You come here sometimes with a big team and think you’ve done everything right in the off-season, you qualify 25th. I came here with a really small team in 2019 and we locked our way in the show on speed."

His own path to qualification was a testament to this unpredictability. Mears experienced a significant setback early in his Duel race when he spun in the grass during a pit stop, losing a lap. However, a timely caution period allowed him to regain lost ground. Further fortune smiled upon him when a late-race incident involving Corey LaJoie and Chandler Smith ahead of him provided the crucial track position needed. As the checkered flag waved under caution, Mears found himself safely in the Daytona 500 field.

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BJ McLeod’s journey to the 500 was even more fraught with tension. His initial qualification was precarious, and it wasn’t until after the checkered flag that his place was secured. Anthony Alfredo, who had earned his spot on speed, was disqualified following post-race inspection. NASCAR officials discovered two cooling hoses (transaxle and driver) on Alfredo’s car were not fully secured, leading to his disqualification. This technicality opened the door for McLeod, who expressed mixed emotions about his advancement.

"I hate that for them," McLeod told FOX Sports. "Anthony and Linda, they’re awesome people. I congratulated them the moment we stopped on pit road. I was so happy for them getting in the race. That’s a hard deal but in 2024, we had the car we needed to beat a lap down and easily could have rode around but ended up racing and got in a wreck. You never know, because these duels are crazy, and I absolutely love them and that’s why I keep coming back and trying."

The drama surrounding Alfredo’s disqualification underscored the razor-thin margins at Daytona. Alfredo himself was visibly emotional, having narrowly missed out on making the 500 for the first time in his career through the Duels, only to have his hopes dashed in inspection. This scenario serves as a stark reminder that even on race day, the possibility of inspection-related setbacks remains for all competitors, regardless of their perceived standing.

The inherent unpredictability of the Daytona 500 extends beyond just qualifying. Mears acknowledged the potential for continued surprises on Sunday. "I think we’ve seen that in the past," Mears said. "I think if you’re in the show, you have a shot." This sentiment reflects the belief that in the draft, with the constant threat of multi-car incidents, fortunes can change in an instant. A well-timed push, a strategic move in the closing laps, or even an unexpected caution could see an underdog emerge victorious.

The qualifying duels, while primarily serving to set the starting grid for the Daytona 500, also provide a valuable preview of the competitive landscape. Teams like RFK Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and Richard Childress Racing affiliates, despite their pedigree, found themselves on the outside looking in due to circumstances beyond their immediate control on the track. This highlights the critical role of qualifying speed and the strict adherence to technical regulations in securing a coveted starting position.

The theme of "anything is possible" resonates deeply within the Daytona 500. It’s a race where experience doesn’t always guarantee success, and where calculated risks can yield immense rewards. As the field is now set, all eyes will be on Sunday’s main event, where Mears and McLeod will aim to capitalize on their hard-earned opportunities, while the larger teams will be focused on executing flawlessly to contend for the iconic Harley J. Earl Trophy. The stage is set for another chapter in the storied history of the Daytona 500, a race that consistently proves that in NASCAR, the improbable can indeed become reality.

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