The 2025 Daytona 500 opening practice results sent shockwaves through the track as Denny Hamlin took the top spot with a lightning-fast lap. The competition was intense, with Bubba Wallace and Ty Gibbs not far behind. Each driver pushed their limits, setting the stage for one of the most unpredictable races in recent memory. As the engines roared and the crowd watched in anticipation, one question remained—would this early dominance translate into victory on race day?
Key Highlights
- Denny Hamlin led the practice with a lap time of 48.005 seconds, 0.145 seconds faster than Bubba Wallace.
- Bubba Wallace and Ty Gibbs showcased competitive performances, securing second and third places respectively.
- The top five lap times were separated by mere hundredths of a second, indicating a highly competitive race.
- The atmosphere was charged with excitement, as the session set a dynamic tone for the upcoming Daytona 500.
- Denny Hamlin’s commanding performance reinforced his legacy and hinted at a thrilling race ahead.
Denny Hamlin Tops Daytona 500 Opening Practice
In the nostalgic haze of Daytona’s storied track, Denny Hamlin emerged as a master of his craft, leading the opening practice of the 2025 Daytona 500 with a commanding performance.
The engines hummed a symphony of speed as Hamlin’s car sliced through the air, the February sun casting long shadows across the asphalt. With precision and poise, he clocked in at 0.145 seconds faster than his closest rival, Bubba Wallace, a confirmation of his unmatched skill and tactical expertise.
Each turn of the track seemed to echo Hamlin’s past victories, his experience manifesting in every deft action. The roar of the crowd was a distant thunder, a backdrop to the silent ballet of machine and man.
Daytona 500 Opening Practice Results
Amid the echo of engines and the shimmering heat of the Daytona track, the opening practice results for the 2025 Daytona 500 unfurled like a combination of speed and precision.
Denny Hamlin, with a lap time of 48.005 seconds, exhibited a masterclass in racing finesse, leading the pack with an enviable command. Bubba Wallace followed closely, a mere 0.145 seconds adrift, a confirmation of his growing skill in NASCAR.
| Position | Car No. | Driver | Lap Time |
| 1 | 11 | Denny Hamlin | 48.005 |
| 2 | 23 | Bubba Wallace | 48.15 |
| 3 | 54 | Ty Gibbs | 48.291 |
| 4 | 66 | Chandler Smith * (i) | 48.341 |
| 5 | 42 | John Hunter Nemechek | 48.361 |
| 6 | 35 | Riley Herbst # | 48.362 |
| 7 | 99 | Daniel Suarez | 48.743 |
| 8 | 4 | Noah Gragson | 48.835 |
| 9 | 43 | Erik Jones | 48.863 |
| 10 | 8 | Kyle Busch | 48.991 |
| 11 | 1 | Ross Chastain | 49.029 |
| 12 | 91 | Helio Castroneves * | 49.057 |
| 13 | 60 | Ryan Preece | 49.064 |
| 14 | 5 | Kyle Larson | 49.124 |
| 15 | 6 | Brad Keselowski | 49.125 |
| 16 | 20 | Christopher Bell | 49.135 |
| 17 | 88 | Shane van Gisbergen # | 49.162 |
| 18 | 3 | Austin Dillon | 49.177 |
| 19 | 77 | Carson Hocevar | 49.215 |
| 20 | 48 | Alex Bowman | 49.222 |
| 21 | 17 | Chris Buescher | 49.235 |
| 22 | 24 | William Byron | 49.246 |
| 23 | 38 | Zane Smith | 49.251 |
| 24 | 21 | Josh Berry | 49.254 |
| 25 | 2 | Austin Cindric | 49.283 |
| 26 | 10 | Ty Dillon | 49.295 |
| 27 | 16 | AJ Allmendinger | 49.307 |
| 28 | 19 | Chase Briscoe | 49.308 |
| 29 | 9 | Chase Elliott | 49.334 |
| 30 | 22 | Joey Logano | 49.339 |
| 31 | 56 | Martin Truex Jr. * | 49.394 |
| 32 | 84 | Jimmie Johnson * | 49.443 |
| 33 | 51 | Cody Ware | 49.458 |
| 34 | 62 | Anthony Alfredo * (i) | 49.513 |
| 35 | 41 | Cole Custer | 49.522 |
| 36 | 40 | Justin Allgaier * (i) | 49.53 |
| 37 | 47 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 49.536 |
| 38 | 12 | Ryan Blaney | 49.547 |
| 39 | 34 | Todd Gilliland | 49.573 |
| 40 | 45 | Tyler Reddick | 49.604 |
| 41 | 1 | Corey LaJoie * | 49.622 |
| 42 | 78 | BJ McLeod * | 50.035 |
| 43 | 44 | JJ Yeley * | 50.092 |
| 44 | 7 | Justin Haley | — |
| 45 | 71 | Michael McDowell | — |
Ty Gibbs, securing third, showcased youthful vigor, clocking in at 48.291 seconds.
The field, a mix of seasoned veterans and enthusiastic newcomers, painted a vivid picture of competition. Chandler Smith and John Hunter Nemechek rounded out the top five, with lap times mere hundredths apart.
News in Brief: 2025 Daytona 500 Opening Practice Results
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the Daytona International Speedway, the echoes of roaring engines lingered in the air. Denny Hamlin’s commanding performance in the opening practice painted a vivid picture of what promises to be a thrilling race.
The track, steeped in history and adrenaline, seemed to whisper tales of past glories and future dreams. This year’s Daytona 500 is poised to etch its own legend in the annals of racing history.
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