Brad Keselowski Leads Daytona 500 Practice: Brad Keselowski led the final practice session for the Daytona 500, clocking a speed of 193.307 mph in a Ford. His strong performance positions the Roush Fenway Keselowski team as serious contenders, aiming to end a 15-year winless streak at the iconic event. Despite challenges at Daytona, Ford’s speed advantage was evident. Top competitors included Alex Bowman and Cole Custer. With a competitive field of 41 cars, the dynamics between Ford and Toyota are essential, holding potential insights ahead.
Key Highlights
- Brad Keselowski led the final Daytona 500 practice session with a speed of 193.307 mph, driving a Ford.
- Ford’s speed advantage was evident as they had multiple cars in the top seven of the practice session.
- Keselowski aims to end a 15-year Daytona 500 winless streak, showing strong potential in practice.
- Only 24 of 41 drivers practiced, with several top contenders opting out to manage risks.
- Ford’s strong performance in practice positions them as key contenders against Toyota’s initial qualifying success.
Brad Keselowski Leads Final Daytona 500 Practice
In the final practice session for the Daytona 500, Brad Keselowski emerged as the leader, setting the pace with his impressive performance. His Ford, built by Roush Fenway Keselowski, clocked a speed of 193.307 mph, showing its competitive edge.
This achievement positions Keselowski favorably as he seeks to break his 15-year winless streak at “The Great American Race.” Daytona International Speedway has often been a challenging venue for him, with Keselowski frequently falling victim to the notorious crashes that disrupt the event.
This year, the competition is especially fierce, with 41 cars—the largest field in a decade—vying for victory. Reflecting on his past struggles, Keselowski’s performance in the final practice is a promising indication of his potential to navigate the chaos.
As the race approaches, the focus remains on whether he can translate this practice success into a triumphant race day outcome.
Top Performers in Final Practice
The final practice session for the Daytona 500 highlighted several top performers, showcasing a competitive lineup. Following Brad Keselowski, Alex Bowman secured the runner-up spot in a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.
Cole Custer made a notable return to the Cup Series, placing tertiary in a Ford. Justin Allgaier, driving a Chevrolet owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., captured fourth place, marking an emotional debut for Earnhardt’s team.
Kyle Larson, the 2021 champion, placed fifth, adding another Hendrick driver to the top five.
Corey Lajoie, racing in a Ford from Rick Ware Racing, impressively finished sixth. Seventh place was claimed by Ryan Preece in an RFK Ford.
Justin Haley, in a Chevrolet from Spire Motorsports, secured eighth. Chris Buescher, another RFK driver, finished ninth, ensuring all three RFK cars were in the top nine.
Zane Smith completed the top ten in a Ford from Front Row Motorsports.
Ford vs. Toyota Battle in Daytona 500 Prep
Although Toyota has showcased impressive speed by securing the pole with Chase Briscoe and qualifying both Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr. based on speed, Ford has proven to be a formidable competitor in the Daytona 500 preparations.
Ford’s Austin Cindric exhibited their skill by qualifying third and outperforming Erik Jones in a Toyota during their qualifying race. This performance highlights Ford’s potential to challenge Toyota’s early dominance.
Despite Toyota’s initial success, their performance in the final practice was less stellar, with Ty Gibbs only managing 13th place on the speed chart.
In contrast, Ford continued to show resilience with Joey Logano, the reigning Cup Series champion, securing a respectable 12th place. Meanwhile, defending race winner William Byron, also in a Toyota, placed 23rd.
Ford’s consistent speed and tactical race execution position them as a serious contender against Toyota’s pole-winning team, setting the stage for an intriguing contest in the Daytona 500.
Drivers Who Skipped Final Practice
As the final practice session for the Daytona 500 approached, many top drivers opted to skip it, choosing caution over potential risks.
Only 24 of the 41 drivers took part in Saturday’s practice, with several competitors prioritizing the preservation of their vehicles for NASCAR’s prestigious race.
Among those who abstained were notable names such as pole-sitter Chase Briscoe, qualifying-race winner Bubba Wallace, and three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin.
These seasoned drivers, piloting the fast Toyotas, decided not to jeopardize their finely-tuned machines in the lead-up to the race.
This calculated decision highlights a common practice among elite drivers, who often weigh the benefits of further practice against the potential consequences of vehicle damage.
The choice to skip practice sessions can reflect a driver’s confidence in their car’s setup and their preparedness for the track, underscoring the high stakes and calculated risks inherent in the Daytona 500.
News in Brief: Brad Keselowski Leads Daytona 500 Practice
In the final Daytona 500 practice, Brad Keselowski exhibited his skill by leading the session, showcasing Ford’s speed advantage over its competitors. The practice session highlighted a competitive battle between Ford and Toyota as teams prepared for the race. Remarkably, several drivers chose to skip this final practice, opting instead to conserve their vehicles. As the teams fine-tune their strategies, the stage is set for an exciting Daytona 500, with Ford appearing particularly strong.
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