Kyle Busch delivered a standout performance at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday night, capturing his first-ever Daytona 500 pole with a remarkable qualifying lap. Posting a speed of 183.651 mph, Busch narrowly outpaced Joe Gibbs Racing’s Chase Briscoe, setting the stage for an intense start to Sunday’s Great American Race and putting the Kyle Busch Daytona 500 pole achievement in the spotlight.
Busch Breaks Through for First-Ever Daytona 500 Pole Position
The 40-year-old Cup Series veteran’s pole comes at a pivotal moment in his career. Despite being a two-time Cup Series champion, Busch has endured a 93-race winless streak and remains winless in 20 previous Daytona 500 starts. Over the years, he has led more laps in the 500 than any other driver without securing a victory—342 in total. Speaking after qualifying, Busch described his excitement:
“Being able to qualify on my first pole for the Daytona 500, that’s pretty special,”
Busch said, grinning.
“It would be really nice to be doing an interview like this about being No. 1 come Sunday night.”
– Kyle Busch, Driver
Taking the pole not only boosts Busch’s confidence but gives him a real chance to make NASCAR history. No driver has ever claimed their first Daytona 500 win after more than 20 attempts. The late Dale Earnhardt managed his first victory in his 20th try back in 1998. Busch, in his 21st attempt, aims to become the first to win the iconic race beyond two decades of starts.
He acknowledged the challenge with both ambition and humor:
“It’s a box we’ve got to check,”
Busch noted.
“I’ve come down here a lot of years, and I think I’ve finished in about every position possible. It’d be nice to close out with a victory here in the Daytona 500.”
– Kyle Busch, Driver
Richard Childress and Jim Pohlman Mark Fresh Chapter
Richard Childress, the team owner who guided Dale Earnhardt to his famous 1998 victory, is equally enthusiastic about Busch’s opportunity.
“Kyle, we’ve got to get him this 500,”
Childress declared. – Richard Childress, Team Owner
This pole marks a strong start to Busch’s partnership with crew chief Jim Pohlman, who brings recent momentum from his 2024 Xfinity Series championship win alongside Justin Allgaier. Their collaboration at Richard Childress Racing appears promising as Busch sets sights on breaking his Daytona winless streak.
Briscoe and Preece Add to Competitive Daytona Lineup
Chase Briscoe will again share the front row at Daytona, qualifying second for the second straight year in his No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Briscoe credited his team’s preparation for continued strong qualifying runs:
“It’s cool for sure to be able to consistently qualify two years in a row now,”
Briscoe said.
“It’s really a testament to the folks back at JGR. We’ve made so many improvements on our superspeedway program.”
– Chase Briscoe, Driver
Ryan Preece, fresh off his Cook Out Clash victory, will start third for RFK Racing, with three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in fourth. Their strong qualifying efforts highlight the fierce competition that awaits in Sunday’s race.
Open Qualifiers Seize Their Chance
The qualifying session also determined two open spots in the 40-car Daytona 500 field. Corey Heim, the reigning Truck Series champion, will make his first Daytona 500 start in the No. 67 Toyota for 23XI Racing after advancing through the final qualifying round. Heim described the nerves and gratitude involved in the effort:
“Just kind of nerve-wracking for sure to say the least,”
said Heim.
“So impressed and thank you for 23XI Racing and Toyota coming here with an open car and a fourth team.”
– Corey Heim, Driver
Justin Allgaier barely edged out Corey LaJoie by 0.004 seconds to claim the second open spot. The current Xfinity Series champion will drive in his second consecutive Daytona 500, piloting Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports Chevrolet. Team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflected on the intensity:
“It is stressful, but that’s the best part about it,”
said Earnhardt. – Dale Earnhardt Jr., Team Owner
Looking Ahead: Final Spots and Anticipation for Sunday
The last two places in the 40-car grid will be decided during Thursday night’s Duel qualifying races, which are set to begin at 7 p.m. ET on FS1. The results will also dictate the complete starting order for the Daytona 500 on Sunday. With established stars like Busch, Briscoe, and Hamlin prepared to battle, and new faces such as Heim ready to make their debut, anticipation for the iconic race is running high at Daytona International Speedway.
Kyle Busch’s landmark pole sets him up for a potential breakthrough, and the mix of seasoned champions, promising rookies, and close team rivalries ensures the 2024 Daytona 500 is primed for a dramatic start and an unforgettable finish.
