Joey Logano from Team Penske, driving a Ford, claimed the win in the first Daytona Duel qualifying race, while Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports steered his Chevrolet to victory in the second Duel. These high-stakes runoffs not only set the tone for the weekend but determined the grid positions for the Daytona 500, and provided teams including Rick Ware Racing an early measure of their race-day cars.
Cody Ware Completes Every Lap as Team Readies for Big Sunday Start
Representing Rick Ware Racing, Cody Ware started 14th and finished 17th in Duel No. 1, successfully running all 63 laps in his No. 51 Jacob Construction Chevrolet. This effort marked his sixth appearance in the Daytona Duels, demonstrating consistency and growth for the driver and his team. Although Ware did not finish inside the top 10 to collect regular-season points, his solid performance throughout the qualifying round ensured his place in Sunday’s main event.
The duels allocate race slots based on Wednesday’s pole qualifying results, separating drivers into the two races by odd and even qualifying positions. Only drivers finishing in the top 10 of each Duel collect points toward the regular-season standings, raising the stakes for every lap completed. Ware’s best Duel result remains 15th, achieved last year, and he is set to start the Daytona 500 from the 35th position. His top Daytona 500 finish to date is 14th, recorded in the previous season.
Team Outlook and Driver Reflections Ahead of the Daytona 500
Looking back on the qualifying events and looking forward to Sunday’s spectacle, Cody Ware expressed confidence and optimism about his team’s preparation and the speed shown by the car.
“Just really proud of the team. We have a fast No. 51 Jacob Construction Chevrolet for the Daytona 500 on Sunday. This was my first race on a full-size track with the new Chevrolet – to be out there and feel the horsepower, the speed – the car feels like it’s drafting really well, so I feel like we’ve got all the pieces of the puzzle to have a phenomenal Sunday afternoon.”
– Cody Ware, Driver
The stakes are high as the 68th annual Daytona 500 launches at 2:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, with FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio providing live coverage. With seasoned competitors like Joey Logano and Chase Elliott setting the pace and drivers such as Cody Ware prepared to challenge for better results, fans and teams alike anticipate a thrilling race as Rick Ware Racing focuses on making an impact in the Daytona 500.
