Chase Elliott secured a thrilling Chase Elliott Duel 2 victory in the second qualifying race for the Daytona 500 on Thursday night, crossing the finish line ahead of Carson Hocevar in a calm, tightly managed contest at Daytona International Speedway. This result not only warmed up Hendrick Motorsports‘ bid for the main event but also set the week’s pace amid emotional highs and post-race twists involving drivers fighting for the last available entry into the 500.
Elliott Triumphs After Calm, Strategic Duel
Unlike the chaos of the earlier Duel, the second race unfolded with relative smoothness. Elliott piloted the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to victory, closely trailed by Carson Hocevar, Kyle Larson, Michael McDowell, and Christopher Bell. The leading Hendrick and Spire teams displayed seamless cooperation, controlling the closing laps as a pack and only racing each other after the final stretch appeared.
“A great way to get the blood pumping for sure on a Thursday night,”
said Chase Elliott, reflecting on the late-race intensity that ramped up after pit stops were completed. He added,
“There was a lot going on those last handful, really ever since we came off of pit road after the cycle, we were getting after it. It was a lot of fun.”
Elliott highlighted the teamwork with Hocevar, acknowledging how their collaboration kept the Chevrolet’s momentum strong.
“Had some great support there. Carson [Hocevar] did a great job helping me control those lanes, helping get Team Chevy for Victory Lane tonight. Certainly owe him an appreciation for just kind of sticking with it, also pushing me well. It’s real easy to get people out of control. Appreciate that.”
He also commented on what the win means for his energy and morale ahead of the Daytona 500.
“Nice to get the NAPA Chevy a win. Not a 500. I’ve been here before and not the other one, so you have to kind of learn to take it a day at a time. Look, a great way to start the speed week for our team. Proud of our effort, everybody at Hendrick Motorsports, the boss, from top to bottom. Their commitment and will to win it pretty darn high. Proud to be a part of their team.”
Josh Berry, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Todd Gilliland, Ty Gibbs, and Denny Hamlin completed the top ten, while drivers such as JJ Yeley and BJ McLeod raced on the bubble for the last open spot in the field.
Alfredo’s Post-Race Disqualification Changes the Grid
With McLeod and Yeley unable to keep up with the leaders late in a caution-free race, Anthony Alfredo initially looked set to clinch a coveted Daytona 500 start by finishing 18th in the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet. Emotions were high for Alfredo, who described the moment:
“I definitely don’t want to be in that position,”
said Anthony Alfredo, his voice quivering.
“Making it on time is a lot easier. This is for the third time. It’s really cool (tearing up). My career has had a lot of ups and downs. You never know when you’re going to get another shot to race on any Sunday, especially the Daytona 500, The Great American Race.”
For Alfredo, the personal stakes were immense, with his family present for the achievement.
“I have all my family here. My baby girl, Everleigh. I think I’ve only been this choked up twice in my life, when she was born, and (indiscernible) for the Daytona 500. It wouldn’t be possible without Beard Motorsports, a tremendous family. Women-owned NASCAR Cup Series team with a dream, carrying along Mark Beard Sr.’s legacy. And Dude Wipes. I wouldn’t be in my career without them. They’ve been my flagship partner in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. To come here and make the Daytona 500 together is a dream come true.”
He also reflected on the pain of missing previous opportunities:
“I mean, missing it last year has haunted me until this very moment. This is the only thing that could blow that black cloud over.”
However, the celebration was cut short. Alfredo’s car failed post-race inspection, which led to his disqualification. As a result, BJ McLeod is positioned to take his place in the starting lineup for the 68th running of the Daytona 500, pending his own car’s successful inspection.
Key Moments and Strategies in the Duel
Chase Briscoe, who will start the Daytona 500 on the outside of the front row, dominated the early stages as drivers prioritized conserving fuel. The tempo increased as pit stops drew closer, with Michael McDowell seizing command of the race following an outside surge. The pit sequence was largely uneventful, though Briscoe lost time making a mistake in his pit box and Connor Zilisch faced difficulties, pitting alone after an error in timing.
Post pit-stops, a group of Toyotas led by Erik Jones attempted to break through, creating the race’s tensest moment. Their aggressive maneuvering nearly sparked an incident but they avoided trouble. Tyler Reddick took control at the front until Hocevar overtook him, and soon after Elliott solidified his lead—a position he never relinquished.
What the Results Mean for Daytona 500 Week
Chase Elliott’s Duel 2 victory not only secured his place at Daytona but reinforced Hendrick Motorsports’ status as a strong contender for the main event. Drivers like Hocevar, McDowell, and Berry gain crucial momentum from their performances, while the post-race reshuffling of qualifiers reminds teams how swiftly fortunes can change. As the Daytona 500 draws near, the field is set and anticipation builds, with new narratives and high emotional energy marking the opening of Speedweeks at NASCAR’s most famous track.
