Editor’s note, 11:15 p.m. ET: After initially qualifying for the 2026 Daytona 500 via his finish in the second Daytona Duel, Anthony Alfredo has since been disqualified by NASCAR after failing postrace inspection. BJ McLeod has taken his place in the event.
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Chase Elliott surged to the front late and held off Carson Hocevar to win the second Duel race Thursday night at Daytona International Speedway, finalizing the starting field for Sunday’s Daytona 500.
Elliott grabbed control in the closing laps and led the final circuit, preventing Hocevar from mounting a run through the final turns.
“That’s a great way to get the blood pumping for sure on Thursday night,” Elliott said post-race to FOX Sports 1. “Ever since we came off pit road after the cycle, we were getting after it. It was a lot of fun.”
Hocevar came home second, while Kyle Larson, Michael McDowell and Christopher Bell completed the top five.
Josh Berry, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Todd Gilliland, Ty Gibbs and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top 10.
Anthony Alfredo raced his way into the Daytona 500 field, earning his third career start in the Great American Race. JJ Yeley and BJ McLeod failed to qualify.
Driving for Beard Motorsports, Alfredo was emotional after securing the berth.
“I definitely don’t love being in that position,” Alfredo said. “Making it on time is a lot easier. But to do this for the third time, it’s really cool.”
Alfredo said missing last year’s race had weighed on him.
“Missing it last year has haunted me until this very moment,” he said. “This is the only thing that could blow that black cloud over.”
Hocevar briefly led entering the final 10-lap stretch after pit stops cycled through, pacing the field ahead of Elliott before the Hendrick Motorsports driver worked his way back to the front.
Elliott credited Hocevar’s drafting help in the closing laps.
“Carson did a great job helping me control those lanes and helping get Team Chevy to victory lane tonight,” Elliott said. “It’s really easy to get people out of control, so I appreciate him sticking with it and pushing me well.”
Race Results
With the Duel races complete, the 41-car field is set for the 68th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX and MRN.
Gee! No Yeley and McLeod. NA$CAR will have to find replacement drivers to bring out caution flags.
Everything will be fine while they’re only running at 60% throttle. When it’s decided to stop the fuel mileage contest, the wreckfest will begin.