Chase Briscoe won the pole for the 67th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, beating Austin Cindric for the top spot. He wasn’t the only driver to help his case ahead of the Great American Race, however. Here are the five drivers who helped themselves the most in the Wednesday qualifying session.
Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing
In his first qualifying session with Joe Gibbs Racing, Briscoe made the biggest statement possible. Toyota has traditionally lagged behind Ford and Chevy in Daytona 500 qualifying, and Briscoe’s pole position is the first ever pole run for Toyota at the Daytona 500. Briscoe will have all eyes on him as he tries to start his JGR tenure with a bang.
Austin Cindric, No. 2 Ford, Team Penske
Cindric is the only driver besides Briscoe who knows where he will start on Sunday. The 2022 Daytona 500 champion will have the best view when the green flag drops on Sunday, and he should have enough speed to stay up front in the early going. In a race that occasionally sees “the Big One” happen near the beginning, a good starting spot could be the difference in being caught up in an crash or having a chance to win the race.
Ty Dillon, No. 10 Chevrolet, Kaulig Racing
Not only does a ninth-place qualifying effort give Dillon a good starting spot for his Duel race on Thursday, but it also puts the NASCAR world on notice. Dillon and Kaulig Racing aren’t entering 2025 with high expectations, but the Wednesday results proved that Dillon has decent pace. It’s only one qualifying session, but it’s a positive sign for a team and driver looking for momentum as they begin the season.
Jimmie Johnson, No. 84 Toyota, Legacy Motor Club
After having to fight J.J. Yeley tooth and nail in the Duels to make the Daytona 500 a year ago, Johnson qualifying on speed this year is a huge relief for the seven-time Cup Series champion. Toyota clearly has more speed than in recent years at Daytona, and Johnson was a major beneficiary. He can still improve his starting position in his Duel race on Thursday, but not having to make the race via the Duels is a key advantage.
Martin Truex Jr, No. 56 Toyota, Tricon Garage
Like Johnson, Truex qualifying in on speed is a huge relief for the 2017 Cup Series champion. For the first time since 2005, Truex Jr. entered Speedweeks as a part-time Cup Series competitor, but that didn’t deter him from laying down a fast lap. In his quest to finally win the Great American Race, Truex won’t have to worry about missing the race due to chaos and carnage in his Duel race.
–Samuel Stubbs, Field Level Media
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