Logano Wins First Daytona 500 Duel Race

Qualifying results set half of the starting lineup for the 2026 Daytona 500

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The first of two Duel qualifying races for the 2026 Daytona 500 was held on Thursday evening at Daytona International Speedway. Joey Logano emerged victorious after a last-lap caution, securing a spot on the starting grid for the main event on Sunday.

Why it matters

The Duel races are critical qualifying events that determine the starting positions for half of the Daytona 500 field. Winning one of these races gives a driver an advantageous starting spot for NASCAR's biggest and most prestigious race of the season.

The details

Joey Logano took the checkered flag in the first Duel race after a late-race caution came out following a crash on the final lap. Logano will start third in the Daytona 500 on Sunday, trailing only Wednesday's pole winner Kyle Busch. The second Duel race will take place on Thursday evening to set the remainder of the Daytona 500 starting lineup.

  • The first 150-mile Duel qualifier race was held on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.
  • The second Duel race will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026 to set the remainder of the Daytona 500 starting lineup.

The players

Joey Logano

An American professional stock car racing driver who competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 22 Ford Mustang for Team Penske.

Kyle Busch

An American professional stock car racing driver who competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 18 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing.

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What they’re saying

“Winning one of these Duel races is huge for our team's chances in the Daytona 500. It gives us a great starting spot and a lot of momentum heading into Sunday's big race.”

— Joey Logano (The Daytona Beach News Journal)

What’s next

The second Duel race will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026 to set the remainder of the Daytona 500 starting lineup.

The takeaway

The Duel qualifying races at Daytona are critical events that determine half of the starting order for the Daytona 500, NASCAR's most prestigious and important race of the season. Winning one of these Duels, as Joey Logano did, provides a significant advantage for a driver's chances in the main event on Sunday.