DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Joey Logano won Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday evening, earning the 3rd starting position for Sunday’s Daytona 500.
“It feels so good. I mean, obviously it’s the Duels, not the Daytona 500, but momentum is momentum. Just T.J. does such a great job up on the roof and understanding the draft, and then working with this new group here, they’re not new to working together but I’m new with them, and it’s been a good partnership so far.” said an elated Logano on the front stretch after the Duel.
Logano battled pole sitter Ricky Stenhouse Jr. for most of the duel. Surprisingly to many, Stenhouse battled for the win throughout the race, leading 27 of the 60 laps in the race. However, on the final lap, Stenhouse Jr. fell back after losing ground with his pushing partner at the time, who was Denny Hamlin.
Aric Almirola and Ryan Newman tried their hand at the win on the last lap and Austin Dillon tried the lower line, but none were able to gain on Logano as he crosses the start finish line to secure the win. Logano led 19 of the 60 laps in the race, taking the final lead on the last lap from Stenhouse Jr.
Written by Adrian Beecher
