DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 17: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, crosses the finish line winduring the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season was officially back yesterday with the Daytona 500. With the Clash and Duel races this past week, fans saw unusual racing at Daytona. Drivers were filing in along the top of the track and racing single file. The question was left to be as answered as to how Sunday ’s premiere race was to be run.
Gander RV Duel Winners, Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano at Daytona International Speedway Photos – Getty Images
The Thursday night duel races sponsored by Gander RV set the qualifying order for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series’ 61st annual Daytona 500. It was a great night for racing as both duel races set the tone for Sunday’s big event at Daytona International Speedway. The first duel set the starting lineup for the inside lane, as the second duel set the qualifying order for the outside lane.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 14: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Busch Beer Car2Can Ford, leads during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Gander RV Duel At DAYTONA #1 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo – Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images
Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway covers ten days and encompasses many different events leading up to the Great American Race, the Daytona 500. On the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series side of racing, the first focus is a week before the main event with Pole Qualifying followed by the Advanced Auto Parts Clash featuring select drivers. Then in the week leading up to the biggest event in racing, the Gander RV Duel set the starting lineup for the prestigious race this Sunday.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 09: Daniel Hemric, driver of the #8 Bass Pro Shops/Caterpillar Chevrolet, stands in the garage area during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo – Jerry Markland/Getty Images
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Daniel Hemric was surprised.