Keselowski, Buescher Both Win Duel at Daytona

Photo Credit to James Gilbert/Getty Images for NASCAR

NASCAR

RFK Racing Sweeps Bluegreen Duels at Daytona, 500 Starting Lineup Set

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The starting grid for the 64th Daytona 500 is now official, after Thursday night’s Duel races. Both 150 mile qualifiers went in favor of Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher. In addition, the last two open cars were determined: Kaz Grala and Greg Biffle. See below for the full Daytona 500 starting grid.

Duel 1 Gives Last-Lap Drama

Ford drivers choosing to pit a lap later for just two tires wrestled the lead away from the Hendrick cars. The last lap saw Brad Keselowski hold off a charge from Penske teammates Austin Cindric and Ryan Blaney. In his first outing in the RFK Racing No. 6, Keselowski goes to victory lane, winning his first career Duel.

The highlight of Duel 1 happened much further back on the last lap however. Kaz Grala, who was caught speeding earlier on pit road, passed JJ Yeley for the coveted transfer position. In their debut, The Money Team made the Daytona 500.

More Last-Lap Chaos in Duel 2

The dominant driver of Duel 2 would be Joey Logano. However, a last-lap block by the 22 sent the leader spinning. The seas parted for second-place Chris Buescher, giving RFK Racing a sweep of both Duels. Greg Biffle and NY Racing Team would also be the final open car to make the show over Timmy Hill.

By sweeping both Duels, the RFK duo of drivers will start in row two of Sunday’s Daytona 500. Both Duel races came down to a 4-car breakaway, all surprisingly Ford Mustangs. RFK Fords have to be seen as favorites for The Great American Race now.

See the entire starting grid below for the 64th running of the Daytona 500.

The Cup Series will be back in action Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET with practice on FS1.

Written by Peter Stratta

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Photo Credit to James Gilbert/Getty Images for NASCAR