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 10: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona International Speedway on February 10, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Photo – Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
The 2019 NASCAR season kicked off Sunday in a 75-lap Advance Auto Parts Clash for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. This race followed the Daytona 500 qualifying where all four Hendrick Motorsport drivers claimed the top-four spots. William Byron and Alex Bowman claimed the front row for the ‘Great American Race’ next weekend. The Clash field consisted of last year’s pole award winners, former Daytona 500 winners, all 2018 playoff drivers. It was a star-studded lineup of drivers ready to do battle.
Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, takes the checkered flag to win the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 and the MENCS Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18, 2018 in Homestead, Florida. Photo – Sean Gardner/Getty Images
The 2018 NASCAR Cup Series season all came down to Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. A battle between ‘The Big Three,’ and Joey Logano in the Team Penske Racing Ford. A 400-mile showdown on a racetrack that offers multiple grooves for drivers. Fans saw drivers paint the white line on the bottom, or drivers race so close to the wall that a piece of paper would not fit between. It is a great track for NASCAR’s championship race.