DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — At least eight cars will start the Daytona 500 from the rear of the field following multiple wrecks in Thursday night’s Can-Am Duel qualifying races.
According to the NASCAR officials, Brad Keselowski, Austin Dillon, Aric Almirola, William Byron, Matt DiBenedetto, Kyle Larson, Jimmie Johnson and David Gilliland all will go to their respective backup cars for the Daytona 500. Going to backup cars will move them to the rear of the field.
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Most impacted is Austin Dillon, who earned the No. 14 starting spot in his No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.
It also is a setback for Brad Keselowski. The driver of the No. 2 Team Penske Ford ran up front for the entirety of the first Can-Am Duel race before wrecking with Jamie McMurray on Lap 59 of 60. The Team Penske Fords have looked the strongest of Speedweeks thus far.
Additionally, Keselowski, Almirola, DiBenedetto and Johnson must go to backup engines due to the damage sustained Thursday night. At the series director’s discretion, these cars will not go to the rear of the field next weekend at Atlanta.