NASCAR

Daytona 500 Fans Respond To NASCAR Cup Series’ Austin Cindric Getting Winning Call Over Erik Jones In Duel 2 Thriller

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By
Jeff Hawkins
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Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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Published13 Feb 2025

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Austin Cindric poses with duel 2 tropy

Erik Jones stood by the start-finish line at Daytona International Speedway. The NASCAR Cup Series driver eagerly anticipated a chance to claim the ceremonial checkered flag after believing he earned Wednesday night’s second Duel at Daytona race. 

At the other side of the 2.5-mile track, Austin Cindric, who battled Jones along the final turn, stood talking to defending circuit champion Joey Logano. They discussed the Duel 2 which climaxed with a multi-machine mele. 

With Jones initially declared the winner and waiting patiently for his prize, Cindric looked shocked when told his No. 2 Ford was in front when the caution flag waved. As Cindric appeared perplexed, Logano started laughing. 

“What just happened?” Cindric asked Fox Sports.  

When informed, Cindric looked across the infield toward a dismayed Jones. 

“I feel bad for Erik,” Cindric said. “I feel so bad he had to drive all the way over there. That’s terrible.” 

For a few minutes, Jones thought he delivered the No. 43 team with its first duel win since Hall of Famer Richard Petty in 1977. 

“Wide range of emotions,” Jones said. “It’s a bummer, but it’s a rule. I did everything I could.  

“Just didn’t work out.” 

X (Twitter) users responded to the night of the duels … 

Duel 2 going green …

Denny Hamlin, who led 14 of the opening 15 laps, battled Cindric on Laps 8 and 14 and pulled ahead until the field started drafting behind the No. 11 Toyota … 

Jones was one of the machines drafting to catch Hamlin. Pushed by car owner/teammate Jimmie Johnson, Jones powered past Hamlin. He would lead for 15 laps … 

Going three wide … 

Near the halfway point of Duel 2 and as Bubba Wallace wrapped up his press conference after winning Duel 1, Jones battled Daniel Suarez and Ryan Blaney as the trio went three-wide. Suarez emerged as the leader … 

Two serious contenders, Hamlin and Kyle Larson, were penalized for speeding along pit road. On Lap 45, all Chevrolets and Toyotas made stops, while the Fords split their stops … 

While the Duel 1 was caution-filled, the nightcap’s first wreck happened on Lap 48 when Suarez lost control after being bumped by Alex Bowman. Suarez spun and took out Brad Keselowski. Bowman crashed into the infield wall … 

When the race resumed six laps later, Chris Buescher battled Cindric, who gained momentum – and eventually the lead – with the aid of Logano’s drafting. Buescher won the event three years ago … 

Fueled by a slick move to the outside and aided by a push from his boss, Jones moved in to challenge Cindric. The ending … 

Emerging from the final-lap chaos, Corey LaJoie earned the transfer spot … 

Cindric, who will start on the outside of the front row Sunday, could have played it safe, like pole-sitter Chase Briscoe did in Duel 1, but instead thanked crew chief Brian Wilson for “letting me race.” Cindric placed P2 in his past three duel outings. Happy birthday, Brian …