NASCAR

Daytona 500 Practice: Denny Hamlin Paces Field As NASCAR Cup Series Drivers Work Out Pre-Qualifying Gremlins

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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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Published12 Feb 2025

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Daytona 500 logo

Brad Keselowski must have been one of the most relieved NASCAR Cup Series drivers during Monday’s 50-minute pre-qualifying practice session at Daytona International Speedway. 

During his opening moments, the No. 6 Toyota started spewing smoke from its right front, ending his session. 

But not his hopes for a strong qualifying run Wednesday night. 

Generally, machines go from the truck to inspection to the track, but this season, the drivers were granted early practice laps. Keselowski’s case gave the team a chance to work on steering issues. 

Denny Hamlin turned the quickest lap, registering 187.480 mph.

Drivers Get Prep Work For Daytona 500 Qualifying 

Hamlin seeks his fourth Harley J. Earl Trophy for claiming the Daytona 500. Hamlin finished 0.145 seconds faster than Bubba Wallace. 

Ryan Preece and Erik Jones also experienced mechanical problems and were forced into the garage for repairs. 

Monday’s practice session allowed the 15 drivers working with new crew chiefs a chance to work together. The drivers practiced also their entries and exits. 

William Byron, the defending Daytona 500 champion, initially turned two laps on the 2.5-mile track. 

“I didn’t even break a sweat,” Byron told Fox Sports. “Last year was great for us. So excited for the new season.” 

About 15 minutes later, he returned for additional work. 

“You’re out there making laps by yourself so there’s not much to reference,” Byron said. “(The practice session) gives them a little extra time to work on the car.”

Daytona 500 Practice 1 Results

No., Driver, Lap Time

  • 1, Denny Hamlin, 48.005 seconds 
  • 2, Bubba Wallace, 48.150 
  • 3, Ty Gibbs, 48.291 
  • 4, Chandler Smith, 48.341 
  • 5, John Hunter Nemechek, 48.361 
  • 6, Riley Herbst, 48.362 
  • 7, Daniel Suarez, 48.743 
  • 8, Noah Gragson, 48.835 
  • 9, Erik Jones, 48.863 
  • 10, Kyle Busch, 48.991 
  • 11, Ross Chastain, 49.029 
  • 12, Helio Castroneves, 49.057 
  • 13, Ryan Preece, 49.064 
  • 14, Kyle Larson, 49.124 
  • 15, Brad Keselowski, 49.125 
  • 16, Christopher Bell, 49.139 
  • 17, Shane van Gisbergen, 49.162 
  • 18, Austin Dillon, 49.177 
  • 19, Carson Hocevar, 49.215 
  • 20, Alex Bowman, 49.222 
  • 21, Chris Busecher, 49.235 
  • 22, William Byron, 49.246 
  • 23, Zane Smith, 49.251 
  • 24, Josh Berry, 49.254 
  • 25, Austin Cindric, 49.283 
  • 27, Ty Dillon, 49.295 
  • 28, AJ Allmendinger, 49.307 
  • 29, Chase Briscoe, 49.308 
  • 30, Chase Elliott, 49.334 
  • 31, Joey Logano, 49.339 
  • 32, Martin Truex Jr., 49.394 
  • 33, Jimmie Johnson, 49.443 
  • 34,  Cody Ware, 49.458 
  • 35, Anthony Alfredo, 49.513 
  • 36, Cole Custer, 49.522 
  • 37, Justin Allgaier, 49.530 
  • 38, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 49.536 
  • 39, Ryan Blaney, 49.457 
  • 40, Todd Gilliland, 49.573 
  • 41, Tyler Reddick, 49.604 
  • 42, Corey LaJoie, 49.622 
  • 43, B.J. McLeod, 50.032 
  • 44, J.J. Yeley, 50.092 
  • 45, Justin Haley, NA 
  • 46, Michael McDowell, NA