Toyota stole the NASCAR Cup Series’ single-car qualifying spotlight at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday night. Â
Fueled by Chase Briscoe, the car manufacturer captured its first Daytona 500 pole, edging good friend Austin Cindric. Briscoe is competing in his first event since joining Joe Gibbs Racing last offseason. Â
“It’s pretty special,” Briscoe told Fox Sports moments after earning third career start from the inside of the front row. “It’s a great way for us to start our season.Â
“I’m appreciative of this opportunity.”Â
Briscoe completed his qualifying rotation along the 2.5-mile track in 49.249 seconds.
The remainder of Sunday’s 41-machine field will be determined during Thursday’s two Duel races.
Fastest in the first round.
Fastest in the final round.It was never in doubt for @chasebriscoe! #BuschLightPole pic.twitter.com/7oqqfdg9EW
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 13, 2025
NASCAR Cup Series Drivers Struggle From Daytona 500 PoleÂ
So, who wants to be on the Daytona 500 pole?Â
While the top qualifier earns recognition for starting Sunday’s “Great American Race” on the inside of the front row, a trip to Victory Lane remains elusive.Â
During nine of the past 10 Daytona 500s, the pole-sitter has failed to finish better than P14. Alex Bowman was the exception, placing fifth from the pole two years ago. Â
Six of the past seven Daytona 500 champions started 10th or worse. Â Â
Defending Cup Series champion Joey Logano earned the 2024 pole and placed P32 after enduring an accident on Lap 191. William Byron, who went on to capture the Harley J. Earl Trophy, bumped Brad Keselowski, who was running second. Keselowski’s spinning machine struck Logano, igniting an 18-car collision. Â
William Byron gets the fourth #DAYTONA500 win for the No. 24 car. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/POccQByGrb
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 20, 2024
NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 Single-Car Qualifying ResultsÂ
Here are the results from Wednesday’s NASCAR Cup Series single-car qualifying session for Sunday’s Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway: Â
Starting Position, Driver, Car No., Team  Â
- 1, Chase Briscoe, 19, Joe Gibbs RacingÂ
- 2, Austin Cindric, 2, Team PenskeÂ
- 3, Ryan Preece, 60, RFK RacingÂ
- 4, Joey Logano, 22, Team PenskeÂ
- 5, Josh Berry, 21, Wood Brothers RacingÂ
- 6, Denny Hamlin, 11, Joe Gibbs RacingÂ
- 7, Austin Dillon, 3, Richard Childress RacingÂ
- 8, Christopher Bell, 20, Joe Gibbs RacingÂ
- 9, Ty Dillon, 10, Kaulig RacingÂ
- 10, Kyle Larson, 5, Hendrick MotorsportsÂ
- 11, Zane Smith, 38, Front Row Motorsports Â
- 12, Alex Bowman, 48, Hendrick MotorsportsÂ
- 13, Kyle Busch, 8, Richard Childress RacingÂ
- 14, Todd Gilliland, 34, Front Row Motorsports Â
- 15, Chase Elliott, 9, Hendrick MotorsportsÂ
- 16, Brad Keselowski, 6. Roush Fenway Keselowski RacingÂ
- 17, Michael McDowell, 71, Spire MotorsportsÂ
- 18, Chris Buescher, 17, Roush Fenway Keselowski RacingÂ
- 19, AJ Allmendinger, 16 Kaulig RacingÂ
- 20, Ryan Blaney, No. 12Â Team Penske FordÂ
- 21, William Byron, 24, Hendrick MotorsportsÂ
- 22, Martin Truex Jr., 56, TRICON GarageÂ
- 23, Noah Gragson, 4, Front Row MotorsportsÂ
- 24, Ty Gibbs, 54, Joe Gibbs RacingÂ
- 25, Daniel Suarez, 99, Trackhouse RacingÂ
- 26, Tyler Reddick, 45, 23XI RacingÂ
- 27, Riley Herbst, 35, 23XI RacingÂ
- 28, Bubba Wallace, 23, 23XI RacingÂ
- 29, Jimmie Johnson, No. 84 Legacy Motor ClubÂ
- 30, Shane van Gisbergen, 88, Trackhouse RacingÂ
- 31, Justin Haley, 7, Spire MotorsportsÂ
- 32, Cole Custer, 41, Haas Factory TeamÂ
- 33, Justin Allgaier, 40, JR MotorsportsÂ
- 34, Carson Hocevar, 77, Spire MotorsportsÂ
- 35, Corey Lajoie, 01, Rick Ware RacingÂ
- 36, Erik Jones, 43, Legacy Motor ClubÂ
- 37, Ross Chastain, 1, Trackhouse RacingÂ
- 38, John Hunter Nemechek, 42, Legacy Motor ClubÂ
- 39, Helio Castroneves, 91, Trackhouse RacingÂ
- 40, Anthony Alfredo, 62, Beard MotorsportsÂ
- 41, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 47 HYAK MotorsportsÂ
- 42, Chandler Smith, 66 MBM MotorsportsÂ
- 43, BJ McLeod, 78, Live Fast MotorsportsÂ
- 44, JJ Yeley, 44, NY Racing TeamÂ
- 45, Cody Ware, 51, Rick Ware Racing
The World Center of Racing. The world's best drivers.
One legendary race. #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/fI3ZvhvBEl
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 10, 2025