NASCAR Rant Report - Friday, February 14th

Subscribe to Rant Report | See the Previous Rant Report

Follow us on Social Media | Listen on YouTube | Check Out Our Website

Join the NASCAR Rant Report Fantasy League

Major headlines out of Thursday:

Bubba Wallace Wins Daytona Duel #1
Austin Cindric Wins Duel #2 in Dramatic Fashion
Field Set for Daytona 500, Including Non-Chartered Cars
President Donald Trump Plans to Attend Daytona 500
Daytona 500 Television Schedule

Plus, miscellaneous topics from the day.

Bubba Wallace Wins Daytona Duel #1:

In the first Duel race at Daytona last night, Bubba Wallace emerged victorious, driving the No. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing. Wallace led the final three laps, securing the win with significant help from teammate Tyler Reddick. This victory positions Wallace to start third in the Daytona 500.

The race featured several notable incidents, including a major crash on Lap 14 involving multiple cars, such as Chandler Smith and Helio Castroneves. Smith's car made contact with Justin Haley's, triggering the wreck that also affected Ty Gibbs and others. Despite the chaos, Wallace managed to fend off challenges from William Byron, Ty Dillon, and Ross Chastain to clinch the win.

The top finishers in the first Duel race were Bubba Wallace, William Byron, Ty Dillon, Ross Chastain, and Tyler Reddick.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on this topic.

Austin Cindric Wins Duel #2 in Dramatic Fashion:

The second Duel race at Daytona International Speedway was marked by intense competition and dramatic finishes. Austin Cindric emerged victorious in Duel 2, narrowly beating Erik Jones in a photo finish. The race ended under caution due to a multi-car crash on the final lap, which led to NASCAR reviewing the finish and declaring Cindric the winner as he was ahead when the caution flag was thrown.

Erik Jones initially thought he had won and parked his car at the finish line to celebrate, but the review showed Cindric was leading at the moment of caution. This decision left Jones and his team, including co-owner Jimmie Johnson, feeling disappointed. Many fans expressed their displeasure toward the “quick-trigger” caution that ended the race on social media. Despite the controversy, Jones remained optimistic about his performance and looked forward to the Daytona 500.

The race featured significant lead changes and strategic maneuvers, with drivers like Chris Buescher, Denny Hamlin, and Joey Logano finishing in the top five.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on this topic.

Field Set for Daytona 500, Including Non-Chartered Cars:

The field for the 2025 Daytona 500 has been set following the Duel qualifying races. Bubba Wallace and Austin Cindric won their respective Duel races, securing strong starting positions for the main event. Chase Briscoe and Austin Cindric had already secured the front row spots for the Daytona 500 during Wednesday's qualifying session, with Briscoe taking the pole position and Cindric securing the outside front row.

Justin Allgaier and Corey LaJoie earned their spots in the Daytona 500 by being the highest-finishing open cars in their respective Duel races. Allgaier's performance was particularly emotional for JR Motorsports, as it marked the team's debut in the Daytona 500. Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of JRM, expressed immense pride and relief after Allgaier's successful run.

Helio Castroneves, a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner, will also compete in the Daytona 500, utilizing a new provisional rule that guarantees a spot for a "world-class driver." Despite being involved in an early crash during his Duel race, Castroneves will start 41st, making this the largest Daytona 500 field since 2015.

The new provisional rule has sparked some controversy, with drivers like Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr. questioning why they were not considered for the exemption. Both Johnson and Truex, however, secured their spots through qualifying speeds.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on this topic.

President Donald Trump Plans to Attend Daytona 500:

President Donald Trump is expected to attend the 2025 Daytona 500, marking his second appearance at the event as a sitting president. Trump previously attended the Daytona 500 in 2020 as the grand marshal. This visit follows his recent attendance at the Super Bowl. Although not officially confirmed, FAA flight restrictions and increased security measures suggest his presence. Marine One has been spotted at Daytona Beach International Airport.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on this topic.

Miscellaneous:

NASCAR has ejected two Cup crew chiefs, Chris Lawson and Billy Plourde, for the rest of the Daytona 500 weekend due to improper weights on their cars. Kevyn Rebolledo and Tommy Baldwin will replace them for the event.

NASCAR and Anheuser-Busch have extended their partnership, ensuring Busch Light remains a Premier Partner of the NASCAR Cup Series and the title sponsor of the Busch Light Pole Award. The partnership includes a new Busch Light summer music series at various race tracks.

Richard Childress Racing has promoted Mike Verlander to president, overseeing all operations, while former president Torrey Galida becomes vice chairman and advisor.

TNT Sports and Max have announced the NASCAR Driver Cam’s Featured Multiview selections for the Daytona 500, including Kyle Busch, William Byron, Christopher Bell, and Hélio Castroneves. Fans can vote for additional drivers to be featured on a special "Fan Selected" Multiview stream.

Brad and Paige Keselowski are expecting their fourth child, adding to their family of two daughters and a son.

Horizon Hobby has renewed its partnership with Front Row Motorsports, sponsoring Zane Smith in two races and serving as a season-long associate partner.

NASCAR, Levy, and Denali have teamed up to recycle food waste at NASCAR-owned tracks during the 2025 season, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainability goals.

Fox Sports has sold out of advertising for the Daytona 500 at a record pace, with several advertisers paying over $500,000 for a 30-second spot. New advertisers include Chipotle, Airbnb, and Meta.

DPR Construction will sponsor Leland Honeyman Jr. in the NASCAR Xfinity Series season-opening race at Daytona, continuing their support of his racing career.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on these topics.

This newsletter is constructed by AI and reviewed by our editorial team.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more.

Thumbnail image credits on our Source Materials Page.

Join the NASCAR Rant Report Fantasy League

Keeping You Informed, Saving You Time.

Subscribe to Rant Report | See the Previous Rant Report

Follow us on Social Media | Listen on YouTube | Check Out Our Website

Join the NASCAR Rant Report Fantasy League