NASCAR Rant Report - Thursday, February 13th

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Major headlines out of Wednesday:

Daytona 500 Practice & Qualifying Results
Daytona Media Day Interviews
23XI-FRM-NASCAR Lawsuit Developments
Daytona 500 Television Schedule

Plus, miscellaneous topics from the day.

Daytona 500 Practice & Qualifying Results:

The recent practice and qualifying sessions for the Daytona 500 have been eventful, with several key highlights and developments. Denny Hamlin led the opening practice session, clocking the fastest lap at 187.480 mph, followed by Bubba Wallace and Ty Gibbs. The session saw a mix of single-car runs and small drafting groups, with some teams addressing mechanical issues that could have impacted their qualifying performance.

In the qualifying session, Chase Briscoe secured the pole position with a lap time of 49.249 seconds, marking the first Daytona 500 pole for Toyota. Austin Cindric qualified second, ensuring a front-row start for the race. Both Briscoe and Cindric are locked into their starting positions, while the rest of the field will be determined by the Duel races.

Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr. were the fastest among the non-chartered, open-car entries, securing their spots in the Daytona 500. Johnson expressed relief at avoiding the stress of racing his way in through the Duels, while Truex highlighted the hard work of his team in preparing the car.

The upcoming Duel races later today will finalize the starting lineup, adding another layer of anticipation to the event.

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

Daytona Media Day Interviews:

The Daytona Media Day interviews provided a wealth of insights from various drivers as they prepared for the Daytona 500. Here is a summary of the comments made by some drivers throughout the long day of interviews:

Denny Hamlin expressed concerns about the end of his career and the fear of losing his competitive edge. He emphasized the importance of staying competitive and knowing when to step away. Chase Elliott reflected on his decade-long career in the NASCAR Cup Series, sharing memories from his early days and how he has evolved as a driver. He also discussed the changes he has experienced over the years and how they have shaped him.

William Byron and Kyle Larson talked about their experiences and strategies for the Daytona 500. Byron emphasized the significance of the race and the importance of track position and handling. Larson discussed the differences between the Daytona 500 and the Indy 500, highlighting the unique challenges of each race. Martin Truex Jr. shared his thoughts on returning to the Daytona 500 as a one-off race and the importance of qualifying well to secure a spot in the race.

Riley Herbst, Bubba Wallace, and Tyler Reddick discussed the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming season with their 23XI Racing teammates. Wallace addressed the potential presence of former President Donald Trump at the race, emphasizing that his focus remains on racing. Reddick highlighted the importance of starting the season strong and the benefits of having more Toyota cars in the field. Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez talked about the dynamics of working with their diverse team at Trackhouse Racing and the importance of teamwork in achieving success.

Justin Haley, Michael McDowell, and Ty Dillon reflected on their preparations and goals for the season, with a focus on building confidence and improving performance. They discussed their past performances and set goals for the upcoming season, aiming to achieve better results and build on their previous successes.

Helio Castroneves shared his excitement about participating in the Daytona 500 for the first time, comparing it to his experiences in IndyCar and expressing his eagerness to learn and adapt to the new environment. Shane van Gisbergen and Erik Jones discussed their adaptation to new teams and the learning curves they face. They emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new challenges.

Tyler Reddick and Christopher Bell emphasized the importance of starting the season strong and the benefits of having more cars from the same manufacturer in the field. They discussed the significance of getting off to a good start in the first few races and how it can set the tone for the rest of the season. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Alex Bowman highlighted the importance of starting the season strong and the impact it can have on their overall performance.

All drivers are looking forward to the start and the 2025 season and the Daytona 500 on Sunday.

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

Miscellaneous:

The NASCAR Powerball Playoff returns for its third edition alongside the 2025 NASCAR season. This promotion offers lottery players a chance to win an exclusive trip to the 2025 NASCAR Championship Weekend and cash prizes up to $1 million. Four lottery players will win a VIP trip to Phoenix Raceway and have a chance to win $1 million in a special drawing televised live on NBC before the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race.

NASCAR is considering rotating the location of its championship race in the future. Chief Operating Officer Steve O'Donnell confirmed that a rotation is likely, as it would be beneficial for the sport and its fans. The rotation would exclude superspeedways and potentially road and street courses, focusing instead on short tracks and intermediates.

Martin's Famous Potato Rolls has joined Hyak Motorsports as a primary sponsor for Ricky Stenhouse Jr. at the February 2025 Atlanta race. The partnership aims to connect with the NASCAR community and promote Martin's products, with the No. 47 car featuring a bold and vibrant paint scheme.

NASCAR President Steve Phelps expressed optimism about adding a fourth manufacturer to the sport. He mentioned ongoing discussions with potential partners and acknowledged the challenges, such as the requirement for V-8 engines and the significant investment needed to enter NASCAR.

ThorSport Racing will field four champions at Daytona, making history as the first Truck Series team to do so. Matt Crafton, Ty Majeski, Ben Rhodes, and Johnny Sauter will represent the team, each bringing their own successes and experience to the race.

Hettinger Racing has entered the season-opening NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona with driver Mason Maggio. The 20-year-old racer will drive the No. 4 Tantillo Auto Group Chevrolet Silverado, marking Hettinger Racing's third Truck Series start. Maggio is excited about the opportunity and feels well-prepared after his previous experience at Talladega.

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

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

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