MOTORSPORTS 101

Daytona- the word turns everyone's head as it is the race of races, the one every driver wants to get into and it began in earnest once again today, Sunday, February 19, with the time trials.

At the top of the list of interesting names are those who aren't assured of starting positions. This year that list consists of Trevor Bayne, Terry Lebonte, Michael Waltrip and Bill Elliot. All are former champions of the great American race. 

The defending champion, Bayne earned a position in the starting filed with the ninth fastest lap.

“It’s a lot of relief,” Bayne said after posting the ninth-fastest speed and tops among non-guaranteed drivers. “Now we’re back to the same position we were in last year."

Both two time champions. Waltrip and Elliot did not secure positions. Terry Labonte did not either, but he is guaranteed a starting position by virtue of being a past Sprint Cup champion. If he does qualify through the twin 125 qualifiers, then Elliot would receive the provisional starting position. Labonte gets the provisional position first because he is the most recent of the champions (1996).       

In addition to Bayne,Tony Raines and David Stremme locked themselves into the Daytona 500 based on speeds.

If any of those drivers make it into the 500 through the qualifiers then Kenny Wallace, Dave Blaney and Waltrip are next on the list of qualifying through speed.

The top 15 drivers in each of the qualifying races earn automatic positions in the 500, then remaining positions, 13, are determined according to speed and then provisionals.

I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, but I’ve been able to accomplish it with some major, extreme circumstances,” Waltrip said. “[In] ’07 in a car that I had never practiced, ’10 when I had to sit there and hope that somebody got me in because I had a crash.

“Last year, [I was] finishing second or third up front. I’ve experienced every emotion except missing it and I don’t want to experience that.”

Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle won the pole for the two qualifiers. As a result they will also start in the front ro for the Daytona 500, regardles of where they finish in the qualifiers.  

Six drivers must race their way in – Joe Nemechek, Michael McDowell, Mike Wallace, Robert Richardson Jr., Robby Gordon and JJ Yeley. Elliott must race his way in or get the past champion’s provisional.

The results are posted on wolrdmotorsports101.com.

The twin 125 qualifiers will take place this Thursday, February 21. the Daytona 500 will take place Sunday, February 26. 

Related Videos

Related posts

• Twin 125 Qualifiers’ Starting Lineups/ Field Set Today
• Richard Childress Racing and Elliot Sadler is One More One-Race Combination for Daytona 500
• Bill Elliot Will Be Back on the Horse as NEMCO Sports Puts the Former Series and Daytona 500 Championship Behind the Wheel of His Car
• Michael Waltrip Will Vie for Third Daytona 500 Championship in Hillman/Falk Car
• Trevor Bayne Will Remain Behind Wheel of Wood Brothers No. 21 Entry