DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — In the opening practice session for the Daytona 500, Denny Hamlin topped a group of Toyota drivers, with the manufacturer securing five out of the six leading positions. This brief 50-minute session was the only opportunity for drivers to hit the track before tonight’s qualifying, which will determine the front row for “The Great American Race.”

Hamlin, who has triumphed in the Daytona 500 three times, represents Joe Gibbs Racing. He led the way ahead of his competitor Bubba Wallace, who drives for 23XI Racing, a team jointly owned by Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan. Ty Gibbs, another driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, secured the third position during the practice.

Chandler Smith, piloting a Ford for Front Row Motorsports, recorded the fourth-fastest time. It’s worth noting that 23XI and Front Row are engaged in a federal antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, contending that the organization operates as a monopoly. Following them in fifth place was John Hunter Nemechek, competing in a Toyota for the Jimmie Johnson-founded Legacy Motor Club. Riley Herbst, who has recently joined 23XI, finished sixth, rounding out the impressive showing for Toyota.

In seventh place was Daniel Suarez from Trackhouse Racing, marking the fastest time for any Chevrolet driver. Renowned racer Helio Castroneves, making his NASCAR debut at 49 years old, placed 12th on the leaderboard as he competes for Trackhouse Racing after a distinguished career with four Indianapolis 500 victories.

Notably, former Cup Series champions Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson found themselves in the 31st and 32nd positions, respectively. Both drivers are looking to qualify for the race, and there are nine competitors vying for the last four available spots. Jimmie Johnson, celebrated for being a seven-time NASCAR champion and a two-time Daytona 500 victor, faces pressure, as Truex has yet to secure a win at the 500 despite 20 attempts, although he was crowned Cup champion in 2017. Both competitors will be driving Toyotas during the race.