DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — In the opening practice session for the Daytona 500, Denny Hamlin showcased his prowess by leading a group of Toyota drivers, helping the automaker secure five of the top six positions. This 50-minute practice, which took place earlier today, is the only scheduled track time ahead of the qualifying rounds happening tonight, where the front row for the renowned “Great American Race” will be determined.
Hamlin, a three-time champion of the Daytona 500 and a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, outperformed his closest competitors, including Bubba Wallace, who is part of the 23XI team co-owned by Hamlin and basketball legend Michael Jordan. Ty Gibbs, another member of JGR, followed in third place.
Chandler Smith, piloting a Ford for Garage 66 and owned by Carl Long, clocked in fourth. Smith, who races for Front Row Motorsports in the Truck Series, is part of a coalition with 23XI challenging NASCAR through a federal antitrust case, alleging monopolistic behavior by the organization.
John Hunter Nemechek, representing the Jimmie Johnson-owned Legacy Motor Club in a Toyota, finished fifth, while Riley Herbst, the latest addition to the 23XI lineup, secured sixth place, contributing to Toyota’s excellent showing in practice.
Daniel Suarez was the quickest Chevrolet in seventh position. Making waves in his NASCAR debut at the age of 49, Helio Castroneves—who has previously won the Indianapolis 500 four times—secured the 12th spot for Trackhouse.
Former champions of the Cup series, Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson, found themselves in 31st and 32nd place, respectively. Both are working to qualify for the race, with nine drivers now competing for the last four positions in the lineup.
Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR champion and two-time Daytona 500 winner, faces a challenging task, while Truex, a seasoned driver with 20 appearances in the 500 but no wins, looks to change his fortunes this time around. Both of these experienced competitors are driving Toyota vehicles as they vie for a chance in the prestigious race.
