Elliott cruises to victory in second duel race at Daytona

Chase Elliott picked up his third win in a Daytona 500 qualifying race Thursday night in what was an uneventful and caution-free affair.

Elliott led nine laps in his No. 9 Chevrolet, including the last eight on his way to the win. He held off Carson Hocevar, Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson, Michael McDowell, and Christopher Bell. Josh Berry finished sixth, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. finished seventh.

Todd Gilliland, Ty Gibbs and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top 10.

“That was a great way to get the blood pumping, for sure, on a Thursday night,” Elliott said. “There was a lot going on ever since we came off pit road after the cycle. Man, we were getting after it. It was a lot of fun.

“I had some great support there. Carson did a great job helping me control those lanes and helping get Team Chevy to victory lane tonight. So, certainly, owe him an appreciation for sticking with it, and also pushing me well. It’s really easy to get people out of control. So, appreciate that. It’s nice to get the NAPA Chevy a win. Not a 500. I’ve been here before and not the other one, so you have to learn to take it a day at a time but a great way to start this Speedway for our team. I’m really proud of all the effort – everybody at Hendrick Motorsports, the boss, from top to bottom, their commitment and will to win is pretty darn high. I’m proud to be a part of their team and have a good night. I’m looking forward to Sunday.”

By way of his victory, Elliott will start in the second row, fourth position, in the Daytona 500. He is seeking his first win in the event in what will be his 11th start.

Anthony Alfredo and Beard Motorsports took the final spot in the Daytona 500. Alfredo finished 18th, which was one spot ahead of fellow Open driver BJ McLeod. However, Alfredo was able to manage a healthy gap over McLeod after the field cycled through its pit stop past the lap 45 mark.

“I definitely don’t love being in that position; making it on time is a lot easier,” Alfredo said. “But to do this for the third time is really cool because the first race I ever saw, I was sitting right there (pointing at the grandstands).

“My career has had a lot of ups and downs, and you never know when you’re going to get another shot to race on any Sunday, especially the Daytona 500, the Great American Race.”

Chase Briscoe led the most laps at 38. However, Briscoe qualified on the outside of the front row for the Daytona 500 and played the second half of the night safely, finishing 20th.