Casey Mears and BJ McLeod Clinch Final Daytona 500 Spots in Dramatic Duels

Thursday’s America 250 Florida Duels at Daytona delivered high-stakes drama and last-minute surprises, as Casey Mears and BJ McLeod claimed the final two Open positions for Sunday’s Daytona 500. Their hard-fought entries round out a 41-car field that also features Corey Heim of 23XI Racing and Justin Allgaier of JR Motorsports, who secured their starting positions during Wednesday night’s Busch Light Pole qualifying.

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, owner/driver of Legacy Motor Club, utilized an Open Exemption Provisional to earn the 31st starting spot. Meanwhile, Team Penske’s Joey Logano and Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott won Duel 1 and Duel 2, respectively.

For 47-year-old Mears, nephew of Indianapolis 500 legend Rick Mears, the night was nothing short of emotional. Driving the No. 66 Ford Dark Horse Mustang for Garage 66, a small team with just ten members, Mears executed a dramatic move on the final half lap of Duel 1 to finish eighth and secure his first Daytona 500 start since 2019.

“This is just one of those places where there are enough random things happen … and fortunately today, we were on the right side,” Mears said. Reflecting on his career, he added, “My career pretty much ended back in 2017-2018 … to come back and just have the opportunity to do this again is a big deal.”

Mears And McLeod Overcome Challenges and Rule Violations To Secure Daytona 500

Mears’ run to the Daytona 500 entry was not without challenges. At one point, a miscue coming to pit road left his car stuck in the grass, costing him a lap. He regained the lost ground during a later caution, which ultimately proved decisive. Meanwhile, Corey LaJoie, driving RFK Racing’s fourth car, had consistently run among the front-runners in Duel 1 and seemed poised to secure the transfer position.

However, on the final lap, LaJoie spun, collecting multiple cars in a chaotic melee while Mears maneuvered from the back of the field to claim the Daytona 500 spot. LaJoie described the finish as devastating: “Didn’t see it ending like this … at the end of the day, God’s so good, even in the valley.”

In Duel 2, BJ McLeod, 42, earned his Daytona 500 spot after finishing 19th in a caution-free race. His entry was confirmed following post-race inspection that found a rules violation on the 18th-place Beard Motorsports car driven by Anthony Alfredo. McLeod, owner/driver of the No. 78 Life Fast Motorsports Chevrolet, will make his sixth Daytona 500 start and first since 2023.

Post-race inspection revealed Alfredo’s car had a disconnected transmission transaxle cooling hose, a non-appealing violation as it occurred during a qualifying event rather than a race. NASCAR Cup Series Managing Director Moran explained that proper attachment is critical for safety and parity, noting, “We have many rules … no parts can fall off the car for obvious reasons.”

Mears And McLeod Showcase Superspeedway Drama While Daytona 500 Field Finalized

For Mears, Sunday’s Daytona 500 will mark his 495th career start, as he eyes the milestone of 500 starts this season. Mears indicated he will target superspeedways and road courses on the 2026 schedule to maximize his qualifying opportunities as an Open team. “I just can’t believe we’re sitting here right now … Thank God we were just in the right place at the right time and we were able to get it home,” Mears said.

Both Mears and McLeod exemplify the unpredictability of superspeedway racing, where strategy, timing, and a bit of luck can determine who qualifies for one of NASCAR’s crown jewels. Mears’ journey, in particular, stands out not just for the dramatic finish but for the context: a small team, limited resources, and a driver returning after several years away from the sport’s biggest stage. McLeod’s entry underscores the importance of adherence to rules, as a single technical violation altered the outcome of Duel 2.

With Joey Logano and Chase Elliott taking wins in their respective Duels and the final Open spots claimed, the Daytona 500 field is now complete. The thrilling conclusions highlight both the competitiveness of NASCAR’s top-tier series and the razor-thin margins that separate success from heartbreak. As teams prepare for Sunday’s 2:30 p.m. ET race broadcast on FOX and streaming via HBO Max, fans can anticipate high drama, unpredictable outcomes, and the return of seasoned drivers like Mears and McLeod to one of motorsport’s most iconic events.