Wrecks and mechanical problems during the Duels caused a lineup shakeup that included one of the fastest cars in pole qualifying being forced to move to the rear of the field for the start of the race.
DAYTONA 500: Highlights from Duel races
A look at who won the Daytona 500 pole in 2021 and the official starting lineup for the race.
Who won the Daytona 500 pole for 2021?
Alex Bowman won the pole with a qualifying lap time of 47.056 seconds (190.261 mph). The pole was Bowman’s second in the Daytona 500; his first came in 2018. He has now qualified for the Daytona 500 front row four consecutive times (2018 through 2021).
Bowman’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron qualified second at 47.314 seconds (190.219 mph). The drivers’ 1-2 order is a reversal of how they qualified for the 2019 race, when Byron won the pole and Bowman qualified second.
Bowman’s No. 48 team will occupy the No. 1 pit stall for the race.
Daytona 500 2021 starting lineup
As noted previously, the starting positions in the chart below won’t correspond with the order in which the 40 cars will take the green flag on the track. For example, Byron’s car was damaged in a wreck in his Duel race. Byron’s No. 24 team was forced to go to a backup car Friday, which means Byron will drop to the rear of the field for the start of the race. He will still be credited with qualifying second.
At least six other drivers will move to rear with Byron: Brad Keselowski, Chase Briscoe, Kaz Grala, Anthony Alfredo, Cole Custer and Ross Chastain. More drivers could drop back prior to the race. For example, Bowman would have to go to the rear if his team changes engines in the 48 car before the 500. Bowman reported an issue with his engine during his Duel race.
