As usual, the modern Daytona 500 qualifying session wrapped up on Wednesday night with four distinct groups of winners gearing up for the iconic “Great American Race.”
The qualifying front-runners included Kyle Busch for Richard Childress Racing in car No. 8, Chase Briscoe representing Joe Gibbs Racing in car No. 19, Corey Heim from 23XI Racing in car No. 67, and Justin Allgaier driving for JR Motorsports in car No. 40. Busch and Briscoe secured the coveted front row, while Heim and Allgaier posted the quickest laps among the non-chartered teams. This setup means Corey LaJoie, Chandler Smith, and Casey Mears will vie for a spot in Qualifying Race 1, while Anthony Alfredo, BJ McLeod, and JJ Yeley will compete in Qualifying Race 2.
For Busch, this marks his 21st year chasing the elusive Daytona 500 trophy, a title missing from his impressive collection. Securing the pole position not only boosts his chances at this year’s race but also grants him a prize he’s never captured before. “That’s something we need to check off. After all these years, this is my chance. I’ve finished every possible position, so closing out 2026 with a win here would be incredible,” Busch shared.
When asked about the perennial question of whether this would be his breakout year at Daytona, Busch was clear: “We’re done talking about it, it’s time to deliver. There’s no better moment than now in 2026.” He emphasized that winning this race is about being “in the right place at the right time” and making smart decisions. “Imagine leading all 200 laps—though I’m not sure fuel strategy would allow that—but every driver has a shot, including us. We have to give it everything.”
This success also served as a huge morale boost for new crew chief Jim Pohlman, who was confident from the start that they could achieve this milestone. Team owner Richard Childress praised Pohlman’s integration into the team and their winter efforts, saying, “Seeing how Jim fits into our RCR family has been fantastic. Watching their hard work pay off makes me proud. Kyle, I need 500 of these poles.”
Chase Briscoe expressed pride about his back-to-back front-row qualifications, likening it to a streak many dream of having with Hendrick Motorsports. He credited improvements in Joe Gibbs Racing’s superspeedway program and emphasized the importance of attention to detail in qualifying. “Each week in this car, I feel like I’m in the best vehicle on the track. Leading the field for two years straight is a childhood dream come true,” Briscoe remarked.
Justin Allgaier and JR Motorsports celebrated qualifying again for the Daytona 500, though this year’s emotions felt steadier. After a breakthrough performance last season, Allgaier is now aiming to lead laps and become a dominant contender. Co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflected on the thrill of racing for a spot without a provisional exemption, admitting to some nerves but ultimately enjoying the unpredictable nature of the sport. “The anxiety makes success that much sweeter,” Earnhardt said. He likened this phase of his ownership to savoring an extra dessert—enjoying the perks of being back in the race from a different role.
Corey Heim, who struggled to qualify last year and suffered an injury then, knows the pressure of Daytona qualification intimately. This year, he felt the weight of expectation again but credited his team at 23XI Racing for providing excellent support and equipment. “After last year’s mistake, it’s been great to have their trust and backing. I’m excited to focus on the duels and see where we stand,” Heim stated.
This year’s qualifying results set the stage for an exciting Daytona 500, with established stars and rising talents battling for supremacy. The mix of veteran experience and youthful ambition highlights the evolving dynamics of NASCAR, promising compelling storylines as the season unfolds.
Fan Take: This update isn’t just about who won the pole; it signals a shift where emerging teams and drivers are challenging the traditional powerhouses, injecting fresh energy into NASCAR’s flagship event. For fans, it means a potentially unpredictable and thrilling Daytona 500 that could see new heroes rise and long-standing narratives reshaped.
