Jimmie Johnson Wins First Gatorade Duel; Papis, McDowell Earn Spot In Daytona 500

Jimmie Johnson won the first of two Gatorade Duel qualifying races on Thursday afternoon at Daytona, nipping Kevin Harvick at the line as fan favorite Michael Waltrip put himself in danger of missing the race.

Johnson, in his backup car, stayed out on the final pit stop and held off Harvick in what was the second-closest finish in Duel history.

“He drove masterfully out there,” said crew chief Chad Knaus, who made the call to stay out. “He was at a disadvantage to those other guys.”

Former Sprint Cup regular Michael McDowell and Italian driver Max Papis earned the two transfer spots into the Daytona 500 when Waltrip wrecked late in the race and Reed Sorenson made a mistake on pit road.

“I feel like I’ve already won the Daytona 500,” said a beaming McDowell, who is driving an unsponsored Toyota for Prism Motorsports with the No. 55 – Waltrip’s old number.

Papis, with his effusive personality, covered his face in disbelief then leaped in the air and clicked his heels while walking to the media center.

“When in the world does a guy who comes from an 800-person village in Northern Italy have a chance to run the 500?” Papis said. “Can you believe that?”

Papis said he drives each race like his life depends on it.

“I feel I’m an underdog every day,” Papis said. “Every lap I do, I feel like it’s the last time I’m going to drive a Cup car. It’s an every-day audition.”

Waltrip, trying to make what could potentially be his final Daytona 500 after 25 years, needs some help in the second Duel race in order to make the field. If not, he is set to go home without a last hurrah.

A disappointed Waltrip said outside the infield care center that he will not buy a ride for the Daytona 500 if he misses the race, as a matter of pride. He suddenly slowed on the track and Regan Smith got into the back of him, spinning him out.

“Just disappointing,” said Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 champ. “I’ve had the highest of highs here and the lowest of lows. This is really tough.”

The second Duel race is set to start within the hour. Waltrip can only make the race if Bobby Labonte or Scott Speed finish in one of the two transfer spots.