Open Race Thread: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Gatorade Duel at Daytona | Daytona International Speedway

Updated: 1:05 p.m. EST - Question and answers from the pre-race drivers meeting.

Weather permitting...

For 10 drivers, Thursday is the most important day of their racing lives.

Today’s Gatordade Duel at Daytona will determine the Daytona fates of Kenny Wallace, Dave Blaney, Michael Waltrip, Bill Elliott, Joe Nemechek, J.J. Yeley, Mike Wallace, Robby Gordon, Robert Richardson Jr. and Michael McDowell.

Only four of the 10 will qualify for the Daytona 500.

The other 35 drivers are already locked in, headlined by Duel pole sitters Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle. Assuming both drivers will not go to a backup car, they will start the Daytona 500 on the front row regardless of where they finish.

Positions 3-43 are yet to be decided, laying the foundation for an exciting mix of drivers racing for their Daytona lives and those hoping to build momentum for Sunday’s Daytona 500.

For fans, Thursday is about maximizing your value. There are two races at a combined 350 miles, with the added bonus of big pack racing, and no event on the schedule holds more excitement or anticipation as the Gatorade Duel at Daytona.

Duel #2

Greg Biffle and Casey Mears will lead the field to the start of Gatorade Duel #2.

Much like teammate Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle will weigh the opportunity to test race conditions versus taking care of his car. The second Duel is traditionally a safer race, a fact not lost on Biffle’s team.

Three cars will go to the back of the pack -- Kasey Kahne, for going to a backup car. Bill Elliott and Clint Bowyer will go to the rear of the field for an engine change and failing post-qualifying tech respectively.

Duel #1

Carl Edwards and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will share the front row for the first duel. The Blue Ovals were fastest in single-car runs but have yet to prove they can win in the big Daytona packs. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been the fastest Chevrolet throughout Speedweeks. What a statement it would be if Earnhardt Jr. could win his Duel and stake an early claim on the Harley J. Earl Trophy.

Danica Patrick will also make her unofficial Sprint Cup debut in her first race for Tommy Baldwin Racing powered by Stewart-Hass. Patrick has proven herself capable of contending for plate race victories. But she hasn’t experienced anything quite like the big-pack she’ll find herself in today. She rolls off 17^th.

Go-or-go-homers in Duel 1 include: Mike Wallace, Robby Gordon, Michael McDowell, and Michael Waltrip.

Weather Permitting

Weather is a concern as a line of showers is passing just north of the track. The storm is projected to miss the speedway but it’s worth keeping an eye on. The projected forecast called for a 10% chance of rain.

The Gatorade Duel at Daytona is set to begin at 2 p.m. EST and will be broadcast live on Speed. See you in the comments section!