Budweiser Duel at Daytona 2014: Start time and TV schedule

This much we know: barring a mishap between now and when the green flag flies at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday afternoon, the No. 3 car will once again lead the pack across the start/finish line at the Daytona 500. Making its return to NASCAR’s highest level after a 13-year absence following the death of Dale Earnhardt at this very track, the No. 3, backed by owner Richard Childress and driven by Austin Dillon, qualified first on Sunday.

Dillon, and Martin Truex Jr., on the outside pole after qualifying second, know where they’ll be. The rest of the field is yet to be set. That happens for the first time under the lights Thursday night during the two Budweiser Duel races (television coverage begins at 7 p.m. on Fox Sports 1). The top 15 drivers from each of the duels will fill the next 30 positions at Daytona. The rest of the 43-car field will go to the four fastest drivers with the best qualifying times who failed to finish in the top 15 spots during the duels, six drivers based on owners points and one former Sprint Cup champion.

So who’s safely in besides Dillon and Truex? Based on either qualifying time or owners points, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards, Ryan Newman, Brad Keselowski, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Clint Bowler, Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart have earned spots Sunday, no matter how they finish.

That leaves some big names who’ll have to race their way in during the duels, including 2011 Daytona 500 champion Trevor Bayne, 2010 Daytona champ Jamie McMurray, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Kurt Busch (who may make the past champion spot), Kasey Kahne and Danica Patrick.

Logano, who was involved in a big crash on Wednesday and forced to a backup car, will have do even more work after being sent to the back of the pack in the second duel. Others forced to backup cars in the accident, including Parker Kligerman, who ended up upside down, Paul Menard, Ryan Truex and Dave Blaney, will also start at the back.

As for the No. 3, Dillon will start in the first race, but all he has to do is avoid any wrecks to maintain his spot on the pole Sunday. Truex will lead the field at the start of the second race.

Television coverage: 7 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

Green flags (approximately): 7:22 p.m. and 9 p.m.