Logano on pole for NASCAR Daytona after lightning stops qualifying – NASCAR

Penske’s Joey Logano will start the NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona from pole position after persistent lightning led to the cancellation of qualifying.

The weather conditions at the track on Friday afternoon prevented NASCAR from completing the pre-qualifying inspection and forced the cancellation of qualifying.

The field for Saturday night’s race has been set by the ruling that the field is set by order of owner points, meaning Logano’s #22 Penske car will start from pole.

Kyle Busch (Joe Gibbs Racing) will start second and Logano’s team-mate, Brad Keselowski. will line up third. Stewart Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick starts fourth and Busch’s team-mate Martin Truex Jr is fifth.

Rounding out the top 10 positions is Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, Kurt Busch, Alex Bowman and Ryan Blaney.

Logano starts from pole for the second time this season after taking his first at Michigan on the way to victory there.

The Penske driver has performed well in the two superspeedway races this year, finishing fourth in the Daytona 500 and fourth at Talladega.

“We’re going to see a different race at Daytona than we saw in February,” said Logano’s crew chief, Todd Gordon.

“Obviously, the rules package is different and similar to Talladega, you are going to see guys with really big runs coming and you’ll see moves have to be made.

“I think blocking runs is going to be extremely difficult this weekend, and I think you will see cars coming and going through the pack just based on which line is moving at the time.

“I felt good about what we had at Talladega and I think we will be in a good spot for Saturday night.”

Starting grid