Logano secures victory in Daytona qualifying event; Mears earns position.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Joey Logano secured victory in the initial Daytona 500 qualifying race on Thursday night under caution, as a crash during overtime cost Corey LaJoie a chance to compete in “The Great American Race,” while granting Casey Mears a prized position in NASCAR’s season opener.

Logano, driving a Ford for Team Penske, maintained control of the race until a caution was issued due to a five-car collision with four laps to go. Austin Dillon received an excessive push from Chris Buescher, which resulted in him colliding with Bubba Wallace, causing Wallace to spin and leading to overtime at Daytona International Speedway.

Logano held the lead when the race resumed for the two-lap dash to the finish, with LaJoie positioned to secure the single available spot in the 41-car lineup. However, LaJoie was spun out on the final lap, narrowly avoiding contact with Mears, who missed him by just inches.

Source: espn.com