Toyota had some slight concerns after the 2024 Daytona 500 single-lap qualifying session. Erik Jones was the highest Toyota driver in 22nd place, while Jimmie Johnson, who needed to qualify for the show, didn’t have enough speed. However, the typical “qualify bad and race good” mantra continued into 2024 with the new Toyota bodies.
[autotag]Tyler Reddick[/autotag] won the 60-lap shootout in the first qualifying duel, while Johnson secured a spot in the Daytona 500 on the final lap. It was a fun and dramatic ending, showing Toyota’s strength during the races. That carried over to the second qualifying duel after [autotag]Christopher Bell[/autotag] passed teammate Denny Hamlin on the final lap for the victory.
The last lap of Christopher Bell’s victory at the second Daytona 500 qualifying duel.pic.twitter.com/TKBUZovSic
— Austin Konenski (@AustinKonenski) February 16, 2024
After qualifying, people were concerned over Toyota’s speed, but the duels have given the manufacturer some optimism. The new bodies are still prepared for racing conditions, and based on Thursday night, the manufacturer might be the favorite. It was an excellent night to be a member of Toyota, and the hope for them is the speed translates to Sunday.
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