John Hunter Nemechek delivered an impressive performance with a fourth-place finish in the highly competitive Duel 1 on Thursday night at Daytona International Speedway. The 63-lap qualifying race showcased strong results for Toyota drivers, with Nemechek leading the way as the highest finisher among them. Fellow Toyota racers Bubba Wallace, Corey Heim, and Jimmie Johnson also made their mark, securing positions within the top 15—Wallace in 13th, Heim in 14th, and Johnson in 15th.
Notably, Heim earned a spot in the prestigious Daytona 500 during Wednesday night’s Cup Series qualifying session, bringing Toyota’s total to 11 Camrys that will compete in the main event on Sunday.
In the Duel 1, which spanned 150 miles, the finishing order for the Toyota drivers was as follows: Nemechek placed fourth, while Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Austin Dillon took the top three positions, which were occupied by non-Toyota drivers. The complete results showcased the competitiveness of the Toyota lineup across the board.
After the race, Nemechek expressed his excitement about the strong start to the season, highlighting the work of his crew. “Top five to start the year, and the car is clean,” he remarked. “I went on a ride with the Thunderbirds today and I felt like this race was way more nerve-wracking than flying with the Thunderbirds. Great group effort. Travis Mack and everyone brought a great Camry down here.” Nemechek noted the crucial moments during the race and emphasized the importance of starting in the top 10 for Sunday’s event.
With the Daytona 500 on the horizon, there is a sense of optimism among the Toyota team as they look to build on their performances. The support from sponsors like Dollar Tree and Pye-Barker adds to the excitement surrounding the upcoming race, as the drivers aim to make their mark on one of NASCAR’s most iconic stages.