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The Duel at Daytona

Qualifying auto races to the Daytona 500

Summary

Qualifying auto races to the Daytona 500

FieldValue
Race titleAmerica 250 Florida Duel at Daytona
Series longNASCAR Cup Series
LogoFile:The Duel at Daytona logo.png
Track map[[File:Daytona International Speedway 2024.svg200px]]
VenueDaytona International Speedway
LocationDaytona Beach, Florida, United States
First race1959
Distance150 miles (241.401 km)
Laps60
SponsorFlorida Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial
Previous names100 Mile Qualifying Races (1959–1967)
125 Mile Qualifying Races (1969–1980)
UNO Twin 125 Qualifiers (1981–1984)
7-Eleven Twin 125's (1985–1987)
Twin 125 Qualifiers (1988–1990)
Gatorade Twin 125 Qualifiers (1991–1993)
Gatorade Twin 125's (1994–1996)
Gatorade 125's (1997–2004)
Gatorade Duel (2005–2012)
Budweiser Duel (2013–2015)
Can-Am Duel (2016–2018)
Gander RV Duel (2019)
Bluegreen Vacations Duel (2020–2024)
The Duel at Daytona (2025)
Most wins driverDale Earnhardt (12)
Most wins teamHendrick Motorsports
Richard Childress Racing (16)
Most wins manufacturerChevrolet (53)
SurfaceAsphalt
Length mi2.5
Turns4

125 Mile Qualifying Races (1969–1980) UNO Twin 125 Qualifiers (1981–1984) 7-Eleven Twin 125's (1985–1987) Twin 125 Qualifiers (1988–1990) Gatorade Twin 125 Qualifiers (1991–1993) Gatorade Twin 125's (1994–1996) Gatorade 125's (1997–2004) Gatorade Duel (2005–2012) Budweiser Duel (2013–2015) Can-Am Duel (2016–2018) Gander RV Duel (2019) Bluegreen Vacations Duel (2020–2024) The Duel at Daytona (2025) Richard Childress Racing (16) The Duel at Daytona, formerly known as the Twin 125s and currently known as the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona for sponsorship reasons, is a NASCAR Cup Series preliminary event to the Daytona 500 held annually in February at Daytona International Speedway. It consists of two 150 mi races, which both serve as a qualifying race for the Daytona 500. The finishing order in the two 150 mi races, held on the Thursday before the Daytona 500, determine the starting lineup for the Daytona 500 held on race day.

Qualifying for the Daytona 500 is unique in NASCAR. Only the two front row starters (the pole and "outside pole") are determined by the standard knockout qualifying system. For all other drivers it only determines their starting position in their Duel, with odd placed cars being entered into the first Duel and even placed cars going in the second. After the Top 2 positions are locked in, the next 30 places of starting grid of the Daytona 500 is set by the finishing order of these two races with the top 15 (excluding pole winner and outside pole) making up the next 15 places on the inside and outside lanes respectively. After the Duels are completed the four fastest non-qualifiers by time and finally the six or seven (if no past champion's exemption is needed) highest-earning teams in points (from the previous season's standings) not in the race yet advance (also set by time), and the starting grid for the Daytona 500 would then be set. The order is still subject to change if technical regulations are violated.

History

The event began as twin 100-mile (40-lap) races. From 1959 to 1971, the races were counted with points towards the Grand National championship. Purses awarded were counted separately from those awarded in the Daytona 500. For 1968, the races were scheduled for 125 mi each, but were cancelled due to rain, and the starting lineup for the 1968 Daytona 500 fell back on the timed laps. In 1969, the races were extended again to 125 miles (50 laps). Lengthening the races added the need for a pit stop, increasing the complexity and excitement of the races.

For 1972, NASCAR's modern era commenced, so races were required to be at least 250 mi to be included as official points events. The Daytona qualifying races continued, however, as a non-points event. ABC first aired the races in 1971 as part of Wide World of Sports highlights show. CBS took over in 1979, showing the races tape-delayed and edited the day before the Daytona 500.

With the introduction of restrictor plates in 1988, the resulting reduction in speed and fuel consumption again allowed drivers to possibly complete the race without a pit stop. Nine times from 1988 to 2004, one of the races went without a caution, and without a pit stop by the winner. In 2003, rules had been put in place requiring smaller fuel tanks on restrictor plate tracks (from 22 usgal down to 13 usgal), which effectively forced a pit stop once again.

Starting in 2001, the races were shown live on television, as the Daytona 500 would rotate between FOX/FX and NBC/TNT from 2001 to 2006.

In 2005, the races were lengthened to 150 miles (60-laps), given a new name, the Gatorade Duel, and from 2005 to 2012, used NASCAR's All-Exempt Tour format (similar to golf, but better known within NASCAR circles as the "top 35 rule"). The grids changed from even-odd qualifiers to a combination of even-odd based on the front row drivers by speed, then previous year's points standings (even-odd) of exempt and non-exempt teams by speed. A rain delay in 2006 saw the second race finish under the lights.

Starting in 2007, the Gatorade Duel would be shown live on Speed under the new broadcast agreement. That same year, allegations of cheating involving Michael Waltrip Racing came up.

In 2013, Budweiser, previously the sponsor of the Budweiser Shootout, switched their Speedweeks title sponsorship to the Duel races, replacing Gatorade.

During Speedweeks 2013, Daytona International Speedway announced that the qualifying races would be held in prime-time and under stadium lighting on the Thursday before the Daytona 500 beginning in 2014, the races' debut on Fox Sports 1.

From 2016 to 2018, the races were renamed the Can-Am Duel after new title sponsor Bombardier Recreational Products' range of Can-Am All-terrain vehicles.

Beginning in 2017, the Duels became a points event once again in with the unveiling of a new race format. Under the new format still in use as of 2024 the race awards regular season points for the top ten drivers in each duel with 10 points being awarded to the winners and finishers in 2nd to 10th place earning 9 points to 1 point in increments of one point per position.

In 2026, the Duels would be known as the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona. America 250 Florida is the campaign of the Florida Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, a committee established by an executive order from Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis to plan events in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States in the state of Florida.

Format

  • Busch Pole qualifying is currently held the week of the Daytona 500. Since 2021, it has been held the Wednesday of the race week. Prior to that, it was held the Sunday before (except in 2010, when qualifying was held on Saturday to avoid conflict with Super Bowl XLIV) starting from 2003, the Saturday before until 2002 (except for 1992), and the Wednesday before prior to the 1980s. Standard three-round knockout qualifying procedures are used for restrictor plate tracks. The fastest qualifier in the third round wins the pole position for the Daytona 500, and second fastest in the third round is considered the second starting position, also known as the "outside pole". Both front row starters are locked into those positions on the Daytona 500 starting grid.
  • The two fastest qualifiers above (the Daytona 500 pole winner and the "outside pole" winner) are awarded the first starting position on the grid for each of the two Duel races, respectively.
  • Drivers who qualify in odd-numbered positions in Q3 start in the first Duel, while those who qualify in even-numbered ones in that round start in the second Duel. This fills positions 1–6 in each Duel.
  • The 12 drivers eliminated after Q2 have their Q2 times determine their starting position. The fastest driver eliminated in Q2, based on Q2 times only, starts 7th in the first Duel, while the second-fastest driver in Q2 starts in that position in the second one and based on position of elimination from Q2, they start in the first (odd) or second (even) numbered positions.
  • Drivers eliminated after Q1 will have Q1 times determine their starting position. The fastest driver eliminated in Q1 starts 13th in the first Duel, while the second-fastest driver eliminated in Q1 starts in there in the second one.

Pre-charter format (except 2005–12)

  • The Top 15 (14 until 2004) finishers in each Twin 125 race (excluding the two original front row qualifiers) advanced to the Daytona 500 starting lineup.
    • The Top 15 (14 until 2004) from the first race (excluding the original pole position winner) filled the inside portions of rows 2 through 16 (15 until 2004).
    • The Top 15 (14 until 2004) from the second race (excluding the original outside pole winner) filled the outside portions of rows 2 through 16 (15 until 2004).
  • After both races, the remaining non-qualifiers revert to their original qualifying speeds. Until NASCAR imposed the charter system in 2016, the four fastest remaining cars were assigned positions 33–36. This format has been in place from 1998 to 2003 and 2013 to 2015. This rule was to generally protect fast qualifying cars that suffered a crash or engine failure during the heats.
    • In 2015 with knockout qualifying, a driver's qualifying speed is based on his fastest, regardless of it taking place in Q1, Q2, or Q3.
    • For 1998–2003, qualifying speeds filled positions 31–36.
    • For 1995–1997 and 2004, qualifying speeds filled positions 31–38.
    • Through 1994, qualifying speeds filled positions 31–40.
  • The final starting positions (37-42) were reserved for provisionals. The highest entries in championship owner points (not driver points) from the previous season that have not yet made the field are assigned grid positions 37–42.
    • Prior to 1995, the provisional system varies, with typically two cars added.
    • From 1995 to 1997, four provisionals were used.
    • From 1998 to 2003, seven provisionals were used.
    • In 2004, five provisionals were used.
    • Provisionals are assigned by owner points from the previous season.
  • Since 1990, the 43rd and final spot on the grid were tentatively reserved for the most recent NASCAR Cup champion not yet in the field. The "Champions Provisional" is used if needed, but if there are no former Cup champions in need of the slot, it reverts to a standard provisional spot. (This provisional was abolished with the charter system in 2016.)
  • Since 2013, after the seven provisionals are assigned, the starting order of positions 37 through 40 is determined by fastest qualifying speeds. Under the current charter system, the rule is in effect, but only for positions 39 and 40, for open (non-chartered) cars.

All Exempt Tour Format/"Top 35 Rule" (2005–2012)

Between the 2005 and 2012 seasons, the Duel used different rules because of NASCAR's All Exempt Tour format (better known as the "top 35 rule") used at the time for the NASCAR Cup Series.

  • All exempt teams (the previous season's Top 35 teams through owner points), along with the two drivers who qualified for the front row – the top two drivers from qualifying (if they are not exempt teams) are locked into the Daytona 500 starting field, regardless of finishing position in the Duel races.
  • The pole position winner is given the pole for the first Duel, and the driver who qualifies second is given the pole for the second Duel; regardless of their exempt status.
  • Exempt teams (excluding the pole and "outside pole" winners) are split among the two Duels based on their owner points position from the previous season. Odd-numbered points positions are entered into the first Duel and even-numbered points positions are entered into the second Duel.
    • If both teams on the front row in the Daytona 500 are even-positioned teams from the previous year's points (and would be in Duel 2), the slowest exempt team of the odd-positioned teams, based on the final points standings from the previous year, is moved to Duel 2. This was used in the 2012 Duels.
  • Non-exempt entries are split between the two qualifying races. The top qualifier among non-exempt teams provided the team is not on the front row is slotted into the second race (along with even ranked non-exempt qualifiers) are split into the second race, and even ranked qualifiers are in the first race (as if they were called 36th and 37th, et al.), unless both front row starters were odd or even teams from the previous year, or if one of the two non-exempt teams makes the front row.
  • After the participants are determined for the two Duels, the actual lineups for the two Duels revert to overall time trial speed rank.
  • The Top 2 finishers among the non-exempt teams (excluding any that happened to qualify on the front row) from each Duel advance to the Daytona 500.
  • Starting positions 3-39 are finalized by Duel finishes. Drivers from the first Duel start on the inside and drivers from the second Duel start on the outside.
    • Starting positions 3-40 (or 41) are finalized in this manner if one (or both) front row starter is a non-exempt team.
  • One to four additional positions are filled by non-exempt entries by original time trial speeds.
    • If both front row starters are non-exempt teams, only one position is available. If the 43rd position is not needed, two positions are available.
    • If one front row starters is a non-exempt team, two (or three) positions are available.
    • If both front row starters are exempt teams, three (or four) positions are available. This brings the field to 42 cars.
  • If there is a former NASCAR Cup Series champion driver who raced in the previous season racing for a non-exempt team and has yet to qualify, the most recent former champion not in the field yet takes the 43rd position. It is not unusual for a non-exempt team to seek out a former champion as their driver, as it provides an easier way to qualify. Otherwise, an extra position by time is available.

Charter-era format

Under the current charter system, because all chartered entries are guaranteed entry to every race of a season:

  • All finishers driving for chartered teams in each Duel (excluding the two original front row qualifiers) advanced to the Daytona 500 starting lineup; the first race determines the starting position of the inside row and the second determines the outside row.
  • The highest-placed "open" entry (entering the race without a charter) of each duel race will advance, based on their finishing position (for a total of two cars each). This also determines their starting position.
  • Two fastest non-chartered drivers that advanced based on qualifying speeds alone will start on the last row of the Daytona 500, for a total of four non-chartered cars (NASCAR reduced the starting grid from 43 to 40 with the introduction of the system).
    • If the "open" driver that was the top unchartered entry in the duel race was also the fastest non-chartered driver in the time trials, the fastest "open" driver not locked-in that way will advance on their qualifying time alone. Otherwise, their time would be used as a fallback for them to start on the last row of the event.
  • For 2025, should an Open Exemption Provisional (OEP) entry was not the top "open" driver in either time trials or their duel, they will also advance to the race as the 41st car on the grid (assuming 40 cars on the final grid). However, if the OEP entry was the fastest in either time trials or was the top finishing unchartered entry in their race, they will qualify normally as the 40th entry; no non-OEP car will enter as the 41st car in that case. Starting from 2026 Daytona 500, should the OEP entry was the fastest time trial qualifier or the top finishing open car in their duel, the second and third fastest open cars from the OEP competitor's duel will also qualify, to ensure a 41-car race.

The arrangement of the Duels under the charter system notably cost Ty Dillon a starting spot in 2021 when Ryan Preece beat him during the Duels as Dillon, despite still finishing in the top-10, did not have a fast enough qualifying time compared to his non-chartered peers.

Early years

  • In the early years of the Daytona 500, the rules for the qualifying races varied widely. In 1959, the first race comprised the Convertible series, while the second comprised the Grand National series. The Top 20 finishers in each race advanced to the Daytona 500, while a last-chance, 25 mi consolation race was held on Saturday, to fill the field to a maximum of 65 cars.
  • In early years, the qualifying races were held on the Friday prior to the Daytona 500, rather than the current Thursday.
  • On rare occasions, a 75-mile "consolation race" was also held.
  • In some early years, pole qualifying for the Daytona 500 was held on Wednesday, the day before the qualifying races. It was eventually moved up to the weekend before, and returned to Wednesday in 2021.
  • Typically, until 2014, the faster of two laps in single-car qualifying determined starting positions for the Duels and the front row for the 500.

Notes

  • In 2010, Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne had a combined victory margin of .019 over second place drivers Kevin Harvick and Tony Stewart.
  • Dale Earnhardt set a record by winning one of the Twin 125 races for ten consecutive years, twelve times overall, as well as six Bud Shootouts, before winning the 1998 Daytona 500.
  • Jeff Gordon won a Twin 125 in 1993, his rookie season. It marked his first win in a NASCAR Winston Cup event, however, it did not count as an official points-paying victory. Jeff would go on to finish 5th in that year's Daytona 500. He did not win an official points race until the 1994 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte.
  • In 2007 Jeff Gordon won the race, but failed the post race inspection. He then "earned" the lowest Daytona 500 starting spot for a race winner, starting in 42nd place, but he was still credited with the victory.
  • Since the race became a non-championship heat race in 1971, two drivers who did not win a Cup race, Coo Coo Marlin and Mike Skinner, have won the race.
  • Four drivers have been killed in qualifying races. Talmadge "Tab" Prince was killed in 1970, Raymond "Friday" Hassler in 1972, Ricky Knotts in 1980 and Bruce Jacobi in 1983 (although he was in a coma for four years before dying in 1987).
  • Denny Hamlin won the second Gatorade Duel on February 14, 2008, making him the first ever Toyota driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race.
  • A driver each from Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing won the Duel races from 2007 to 2009.
  • Randy LaJoie suffered a horrific crash in the 1984 UNO Twin 125 event when he spun out of turn 4, got airborne and slammed hard into the wall, then performed two backflips and a barrel roll, in an identical position as Ricky Rudd's Busch Clash accident days earlier. A rash of Turn 4 incidents (including Darrell Waltrip's crash in the same area that resulted in a concussion that would have suspended him from competition immediately under current NASCAR rules during the previous year's Daytona 500) resulted in the grass apron graded and paved over for the Firecracker 400 that July.
  • Oddly, despite Richard Petty's wins at Daytona in championship competition, none of his official 200 wins included a qualifying race (1959–71).
  • 2000 was Bill Elliott's only win as an owner/driver.

Past winners

YearDateNo.DriverTeamManufacturerRace DistanceRace TimeAverage Speed
(mph)ReportRefLapsMiles (km)
1959February 2049Bob WelbornChevrolet40100 (160.934)0:41:54143.198Report
99Shorty RollinsFord40100 (160.934)0:46:26129.218
February 2147Jack SmithJack SmithChevrolet1025 (40.233)0:10:37141.28
1960February 1322Fireball RobertsJohn HinesPontiac40100 (160.934)0:45:32137.614Report
47Jack SmithJack SmithPontiac40100 (160.934)0:40:57146.52
26Curtis TurnerHolman-MoodyFord1025 (40.233)0:18:22144.694
1961February 2422Fireball RobertsSmokey YunickPontiac39*97.5 (156.911)0:45:06129.711Report
8Joe WeatherlyBud Moore EngineeringPontiac40100 (160.934)0:39:16152.671
27Junior JohnsonPontiac1025 (40.233)0:10:04149.006
1962February 1622Fireball RobertsJim StephensPontiac40100 (160.934)0:38:13156.999Report
8Joe WeatherlyBud Moore EngineeringPontiac40100 (160.934)0:41:16145.395
72Bobby JohnsPontiac1025 (40.233)0:09:53151.556
1963February 223Junior JohnsonRay FoxChevrolet40100 (160.934)0:36:34164.083Report
13Johnny RutherfordSmokey YunickChevrolet40100 (160.934)0:36:49162.969
February 2371Bubba FarrW. M. HarrisonChevrolet2050 (80.467)
1964February 213Junior JohnsonRay FoxDodge40100 (160.934)0:35:08170.777Report
26Bobby IsaacRay NichelsDodge40100 (160.934)0:35:20169.811
1965February 1216Darel DieringerBud Moore EngineeringMercury40100 (160.934)0:36:13165.669Report
27Junior JohnsonJunior Johnson & AssociatesFord40100 (160.934)0:54:01111.076
1966February 2599Paul GoldsmithRay NichelsPlymouth40100 (160.934)0:37:24160.427Report
3Earl BalmerRay FoxDodge40100 (160.934)0:39:01153.191
1967February 2412LeeRoy YarbroughJon ThorneDodge40100 (160.934)0:36:36163.934Report
28Fred LorenzenHolman-MoodyFord40100 (160.934)0:34:22174.587
1968February 22Races cancelled because of rain.
1969February 2017David PearsonHolman-MoodyFord50125 (201.168)0:49:16152.181Report
71Bobby IsaacNord KrauskopfDodge50125 (201.168)0:49:27151.688
1970February 1921Cale YarboroughWood Brothers RacingMercury50125 (201.168)0:40:48183.295Report
99Charlie GlotzbachRay NichelsDodge50125 (201.168)0:50:46147.734
1971February 116Pete HamiltonCotton OwensPlymouth50125 (201.168)0:42:51175.029Report
17David PearsonHolman-MoodyMercury50125 (201.168)0:44:27168.728
1972February 1771Bobby IsaacNord KrauskopfDodge50125 (201.168)0:59:00127.118Report
12Bobby AllisonRichard HowardChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:48:45178.217
1973February 1571Buddy BakerNord KrauskopfDodge50125 (201.168)0:43:12173.611Report
14Coo Coo MarlinH.B. CunninghamChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:47:43157.177
1974February 1427Bobby IsaacBanjo MatthewsChevrolet45*112.5 (181.051)0:54:27123.212Report
11Cale YarboroughRichard HowardChevrolet45*112.5 (181.051)0:52:03129.724
1975February 1316Bobby AllisonPenske RacingMatador50125 (201.168)0:47:52156.685Report
21David PearsonWood Brothers RacingMercury50125 (201.168)0:47:47156.958
1976February 1271Dave MarcisNord KrauskopfDodge50125 (201.168)1:02:47119.458Report
88Darrell WaltripDiGard MotorsportsChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:48:00156.25
1977February 1743Richard PettyPetty EnterprisesDodge50125 (201.168)0:41:42179.856Report
11Cale YarboroughJunior Johnson & AssociatesChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:43:45171.429
1978February 1651A. J. FoytA. J. FoytBuick50125 (201.168)1:00:58123.018Report
88Darrell WaltripDiGard MotorsportsChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:44:12169.683
1979February 1528Buddy BakerRanier-LundyOldsmobile50125 (201.168)0:44:45167.598Report
88Darrell WaltripDiGard MotorsportsOldsmobile50125 (201.168)0:49:01153.009
1980February 1421Neil BonnettWood Brothers RacingMercury50125 (201.168)0:54:15138.25Report
1Donnie AllisonHoss EllingtonOldsmobile50125 (201.168)0:45:20165.441
1981February 1228Bobby AllisonRanier-LundyPontiac50125 (201.168)0:49:36150.125Report
11Darrell WaltripJunior Johnson & AssociatesBuick50125 (201.168)0:49:03152.905
February 1366Lake SpeedSpeed RacingOldsmobile3075 (120.7)0:31:12144.231
1982February 1127Cale YarboroughM.C. AndersonBuick50125 (201.168)0:55:26135.298Report
1Buddy BakerHoss EllingtonBuick50125 (201.168)0:51:54144.509
February 1229Tim RichmondBillie HarveyFord3075 (120.7)0:31:17143.847
1983February 1715Dale EarnhardtBud Moore EngineeringFord50125 (201.168)0:48:28157.746Report
75Neil BonnettRahMoc EnterprisesChevrolet50125 (201.168)1:01:23122.183
February 1839Blackie WangerinWangerin RacingFord3075 (120.7)0:31:57140.845
1984February 1628Cale YarboroughRanier-LundyChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:57:56129.459Report
22Bobby AllisonDiGard MotorsportsBuick50125 (201.168)0:53:44139.578
February 1737Connie SaylorLain RacingPontiac3075 (120.7)0:35:22127.238
1985February 149Bill ElliottMelling RacingFord50125 (201.168)0:41:43179.784Report
28Cale YarboroughRanier-LundyFord50125 (201.168)0:48:16155.387
February 1507Randy LaJoieSnellman BrothersChevrolet3075 (120.7)0:23:46189.341
1986February 139Bill ElliottMelling RacingFord50125 (201.168)0:48:49153.636Report
3Dale EarnhardtRichard Childress RacingChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:48:56153.27
1987February 1290Ken SchraderDonlavey RacingFord50125 (201.168)0:57:31130.397Report
35Benny ParsonsHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:41:02182.778
1988February 1112Bobby AllisonStavola Brothers RacingBuick50125 (201.168)0:57:16130.966Report
17Darrell WaltripHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:56:01133.889
1989February 1625Ken SchraderHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:50:57147.203Report
11Terry LabonteJunior Johnson & AssociatesFord50125 (201.168)0:39:34189.554
1990February 1511Geoffrey BodineJunior Johnson & AssociatesFord50125 (201.168)0:40:05187.11Report
3Dale EarnhardtRichard Childress RacingChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:47:42157.123
1991February 1428Davey AllisonRobert Yates RacingFord50125 (201.168)0:45:21165.38Report
3Dale EarnhardtRichard Childress RacingChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:47:50156.794
1992February 133Dale EarnhardtRichard Childress RacingChevrolet50125 (201.168)1:04:25116.43Report
11Bill ElliottJunior Johnson & AssociatesFord50125 (201.168)0:44:10169.811
1993February 1124Jeff GordonHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:48:56153.27Report
3Dale EarnhardtRichard Childress RacingChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:47:41157.288
1994February 1728Ernie IrvanRobert Yates RacingFord50125 (201.168)0:47:59156.304Report
3Dale EarnhardtRichard Childress RacingChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:51:06146.771
1995February 164Sterling MarlinMorgan–McClure MotorsportsChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:49:59150.05Report
3Dale EarnhardtRichard Childress RacingChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:56:52131.887
1996February 153Dale EarnhardtRichard Childress RacingChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:52:26143.039Report
28Ernie IrvanRobert Yates RacingFord50125 (201.168)0:40:19186.027
1997February 1388Dale JarrettRobert Yates RacingFord50125 (201.168)0:45:09166.113Report
3Dale EarnhardtRichard Childress RacingChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:46:05162.749
1998February 1240Sterling MarlinSABCO RacingChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:53:36139.925Report
3Dale EarnhardtRichard Childress RacingChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:50:57147.203
1999February 1118Bobby LabonteJoe Gibbs RacingPontiac50125 (201.168)0:45:52163.57Report
3Dale EarnhardtRichard Childress RacingChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:48:16155.28
2000February 1794Bill ElliottBill Elliott RacingFord50125 (201.168)0:39:44188.758Report
28Ricky RuddRobert Yates RacingFord50125 (201.168)0:39:53188.048
2001February 1540Sterling MarlinChip Ganassi RacingDodge50125 (201.168)0:50:51147.493Report
31Mike SkinnerRichard Childress RacingChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:46:12162.338
2002February 1424Jeff GordonHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:40:50183.674Report
15Michael WaltripDale Earnhardt, Inc.Chevrolet50125 (201.168)0:56:50131.965
2003February 1331Robby GordonRichard Childress RacingChevrolet50125 (201.168)0:41:24181.14Report
8Dale Earnhardt Jr.Dale Earnhardt, Inc.Chevrolet50125 (201.168)0:41:28180.845
2004February 128Dale Earnhardt Jr.Dale Earnhardt, Inc.Chevrolet50125 (201.168)0:48:03156.087Report
38Elliott SadlerRobert Yates RacingFord50125 (201.168)0:41:08182.334
2005February 1715Michael WaltripDale Earnhardt, Inc.Chevrolet60150 (241.401)1:04:05140.422Report
20Tony StewartJoe Gibbs RacingChevrolet60150 (241.401)1:00:02145.161
2006February 1638Elliott SadlerRobert Yates RacingFord64*160 (257.495)1:08:16140.625Report
24Jeff GordonHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet64*160 (257.495)1:05:32146.49
2007February 1520Tony StewartJoe Gibbs RacingChevrolet63*157.5 (253.471)1:23:16113.491Report
24Jeff GordonHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet60150 (241.401)0:58:05154.95
2008February 1488Dale Earnhardt Jr.Hendrick MotorsportsChevrolet60150 (241.401)0:59:00160.81Report
11Denny HamlinJoe Gibbs RacingToyota64*160 (257.495)1:14:45128.428
2009February 1224Jeff GordonHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet60150 (241.401)1:04:32139.436Report
18Kyle BuschJoe Gibbs RacingToyota60150 (241.401)0:57:14157.251
2010February 1148Jimmie JohnsonHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet60150 (241.401)1:01:27146.461Report
9Kasey KahneRichard Petty MotorsportsFord60150 (241.401)0:51:32174.644
2011February 1722Kurt BuschPenske RacingDodge62*155 (249.448)0:58:12159.794Report
31Jeff BurtonRichard Childress RacingChevrolet60150 (241.401)1:05:54136.571
2012February 2314Tony StewartStewart–Haas RacingChevrolet60150 (241.401)0:56:34159.104Report
17Matt KensethRoush Fenway RacingFord60150 (241.401)0:46:23194.175
2013February 2129Kevin HarvickRichard Childress RacingChevrolet60150 (241.401)0:50:46177.282Report
18Kyle BuschJoe Gibbs RacingToyota60150 (241.401)0:46:24193.966
2014February 2020Matt KensethJoe Gibbs RacingToyota60150 (241.401)0:46:49192.259Report
11Denny HamlinJoe Gibbs RacingToyota60150 (241.401)1:02:43140.651
2015February 1988Dale Earnhardt Jr.Hendrick MotorsportsChevrolet60150 (241.401)1:02:18144.462Report
48Jimmie JohnsonHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet64*160 (257.495)1:06:20144.724
2016February 1888Dale Earnhardt Jr.Hendrick MotorsportsChevrolet60150 (251.401)0:52:06172.899Report
18Kyle BuschJoe Gibbs RacingToyota60150 (251.401)0:46:54191.898
2017February 2324Chase ElliottHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet60150 (251.401)0:56:13160.095Report
11Denny HamlinJoe Gibbs RacingToyota60150 (251.401)0:57:20156.977
2018February 1512Ryan BlaneyTeam PenskeFord63*157.5 (253.471)1:08:25138.124Report
9Chase ElliottHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet60150 (251.401)0:49:29181.879
2019February 144Kevin HarvickStewart–Haas RacingFord60150 (251.401)0:50:38177.749Report
22Joey LoganoTeam PenskeFord60150 (251.401)0:46:36193.133
2020February 1322Joey LoganoTeam PenskeFord60150 (251.401)0:54:09166.105Report
24William ByronHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet60150 (251.401)0:52:38170.994
2021February 1110Aric AlmirolaStewart–Haas RacingFord60150 (251.401)0:46:53191.966Report
3Austin DillonRichard Childress RacingChevrolet63*157.5 (253.471)0:59:47158.071
2022February 176Brad KeselowskiRFK RacingFord60150 (251.401)0:48:36185.185Report
17Chris BuescherRFK RacingFord60150 (251.401)0:48:24185.98
2023February 1622Joey LoganoTeam PenskeFord60150 (251.401)0:47:55187.63Report
10Aric AlmirolaStewart–Haas RacingFord60150 (251.401)0:59:15151.813
2024February 1545Tyler Reddick23XI RacingToyota60150 (251.401)0:53:35167.963Report
20Christopher BellJoe Gibbs RacingToyota60150 (251.401)0:55:51161.146
2025February 1323Bubba Wallace23XI RacingToyota60150 (251.401)1:08:45130.909Report
2Austin CindricTeam PenskeFord60150 (251.401)0:55:41161.628
2026February 12Report

Race notes

  • 1961: First race was shortened due to crash.
  • 1974: Both races were shortened due to energy crisis (10% shorter).
  • 2006: Both races were extended due to a green–white–checkered finish.
  • 2007, 2011 and 2018: First race was extended due to a NASCAR overtime.
  • 2008, 2015 and 2021: Second race was extended due to a NASCAR overtime.
  • 2017: Was the first time that points were on the line in Modern era (1972–present).
  • 2021: Second race was delayed 3 hours for rain, finished early Friday morning.
  • 2025: Erik Jones crossed the second duel's finish line first, but due to a very late caution being called just before he passed Cindric, the latter was ruled to be the winner as he was determined to be the leader at the time of caution.

Multiple winners (drivers)

WinsDriverYears won1265432
Dale Earnhardt1983, 1986, 1990–99
Cale Yarborough1970, 1974, 1977, 1982, 1984, 1985
Bobby Allison1972, 1975, 1981, 1984, 1988
Darrell Waltrip1976, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1988
Jeff Gordon1993, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2009
Dale Earnhardt Jr.2003, 2004, 2008, 2015, 2016
Junior Johnson1961, 1963–65
Bobby Isaac1964, 1969, 1972, 1974
Bill Elliott1985, 1986, 1992, 2000
Fireball Roberts1960-1962
David Pearson1969, 1971, 1975
Buddy Baker1973, 1979, 1982
Sterling Marlin1995, 1998, 2001
Tony Stewart2005, 2007, 2012
Kyle Busch2009, 2013, 2016
Denny Hamlin2008, 2014, 2017
Joey Logano2019, 2020, 2023
Jack Smith1959, 1960
Joe Weatherly1961, 1962
Neil Bonnett1980, 1983
Ken Schrader1987, 1989
Ernie Irvan1994, 1996
Michael Waltrip2002, 2005
Elliott Sadler2004, 2006
Matt Kenseth2012, 2014
Jimmie Johnson2010, 2015
Chase Elliott2017, 2018
Kevin Harvick2013, 2019
Aric Almirola2021, 2023

Multiple winners (teams)

WinsTeamYears won1611876432
Hendrick Motorsports1987–89, 1993, 2002, 2006-10, 20151&2–18, 2020
Richard Childress Racing1986, 1990–99, 2001, 2003, 2011, 2013, 2021
Joe Gibbs Racing1999, 2005, 2007–09, 2013, 20141&2, 2016, 2017, 2024
Team Penske1975, 2011, 2018–20, 2022, 2023, 2025
Robert Yates Racing1991, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006
Junior Johnson & Associates1965, 1977, 1981, 1989, 1990, 1992
Holman-Moody1960, 1967, 1969, 1971
Bud Moore Engineering1961, 1962, 1965, 1983
Nord Krauskopf1969, 1972, 1973, 1976
DiGard Motorsports1976, 1978, 1979, 1984
Ranier-Lundy1979, 1981, 1984, 1985
Dale Earnhardt, Inc.2002–05
Stewart–Haas Racing2012, 2019, 2021, 2023
Ray Fox1963, 1964, 1966
Ray Nichels1964, 1966, 1970
Wood Brothers Racing1970, 1975, 1980
RFK Racing2012, 20221&2
Jack Smith1961, 1963
Smokey Yunick1959, 1960
Richard Howard1972, 1974
Hoss Ellington1980, 1982
Melling Racing1985, 1986
23XI Racing2024, 2025

Manufacturer wins

Race 1

ManufacturerWins
Chevrolet23
Ford18
Dodge7
Pontiac5
Mercury3
Buick
Toyota
Plymouth2
AMC1
Oldsmobile

Race 2

ManufacturerWins
Chevrolet30
Ford15
Toyota7
Dodge4
Pontiac3
Buick
Mercury2
Oldsmobile

Overall

ManufacturerWins
Chevrolet53
Ford33
Dodge11
Toyota10
Pontiac8
Buick6
Mercury5
Oldsmobile3
Plymouth2
AMC1

References

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