February 16, 2023 | By Lee Spencer

Joey Logano wins Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—Joey Logano continued his winning ways by claiming the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 victory at Daytona International Speedway.

For Logano, the victory was his third in the Daytona 500 qualifiers and the sixth for Team Penske.

What appeared to be a 29-lap cakewalk to the checkers for the Champ, turned dicey as Christopher Bell mounted a charge for the lead on the final lap.

“The execution of this race is everything because you know most likely there won't be a caution so you've got to do a good job on pit road, cycle yourself to the front,” said Logano, who will start third on Sunday.

“But then I am sitting there as the leader and I'm like, man, I am a sitting duck. This is not where you want to be. I was hoping they started racing back there, which they did, which ended up kind of working out for me.

“And then when the 20 got to me, I saw (Ryan) Blaney was behind me. I said, ‘That's my buddy. I've got to stick with him.’ I knew the 20 would make the run to the outside, and I probably wasn't going to be able to defend that, and just waited for the 12 to push me through there.”

Blaney, who led 30 of the first 31 laps, was able to reach Logano’s bumper and finish third but Bell showed his hand for Sunday with the ability the No. 20 Toyota had to maneuver on its own.

“Stevie (Reeves), my spotter, got on there and said I didn't have any help once I got outside the 22,” Bell said. “So, ultimately thrilled with second, to get nine points. Speedway racing has been a really big struggle for us and it's been a focus to try and execute a little bit better.

“Hopefully, we can build on this and maybe finish my first Daytona 500.”

Chris Buescher, Michael McDowell, Kevin Harvick, Bubba Wallace, Zane Smith, Harrison Burton and William Byron rounded out the top 10. Smith advanced to his first Daytona 500 marking the first time the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series champions all qualified for the Great American Race.

Speaking of champions, Jimmie Johnson finished 14th to advance to the race based on his speed from Wednesday’s qualifier. The 500 is Seven-time’s first Cup start since 2020.

Zane Smith seemed as enamored with racing against Johnson as he was with qualifying for the 500.

“I had Jimmie Johnson parked behind me,” Smith said. “I watched him all my life growing up and he still is my idol.

"Just unbelievable being in the Great American Race.”

Polesitter Alex Bowman dropped out of contention early on, saving his car for Sunday. The driver of the No. 48 Chevy finished 17th.

Chandler Smith attempted to race his way into the 500. However, he started 21st in the No. 13 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet and dropped a lap down after suffering a speeding penalty—along with Ricky Stenhouse Jr.—when the Chevy drivers pitted on Lap 22. The 20-year-old, who will compete in the Xfinity Series full-time, finished 18th.

“Just taking an opportunity that Chris Rice (team president) and Matt Kaulig team owner) gave me,” Smith said. “Before, I said I'm fine if I don't make it, but it would be awesome if I make it I believe everything happens for a reason.

“I'm fine with this. I had a lot of fun right there. I learned a lot…even from that one Duel I learned so, so much, which was awesome and I'm taking that in…We weren't able to get it this year, but hopefully we can come back next year and make another attempt and get in on time.”