Casey Mears races into Daytona 500, Anthony Alfredo DQ’d

Casey Mears raced his way into the Daytona 500 Thursday night via the first America 250 Florida Duel race at Daytona International Speedway, while Anthony Alfredo, who originally qualified for NASCAR’s biggest race through the second Duel race, was ultimately disqualified.

Mears finished eighth in Duel race No. 1, outlasting Chandler Smith and Corey LaJoie for the final spot, making his way with damage through a final-lap crash.

LaJoie, who was inside the Top-5 before the crash, held the final transfer spot until Turn 3 of the final lap.

“I didn’t know who was in front of me still, whether or not we made it,” Mears said about the last-lap crash.

“All the guys started going nuts on the radio. I want to say hi to Trish and the kids at home. I can’t believe we’re here based on our night and the way that it went.”

Mears finished eighth, while Smith and LaJoie finished 16th and 19th respectively.

The Garage 66 driver will be racing in his first Daytona 500 since 2019.

In race No. 2, Alfredo finished 18th, enough to outlast B.J. McLeod (19th) and J.J Yeley (22nd).

Alfredo’s No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet failed post-race inspection, giving way for B.J. McLeod to make the race for the first time since 2023.

The Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX.