Kasey Kahne and Leavine Family Racing (LFR) finished 13th in the second Can-Am Duel at Daytona International Speedway, resulting in a 26th place starting position for the 60th running of the Daytona 500.
Kahne started ninth in the second Duel, which would set the outside row for Sunday’s Daytona 500. He quickly moved up two spots into the seventh position before the field went entirely into single file.
By lap nine, Kahne was shuffled back toward the end of the lead pack. The first and only caution on lap 12 saw Kahne narrowly avoiding being hit.
While under caution, Crew Chief, Travis Mack, made the call for Kahne to make his only pit stop for four tires and fuel. Kahne reported that his No. 95 Procore Camaro ZL1 was handling well and was much faster than Sunday’s Advance Auto Parts Clash car.
Kahne restarted 10th on lap 15 and ran single file for the majority of the race, making a few moves to the inside lane, but having no luck. He went on to finish 13th, sustaining minor front end damage while avoiding contact with another car.
Although the Can-Am Duel did not provide LFR with the finish they wanted, it did provide a good test for the team as they prepare for Sunday’s 500-mile race.
“The car was pretty fast tonight,” said Kahne. “I expect the track is going to be very tricky and the cars to be out of control a little bit on Sunday from what I saw and felt tonight. Everyone will be working on the cars the next few days to try to get the most grip that you can and not crush your speed. Hopefully we can get a good feel for the car in practice over the next few days.”
The 60th running of the Daytona 500 will take place on Sunday, February 18th at 2:30pm ET. Race fans can tune in to FOX For coverage and follow @LFR95 on Twitter for race updates.
LFR PR/Photo Jerry Markland/Getty Images
