Christopher Bell (second) was the highest-finishing Toyota driver in Thursday’s first qualifying Duel at Daytona International Speedway.
Toyota Post-Race Recap
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Duel 1 – Daytona International Speedway
150 miles, 60 laps
Thursday, February 11, 2021
TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS
1st, Aric Almirola*
2nd, CHRISTOPHER BELL
3rd, Ryan Newman *
4th, Joey Logano*
5th, Ryan Preece*
6th, TY DILLON
13th, DENNY HAMLIN
*non-Toyota driver
TOYOTA QUOTES
CHRISTOPHER BELL, No. 20 DEWALT Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing
Finishing Position: 2nd
How good did it feel to lead this pack with this new team?
“It felt really good. First off, to be here with Joe Gibbs Racing and to be able to represent all of the guys at DEWALT, Pristine Auction, Toyota, Rheem – it’s a dream come true to be where I’m at. That was fun! That was kind of a first for me being able to lead the pack and I’ve got to work on leading lanes and stuff, but we’ve got a really competitive Camry and I’m excited to see what we’ve got on Sunday.”
TY DILLON, No. 96 Bass Pro Shops/Black Rifle Coffee Toyota Camry, Gaunt Brothers Racing
Finishing Position: 6th
How do you put into words the disappointment of losing out on starting the Daytona 500?
“It hurts for sure. It’s been just unique this off-season for me with the ups and downs. It’s a blessing to get to drive a race car in NASCAR first of all and you get so close to being in the Daytona 500 again. It’s tough. I have to thank Johnny Morris and Marty Gaunt, Toyota. This is the opportunity of a lifetime to continue to drive race cars. I believe in myself that I can get it done in these races and to finish sixth and not get any reward for it is hard. I’ll get the great reward of spending time with my kids on Sunday and we’ll probably watch the race. It definitely hurts.”
Toyota Racing PR
