DAYTONA BEACH, FL (93.7 The Fan) - Team Penske's Joey Logano will start tonight's Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway from the pole position after qualifying was cancelled when lightning was threatening the facility forcing NASCAR to suspend activities.
The starting lineup is set by owner's points giving Logano's No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford the first starting spot.
"I think anytime you can be first, it's a good position," said Logano, the reigning Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion. "We never made a qualifying run to know where our single-car speed was going to be. I've never had a Superspeedway pole. We'll take it."
Joe Gibbs Racing's Kyle Busch will start second in the No. 18 M&M's Toyota Camry and wasn't heartbroken when he didn't have to qualify.
"I don't mind not qualifying here, I think it's kind of a waste of time anyways", said Busch. "All it does is show who's got a faster car and then things tend to happen here anyways in the race, and it doesn't mean much".
Busch was alluding to the pack-racing and subsequent big wrecks that Daytona traditionally presents, therefore he isn't taking that second starting spot for granted.
"Overall with being able to start up front I think that it's certainly better than where we would have started," said Busch. "I think we probably would've been back in the teens somewhere so having the second starting spot is better for us and an opportunity hopefully start up front, stay up front and if you can stay out of the mess."
This race marks the last time the NASCAR Series will run at Daytona on the 4th of July weekend. This race will move to the last race of the regular season on the 2020 NASCAR schedule. A race that could ultimately determine who qualifies for NASCAR's. playoffs.
"Traditions are important, and I think as a sport we stay true to a lot of traditions," said Logano. "When I think about where this race is going to be placed next year, the final race before the playoffs, think about it. If you come into this race and you think you're going to be 30-points to the good and you think you're going to be alright to get into the playoffs, I wouldn't think that is going to be safe place to be at all."
"I'll be frank, I'm kind of disappointed," said Busch. "Being in Daytona for July 4th has always been cool. Having the opportunity to go to the beach, whether it was Thursday or Friday, we're going to miss that, and the fireworks show and things like that."
Driver introductions begin at 6:50 p.m. ET followed by the Green Flag at 7:30 p.m ET. The race will be broadcast on NBC-TV and can be heard on Motor Racing Network (MRN) affiliates.
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