Gatorade Duel Races: One Last Shot

Only two drivers – Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon — know where they’re starting on Sunday. Earnhardt will start first, Gordon second, as a result of posting the two fastest times in Sunday’s qualifying.

The rest of the positions will be decided on Thursday, after the two Gatorade Duel races.

Here’s what we know:

– The top-35 cars in the 2010 owner points are locked into the field.

– The top-two finishers in each Duel who are outside the top 35 will make it.

– The remaining spots will go to qualifying speeds from Sunday.

Thanks to their speed from Sunday, Bill Elliott, Travis Kvapil and Joe Nemechek are guaranteed a spot in the field. Terry Labonte is also guaranteed a spot, with the past champion’s provisional. BUT, they can race their way in as well.

One name to watch on Thursday: Michael Waltrip. Looking to make his 25 th consecutive Daytona 500, Waltrip needs to race his way into the field. There’s a way he can get in if he fails in the Duel, though. If either Elliott, Kvapil, Nemechek or Labonte race their way in, Waltrip makes it on his qualifying speed.

Simply put: Nine drivers are vying for the four remaining spots.