Tyler Reddick Wins NASCAR’s Duel No. 1 Qualifier at Daytona

Heck of a start at the 66th annual DAYTONA 500 at Florida’s Daytona International Speedway on Thursday for Monster Energy’s Tyler Reddick (The Beast 23XI Racing Toyota), who – in dramatic last lap fashion – topped Chase Elliott (Hendrick Motorsports) for the last lap victory in the opening Bluegreen Vacations Duel No. 1 qualifier on the legendary 2.5 mile speedway.

With the victory in the 150-mile qualifying race, Reddick, who started way back in 19th place, earned a position No. 3 starting position on the inside of 2nd row in Sunday’s DAYTONA 500 (2:30 p.m. FOX TV).

“Great way to start the weekend,” said Reddick, adding “This thing’s a beast” of the No. 45 The Beast 23XI Racing Toyota.

Proving just that, Reddick unleashed The Beast and had moved up to a very respectable top five (5th) place position when NASCAR officials waved the white flag – signaling one lap remaining in the contest. 

But Reddick wasn’t done.

From there the California native rode the tail of Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports) off Turn 2 in order to get past Larson’s teammate (Elliott) and Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar, and then used the draft to shoot by Larson, who had led 14 of the race’s scheduled 60 laps, on the inside and into the lead of the first qualifier for the “Great American Race.”

Reddick then brought the Monster Energy-shod Toyota home for the win on the final lap – his first career Daytona qualifying race victory by 0.056 seconds over Elliott.

Added Reddick: “It’s also a great way to kick off the brand-new sponsor’s product (Monster Energy’s “The Beast – Unleashed,” featuring four beastly hard flavors – Mean Green, White Haze, Peach Perfect and Scary Berries). So go out and get some Hard Tea, have a good time tonight. I know we are!”