Anthony Alfredo won’t race in Daytona 500 after post-Duels inspection failure, DQ

Anthony Alfredo’s No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet failed post-race inspection after the Daytona 500 Duels, and Alfredo will not race in the Daytona 500.

NASCAR made the announcement following the duel qualifying races on Feb. 12. BJ McLeod will take his place in the Daytona 500 field.

Alfredo drove to an 18th-place finish in the second Daytona Duel race, initially making the Daytona 500 as the highest-finishing open entry.

But a cooler hose was found not connected on Alfredo’s car during post-race inspection, Cup Series director Brad Moran said.

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NASCAR Daytona Duels 2026: Our best photos from qualifying races

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 12: Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 zone Jalapeno Lime Chevrolet, leads the field to the green flag to start Duel 1 for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona at Daytona International Speedway on February 12, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)