In anticipation of the highly anticipated season-opening Daytona 500, NASCAR Cup Series drivers are set to hit the track on Wednesday night for qualifying at the iconic 2.5-mile superspeedway. The qualifying sessions will determine the front row for the Daytona 500, with the remaining positions being determined by Thursday's Duel races.

During the single-car qualifying sessions, each driver will have one lap to set their best time in the first round. The top 10 fastest drivers will advance to the second round of qualifying, where they will battle it out for pole position in the legendary race. This year's qualifying sessions will not only set the stage for an exhilarating start to the season but will also mark the beginning of a new chapter in NASCAR history.

Last year, it was Alex Bowman who claimed the pole position for the Daytona 500, showcasing the prowess of Hendrick Motorsports. The team has dominated the front row in recent years, winning the pole for eight out of the last nine Daytona 500 races. However, in 2020, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. made a splash by breaking the streak and achieving pole position.

Amidst the cutthroat competition, two non-chartered entries will also have the opportunity to secure a spot in the Daytona 500 through the single-car qualifying sessions. This adds an additional layer of excitement as these drivers look to make their mark on one of NASCAR's most prestigious events.

With the Daytona 500 just around the corner on February 18th at 2:30 p.m. ET, the anticipation is building among both the drivers and fans. The qualifying sessions will set the stage for an intense battle on the track, as the drivers put their skills to the test in pursuit of the ultimate prize – victory at the Daytona International Speedway.

As the drivers prepare to showcase their speed and precision, all eyes will be on the qualifying sessions to see who will claim the coveted front row for the Daytona 500. The race for pole position has never been more exciting, and fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the start of the NASCAR Cup Series season at the famed Daytona International Speedway.