TC Daily Pit Stop: Bowman, Larson Secure Daytona 500 Front Row; Johnson, Pastrana Lock In, and Contract Extensions Galore

TC Daily Pit Stop: Thursday, February 16th, 2023

Joseph Srigley

Feb 16, 2023

PHOTO CREDIT: Craig White, TobyChristie.com

To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Alex Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports have once again captured the pole for the Daytona 500, by virtue of obliterating the field in Wednesday’s single-car qualifying session.

Bowman, piloting the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro, was able to best Hendrick Motorsports teammates Kyle Larson and William Byron - by a significant margin - to claim his third pole in “The Great American Race” and the fourth of his NASCAR Cup Series career.

By virtue of being inside the top-two in qualifying, only Bowman and Kyle Larson know where they’ll start in Sunday’s Daytona 500 - barring either driver having to go to a backup car.

Aric Almirola, Joey Logano, Chase Briscoe, Ryan Blaney, Austin Cindric, Harrison Burton, and Kyle Busch completed the top-10 in Wednesday’s session.

Jimmie Johnson, Travis Pastrana Lock Into 2023 Daytona 500 Via Qualifying Speed

PHOTO CREDIT: Craig White, TobyChristie.com

It’s official. Jimmie Johnson and Travis Pastrana have locked themselves into the 2023 Daytona 500.

Johnson, piloting the No. 84 Chevrolet Camaro will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut as an owner-driver, piloting a third entry for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. The Carvana-sponsored entry posted the 23rd-quickest time in Wednesday’s session, making him the quickest of six open entries.

Pastrana, piloting the No. 67 Toyota Camry TRD, will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in Sunday’s prestigious event, piloting a third entry for 23XI Racing. The globally recognized motorsports icon was second-quickest of the six open entries, guaranteeing him a spot into the field via his qualifying speed.

Zane Smith and Chandler Smith will join Jimmie Johnson in Bluegreen Vacations Duel #1, while Austin Hill and Conor Daly will face off against Travis Pastrana in the second Bluegreen Vacations Duel.

Alex Bowman, Ally Sign Multi-Year Contract Extension with Hendrick Motorsports

PHOTO CREDIT: Jim Fluharty, Courtesy of Chevy Racing

Alex Bowman will remain with Hendrick Motorsports for at least three more seasons, the organization announced on Wednesday, and he’ll do so with long-time partner Ally Financial on board the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro.

Bowman, who moved to the No. 48 in 2021, will continue to pilot the organization’s entry through at least 2026, while sponsor Ally Financial has agreed to a five-year agreement, sponsoring the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro through 2028.

“Alex is our guy, and a true ally. He’s an incredible driver who shares our passion for connecting to the community,” said Andrea Brimmer, Ally’s chief marketing and public relations officer. “We’re proud to stand by him as his longest sponsor and expand on this true partnership.”

Daniel Suárez Reaches Multiyear Extension With Trackhouse Racing

Photo Credit: Meg Oliphant, Getty Images, Courtesy of NASCAR Media

Daniel Suarez, Trackhouse Racing’s first driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, has been signed to a multi-year contract extension, which will see the Monterrey, Mexico-native continue his stint in the No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro for the foreseeable future.

Per Trackhouse Racing, the details surrounding Suarez’s contract extension will not be disclosed.

“Obviously, everyone at Trackhouse Racing is pleased with the performance and professionalism of Daniel both on and off the track,” said team owner Justin Marks. “Culture has been of prime importance since the idea of Trackhouse existed only on a whiteboard in an office. Daniel has fulfilled every expectation and we look forward to the future. The best is yet to come.”