Elliott leads all-Hendrick front row for Daytona 500

Chase Elliott has repeated as the pole winner for the famed Daytona 500 as he led Hendrick Motorsports team-mate Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The time difference between the two was 0.002sec, Elliott’s speed was 310.397km/h (192.872mph) while Earnhardt Jr. was 310.385km/h (192.864mph).

It is the third pole in-a-row for the Daytona 500 for the #24 car, after Jeff Gordon scored the top spot in 2015.

“This is really cool and a big thanks to the Hendrick engine shop and Chevrolet,” said Elliott.

“Everybody at Hendrick Motorsports has done a lot of work in the off-season. This team definitely has the knack for these plate tracks. That stuff doesn’t just happen by staying the same. Everybody is trying to get better and trying to make their cars faster and the engine shop is always finding new things.

“It’s proof that they are improving and I’m happy to be part of it and looking forward to next Sunday.

“We would love to have a car that can win this thing and I believe we have a car that can do it.”

The Hendrick duo are guaranteed their starting spots while the rest of the field will be set by the twin qualifying 150-mile Duel races set down for Thursday local time. The cars that finished in odd numbers during qualifying will take part in one of the qualifying races, while the even numbers will take part in the second duel race.

With 42 cars entered, two cars will miss the miss race after the duel races, meaning plenty is on the line.

Just who misses out is simply not on the results. All the leading teams are guaranteed a start as they have charters, or full-time places in the series. Brendan Gaughan and Elliott Sadler were the two fastest non-charter drivers and will start the race. The others must finish high up in the order to make their way into the Great American Race.

VIDEO: Chase Elliott speaks after qualifying

QUALIFYING: Daytona 500