Austin Cindric’s strong Speedweeks continued Thursday night with a controversial victory in the second Daytona Duel, though the win didn’t come without debate. The 2022 Daytona 500 champion was declared the winner after NASCAR officials determined he was leading at the moment of caution on the final lap, despite Erik Jones crossing the finish line first by 0.004 seconds.

The dramatic finish unfolded when Jones received a powerful push from Chris Buescher on the backstretch, pulling alongside Cindric as they raced toward the checkered flag. However, a major crash behind the leaders prompted NASCAR to display the caution flag just before they reached the finish line, ultimately giving the win to Cindric’s No. 2 Discount Tire Ford.

“I feel bad for Erik having to go all the way over there,” Cindric said after the race. “They made a great move on the last lap there. Joey and I were sitting ducks with the middle lane fading.”

The night also proved decisive for several open entries seeking to make Sunday’s race. Corey LaJoie secured his spot in the Daytona 500 with a sixth-place finish, while Anthony Alfredo and BJ McLeod failed to qualify. Jones, despite the controversial finish, will start fourth in Sunday’s race, with Cindric retaining his outside pole position earned in Wednesday’s qualifying.

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