Notably, Anthony Alfredo’s Daytona Duel bid has been disallowed post-technical inspection. In the Duels, the top open car of each race would earn a spot in the Daytona 500. Alfredo originally owned that spot in Duel No. 2. Now, he sits on the sidelines as Bob Pockrass reports BJ McLeod to be earning his way in the field.
Alfredo entered this field driving the No. 62 Chevrolet for Beard Motorsports. The small team from Michigan hoped to get into the field, and they did at first. During the technical inspection, NASCAR found the transaxle cooling hose to be loose. NASCAR would also find the driver’s cooling hose unattached.
NEWS from tech: Anthony Alfredo had his finish disallowed. BJ McLeod car being inspected now to determine whether his car gets in the Daytona 500. @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 13, 2026
Anthony Alfredo is Disqualified from his Daytona 500 Bid
© Jason Allen-Imagn Images
The disqualification of Alfredo slots in the 2nd finishing open car of Duel No. 2. That racer will be the No. 78 of BJ McLeod. This is bittersweet, as McLeod voiced his share of criticism after the race.
In a post-race interview with Toby Christie of Racing America, McLeod voiced concerns about fuel conservation on superspeedways. Cars are “running 3 seconds slower than they are capable of.” McLeod found the racing boring. When asked whether he would rather be part of the more exciting race, but at his car’s risk, McLeod brushed it off. He has another car waiting, and it is no concern to him.
If we found ourselves in the No. 78 hauler, we would likely find a very happy McLeod. It is a weird way to qualify for the field, but he will likely take the green flag on Sunday after receiving confirmation from NASCAR on the tech side.
As for Beard Motorsports, they have been an open team that has taken shot after shot. The team has a technical partnership with Richard Childress Racing and is commonly known as a superspeedway team. Where the chances to win are the highest, they come. In their history, they have recorded four top-10 finishes — a huge win for an open team.
With McLeod, he now takes his own shots after selling off his charter to Spire Motorsports in 2023. Well funded, he now shows up from time to time to make it into the field and hopes to surprise with good finishes. His LiveFast Motorsports gets another shot. With a drafting track in place, anything is possible, even if it’s a very long shot.