Johnson, Pastrana land spots in Daytona 500

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. » Conor Daly’s first call after getting offered a chance to race his way into the Daytona 500 was to a guy named AJ.

It was supposed to be Allmendinger. He accidentally dialed up Foyt.

Daly panicked and hung up before the four-time Indy 500 champion and 1972 Daytona 500 winner could answer.

“It would have been an interesting call,” Daly said.

Probably would have been informative, too, since Foyt is one of two open-wheel regulars (along with Mario Andretti) to win the two most prestigious races in North America — the Indy 500 and the Daytona 500.

Nonetheless, Daly, an IndyCar regular, has been trying to glean knowledge from anyone and everyone (besides Foyt) about how to efficiently and effectively get around Daytona International Speedway.

Daly ended up having to wait a day to get on track after an electrical issue burned a hole in an oil line, which couldn’t get repaired in time for single-lap qualifying runs Wednesday night. Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and action sports star Travis Pastrana had no issues and were the fastest of the six drivers vying for the final four spots.

Johnson and Pastrana landed starting spots and joined the 36 drivers already locked into the 40-car field based on NASCAR’s charter system. Daly and youngsters Austin Hill, Chandler Smith and Zane Smith will vie for the final two coveted spots in twin qualifying races Thursday.

Suárez signs multiyear deal

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. » Daniel Suárez has signed a second extension in six months with Trackhouse Racing, getting a multiyear deal done after landing a one-year contract last August.

The team announced Suárez’s latest extension as NASCAR kicked off Speedweeks with Daytona 500 media day and pole qualifying. The team declined to release details but will keep the 31-year-old Mexican behind the wheel for a third season and beyond for co-owners Justin Marks and Pitbull.

“Obviously, everyone at Trackhouse Racing is pleased with the performance and professionalism of Daniel both on and off the track,” Marks said in a statement.

Suárez, the 2016 Xfinity Series champion, has one victory in 215 Cup starts. He won last year at Sonomo Raceway, becoming the first Mexican-born winner in NASCAR’s top series.