Harvick, Logano prevail

Kevin Harvick went unchallenged to win the first of two Daytona 500 qualifying races – a victory Thursday night that earned him a spot in the second row for the start of “The Great American Race.”

The win was the first for Ford with the Mustang it will use in NASCAR’s top series this year.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. finished second and Eau Claire’s Paul Menard, who dominated an exhibition race Sunday until Jimmie Johnson triggered the 16-car crash, was third in a 1-2-3 sweep for Ford teams. The podium represented three teams – Harvick from Stewart-Haas Racing, Stenhouse from Roush Fenway Racing and Menard from The Wood Brothers – and showed the commitment the Ford camp has made to work together to win Sunday’s main event.

Parker Kligerman, a part-time racer and commentator for NBC Sports, finished 12th but high enough to claim one of the transfer spots into the 40-car field.

Joey Logano led another Ford sweep in the second qualifying race and will start next to Harvick.

The reigning NASCAR champion was fourth on the final lap in the 150-mile qualifying race when he pulled out of line for an attempt to make a pass for the lead. He got a solid push from Team Penske teammate Ryan Blaney to move to the front.

Logano was followed by Clint Bowyer and Aric Almirola as Mustang drivers went 1-2-3 in the second race.