Budweiser Duel 2013: Start Time, Lineup, TV Schedule, Live Stream and More

The Budweiser Duel will take place on Thursday, Feb. 21, and it will help determine the starting lineup for this Sunday's Daytona 500 after the two qualifying races.

But don't fret, Danica Patrick fans, she is safe after winning the pole for the big race last Sunday.

Along with Jeff Gordon, Patrick's position in Sunday's race is not determined by the Budweiser Duel because the top two pole-sitters automatically start at the front of the field regardless of how they finish on Thursday.

That is, of course, unless either wrecks during the duel. Patrick will start from the lead position in the first qualifier, while Gordon will start from the lead in the second. It'll be interesting to see if either races aggressively or if they decide to sit back and take it easy.

Other drivers such as Trevor Bayne, Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne are also locked in thanks to their excellent showings in the time trials.

Brad Keselowski, Clint Bowyer, Jimmie Johnson, Greg Biffle, Denny Hamlin and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. have the luxury of a secured spot as a result of owner point totals from last year. Kurt Busch is also guaranteed a spot in Sunday's race.

So, let's take a look at all the viewing information for this event and the drivers who need a good showing at the Bud Duel.

When: Thursday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m. ET

Where: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla.

Watch: SPEED (Check local listings)

Live Stream: NASCAR.com

For a look at the starting lineups of both races, go to NASCAR.SPEEDTV.com.

*Note: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will now start in the back for Race 1 after blowing his engine during Wednesday's practice.

Drivers Who Need a Good Showing

Brian Keselowski

Brian Keselowski is the older brother of reigning Sprint Cup champion Brad Keselowski.

The older Keselowski finds himself in a precarious position after finishing 45th during the time trials, which has put his status for Sunday's race in doubt.

With that disappointing finish, Keselowki's only chance at earning a spot in the Daytona 500 is through the Bud Duel. He will participate in the first qualifying race of Thursday's event and must place 15th or better.

Mike Bliss

Mike Bliss is coming off a 2012 season that saw him finish 64th in the Sprint Cup standings, and he is off to a rocky start in 2013.

After finishing 44th in the time trials last Sunday, Bliss now must finish the Bud Duel strong if he hopes to race on Sunday.

Bliss will be racing in the second qualifying race and could turn the start of his 2013 season from negative to positive in just one race. Like Keselowski, Bliss must finish 15th or better in his respective race.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Earnhardt finished 11th in the time trials, but thanks to a blown engine during Wednesday's practice, he'll be starting in the back of the pack during the first qualifying race of the Bud Duel.

Had Earnhardt not ruined his engine during practice, he would have been in the No. 11 hole for the qualifier.

Even before blowing his engine, Earnhardt Jr.'s car didn't perform up to standards after clocking in at a top speed of 191 mph.

A stellar performance at the Bud Duel will go a long way to giving Earnhardt Jr. some confidence as Sunday approaches after a rough practice session.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/02/20/3244526/budweiser-duel-determining-the.html#storylink=cpy