Budweiser Duels 2015: TV Schedule, Live Stream Info and Predictions
Speedweeks is nearly coming to a close, with just two races left before the Daytona 500. Those two events, known as the Budweiser Duels, will ultimately decide where every driver outside of the front row will start the race.
If the early sessions of Speedweeks are any indication, the Budweiser Shootout promises to be an intense showcase for NASCAR's top drivers. It's also an event where drivers who aren't guaranteed spots can force their way into the field.
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That raises some concern for drivers like six-time champion Jimmie Johnson, who said, via Jeff Owens of Sporting News:
"I've expected stuff to go haywire in the Duels every time, and I don't know if I've seen a crazy Duel yet.
The fact of the matter is there's six cars that need to be crazy … Those are the only ones you really have to worry about. The bulk of the group plays it smart. We don't need to lose our cars, no need. I think they will be tame, personally.
"
That desperation reared its ugly head during qualifying when Reed Sorenson went for a block on Clint Bowyer. Both drivers ended their day, possibly ending the week for Sorenson, who didn't have a backup car.
Before the insanity ensues again, here's a look at the full information and predictions.
2015 Budweiser Duels Information
Where: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida
When: Thursday, Feb. 19
Start Time: Duel No. 1 begins at 7 p.m. ET; Duel No. 2 begins at 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: Fox Sports 1
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
Radio: Motor Racing Network
| 1 | Jeff Gordon | Jimmie Johnson |
| 2 | Kyle Busch | Matt Kenseth |
| 3 | Carl Edwards | Kasey Kahne |
| 4 | Austin Dillon | Ty Dillon |
| 5 | Jamie McMurray | Martin Truex Jr. |
| 6 | Johnny Sauter | Greg Biffle |
| 7 | Trevor Bayne | Sam Hornish Jr. |
| 8 | Aric Almirola | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. |
| 9 | Brad Keselowski | Ryan Blaney |
| 10 | Joey Logano | Michael Waltrip |
| 11 | J.J. Yeley | Bobby Labonte |
| 12 | Paul Menard | Alex Bowman |
| 13 | A.J. Allmendinger | Ryan Newman |
| 14 | Kevin Harvick | Kurt Busch |
| 15 | Tony Stewart | Danica Patrick |
| 16 | Casey Mears | Brian Scott |
| 17 | Michael Annett | Justin Allgaier |
| 18 | Kyle Larson | David Gilliland |
| 19 | Michael McDowell | Jeb Burton |
| 20 | Clint Bowyer | Reed Sorenson |
| 21 | Justin Marks | David Ragan |
| 22 | Cole Whitt | Josh Wise |
| 23 | Landon Cassill | Mike Wallace |
| 24 | Ron Hornaday Jr. | Denny Hamlin* |
| 25 | Dale Earnhardt Jr.* |
Duels Predictions
There is a loaded field of elite drivers in both Duels, but the first event truly has it all.
Want championship-caliber competition? Jeff Gordon, Brad Keselowski and reigning champion Kevin Harvick will provide that. How about young talent? Joey Logano, Austin Dillon and Kyle Larson offer plenty of young guns to root for.
However, one dominant driver this week will eventually take over down the stretch. Carl Edwards, who made the switch to Joe Gibbs Racing this offseason, has already made it evident that he won't miss a step.
Prior to the season kicking off, Keselowski offered his take on the newest JGR driver.
"I personally think just from watching, and I'm not afraid to say it, that Carl Edwards right now is the best driver in the Sprint Cup," Keselowski said, via Jeff Gluck of USA Today. "That's my personal opinion; it doesn't make it law or fact. To go with that, you could probably place an argument for Kevin (Harvick) as the second best."
After dealing with the repercussions from pissing off Edwards once, Keselowski clearly gave the correct response.
Coming off a great start in the Sprint Unlimited and qualifying, Edwards will move to the second row for the 500. Not a bad way to kick off a season with fresh equipment and a new team.
In the second Duel, Matt Kenseth looks like the class of the field. Kenseth has already been to Victory Lane during the Sprint Unlimited and can clinch a prime spot for Sunday with another win on Thursday night.
The 2003 series champion has already won the Great American Race twice with Roush Fenway Racing. He hasn't enjoyed the same success with Gibbs, as the owner pointed out to Marty Smith of ESPN:
This won't quite be a Daytona 500 victory, but winning the second Duel would set him up nicely. Look for Kenseth to hold off competitors like Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Blaney, who will both challenge for a coveted second-row spot.
Duel No. 1 Winner: Carl Edwards
Duel No. 2 Winner: Matt Kenseth
Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.
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