Daytona Can-Am Duels 2016: Live Results, Standings and Analysis

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch captured checkered flags in the Can-Am Duels at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday night to set the field for Sunday's Daytona 500, the official start of the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.

Earnhardt dominated the first duel, leading 43-of-60 laps for his fifth victory in the event. It was an emotional win for Junior, coming 15 years to the day after his legendary father Dale Earnhardt Sr. was killed in a wreck on this very same track.

It was the second duel that produced a result which will loom large over the field once the green flag waves for the Great American Race.

Kyle Busch rode to Victory Lane after a final-lap wreck collected a good chunk of the front of the pack, including teammate Matt Kenseth, who combined with Busch to lead 58 laps, and six-time champion Jimmie Johnson.

Both Kenseth and Johnson suffered significant damage and will need to go to backup cars. Martin Truex Jr., Kurt Busch, A.J. Allmendinger and Danica Patrick were also involved.

That's particularly disappointing for Kenseth, who qualified second behind pole winner Chase Elliott and will need to give up his spot on the front row and start from the rear.

Ryan Blaney, Michael McDowell, Matt DiBenedetto and Robert Richardson Jr. claimed the final four spots in the 40-car field.