The 2024 Daytona 500 has seen the new Ford Mustang Dark Horses roaring in the front pack, with Penske teammates Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, and Ryan Blaney all showcasing their superspeedway prowess. The initial dominance of Ford Mustangs at the 2024 Daytona 500 was disrupted when Chase Elliott, piloting the #9 Chevy Camaro, stormed to victory in Stage 1.

As Stage 2 unfolded, Logano found himself at the forefront, battling Todd Gilliland of Front Row Motorsports (FRM) and Joe Gibbs Racing’s (JGR) Martin Truex Jr. The new Ford Mustang Dark Horse appeared poised for glory, with multiple Ford drivers taking turns at the lead at different points of the race.

Pole-Winner Logano Fuming at FRM’s Todd Gilliland

The driver of the #22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford and a 16-year Daytona veteran, sat atop the draft in the outside lane during the early phases of Stage 2. But rookie Gilliland, piloting the #38 Ford for Front Row Motorsports, made a gutsy move, cutting across Logano’s path and taking the lead. The brave maneuver left Logano fuming on the team radio, his frustration evident as he told his crew, “What’s he doing? We had control.”

Unfazed by the veteran’s anger, Gilliland reveled in his newfound position. The rookie’s bold move resonated, with a lot of fans, drawing cheers. Undeterred by the naysayers, Gilliland reveled on the outside in front of the #22 Mustang, confidently telling his crew, that he liked the ‘handle of his car on the high side,’ stating, “Yeah, I like it right here.”

This audacious move put the rookie in front for several laps, showcasing his competitive spirit. Matt Weaver provided an update stating that the #38 crew was content with the position of the 23-year-old, “Stay where we’re at. Just keep managing the gap to the 22.” ​This was the collective response of his pit crew.

Bold Move Sparks Ford Feud at Daytona 500

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As Joey Logano was left questioning Gilliland’s move in the aftermath of lap 106, Weaver disclosed, “They don’t want to come down and risk wrecking.” The reluctance to change positions added fuel to the already intense situation, leaving Logano navigating the high line while Gilliland maintained his position. Amid this clash of strategies, Logano’s frustrations got amplified with a cheeky dig in his radio communication. “Is the 38 coming with us, Paul?” Logano questioned, hinting at the strategic discord among the Ford drivers.

As the checkered flag waits on the 66th edition of the Daytona 500, Joey Logano had the chance to win a Daytona 500 from the front of the pack, until William Byron pushed it off for him. This would have been since Dale Jarrett’s iconic win in the 2000 Daytona 500, twenty-four years ago. Nevertheless, it was Blaney who took Stage Two as well.  It’s a battle of manufacturers and new bodies out there battling for the 2024 Harvey J. Earl trophy.

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