Ty Majeski Stuns Daytona Field With Dominant Pole Run
Ty Majeski wasted no time reminding the field why he’s the reigning Craftsman Truck Series champion. In a pressure‑packed Friday qualifying session at Daytona International Speedway, Majeski swept both rounds and secured the pole for the 2026 Fresh From Florida 250, delivering a statement lap that set the tone for his title defense.
Majeski clocked a blistering 50.881 seconds (176.883 mph) as the final truck to take time, edging out Cup Series veteran Michael McDowell by 0.058 seconds. For a moment, it appeared McDowell might steal the top spot for Spire Motorsports, but Majeski’s late-session surge sealed the deal, marking the 12th pole of his Truck Series career.
Cup Series Talent Falls Short
This wasn’t a typical Truck Series qualifying session. The field was loaded with Cup Series regulars and crossover stars, all hunting for early-season momentum.McDowell’s 50.939-second lap was strong enough for the front row, but not enough to deny Majeski. Tanner Gray impressed with a 51.102, placing his Toyota third.
Carson Hocevar (51.144) and Grant Enfinger (51.201) rounded out a fiercely competitive top five. Fan favorites also delivered. Cleetus McFarland, the internet sensation known for his “Do It For Dale” persona, put down a 51.442 to qualify 12th. His teammate, Travis Pastrana, followed closely with a 51.460, locking both Niece Motorsports entries solidly into the field.
Further back, history was made. Tony Stewart, a three‑time Cup champion and motorsports icon, qualified 15th with a 51.509 in his first-ever Truck Series start at Daytona. Kaulig Racing’s new Ram Trucks made their debut as well, with Stewart leading the manufacturer’s return and Mini Tyrrell claiming the final spot in the field via provisional at 52.004.
BREAKDOWN: How Majeski Won the Pole
1. Perfect Timing
As the final truck on track, Majeski had the advantage of knowing exactly what he needed. His team aggressively adjusted tire pressure and tape, maximizing every ounce of speed. With the benchmark already set by McDowell, Majeski’s crew chief called for a bold setup that pushed the limits of cooling and drag reduction, a gamble that paid off.
Being last out also meant Majeski had the cleanest track conditions of the session. Temperatures had stabilized, the wind had shifted slightly in his favor, and the racing groove had gained grip from the trucks before him. Majeski capitalized on every environmental advantage, showing the awareness and precision of a defending champion who understands how to convert opportunity into execution.
2. Clean Air, Clean Lap
Daytona qualifying is all about minimizing drag. Majeski held a laser‑straight line, never scrubbing speed with unnecessary wheel input. His lap was smooth, disciplined, and free of the micro‑corrections that often cost drivers precious thousandths of a second.
What stood out most was Majeski’s ability to maintain momentum through the tri‑oval, where many drivers lose speed by turning too aggressively or drifting off the optimal line. His telemetry showed near‑perfect throttle application and minimal steering angle the kind of precision that separates pole winners from the rest of the field. It was a lap built on fundamentals, not flash.
3. Ford Power
ThorSport’s superspeedway program has been strong for years, and the new Ford F‑150 body showed immediate promise. Majeski’s lap was the fastest Ford has posted at Daytona since 2022, reinforcing the manufacturer’s offseason gains. Ford engineers have emphasized improved aero balance and reduced drag with the updated truck body, and Majeski’s run validated those efforts.
The No. 88 looked planted and efficient, slicing through the air with noticeably less turbulence than several Toyota and Chevrolet entries. If this qualifying session is any indication, Ford may have the strongest superspeedway package in the field heading into Friday night.
4. Pressure Performance
With McDowell sitting P1, the pressure was real. Majeski thrives in these moments and once again delivered when it mattered. The reigning champion has built a reputation for rising to the occasion, and Friday’s qualifying session was another example of his ability to perform under the brightest lights.
Majeski’s calm demeanor on pit road told the story. While other drivers paced, adjusted gloves, or stared at the scoring pylon, Majeski remained composed, reviewing data and visualizing his lap. That mental discipline translated directly to the racetrack. When the green flag waved for his run, he attacked the lap with confidence, knowing the pole was his to take, and he executed flawlessly.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM QUALIFYING
Majeski Sweeps Both Rounds
Majeski didn’t just win the pole. He dominated the entire session. His speed in Round 1 set the tone, and his Round 2 lap confirmed that the No. 88 Ford is the truck to beat heading into the race. Sweeping both rounds at Daytona is rare, and it underscores just how dialed‑in ThorSport Racing is right now.
This kind of performance sends a message to the rest of the garage: Majeski’s championship run wasn’t a fluke. His ability to unload fast, adapt quickly, and execute under pressure shows that he and his team are already operating in midseason form. If he carries this momentum into the race, the field may be chasing the No. 88 all night.
McDowell Nearly Steals It
Michael McDowell came within fractions of a second of pulling off a major upset. His 50.939 lap was strong enough to hold the top spot for most of the session, and for a moment, it looked like the Daytona 500 champion might add a Truck Series pole to his résumé.
McDowell’s run also highlights the growing strength of Spire Motorsports’ Truck program. Their superspeedway package has improved dramatically, and McDowell’s ability to challenge a reigning champion shows that Spire is poised to be a serious threat in 2026. He may have missed the pole, but he starts on the front row with a truck capable of winning.
Stewart Makes History
Tony Stewart qualifying 15th in his first-ever Truck Series start at Daytona is a storyline that instantly grabbed the attention of fans and competitors alike. The three‑time Cup champion continues to add new chapters to his legendary career.
Stewart’s lap wasn’t just symbolic. It was legitimately competitive. His 51.509 time placed him ahead of several full‑time Truck Series veterans, proving that even at this stage of his career, Stewart’s raw talent and racecraft remain elite. His presence in the field adds a layer of unpredictability to Friday night’s race.
McFarland and Pastrana Impress
Cleetus McFarland and Travis Pastrana both delivered strong qualifying efforts, landing 12th and 13th, respectively. For two drivers with massive fan followings and limited Truck Series experience, their performance was one of the biggest surprises of the session.
Their speed also validates the strength of Niece Motorsports’ superspeedway program. Both trucks showed stability and raw pace, and their mid-pack starting spots position them well to avoid early chaos. Expect both drivers to be aggressive movers once the draft forms, especially with the crowd behind them.
Kaulig Racing Debuts Ram Trucks
Kaulig Racing’s introduction of Ram Trucks to the series was one of the most anticipated technical storylines of the weekend. Tony Stewart led the brigade with a solid qualifying effort, while Mini Tyrrell secured the final spot in the field via provisional.
The debut wasn’t perfect, but it showed promise. The Rams displayed competitive straight‑line speed, though they appeared slightly less stable in the corners compared to the Fords and Toyotas. With more data and adjustments, Kaulig’s Ram program could quickly evolve into a contender as the season progresses.
Tight Field
The gap from 1st to 20th was less than a second a testament to the parity and competitiveness of the 2026 Truck Series field. Such a tight spread means Friday night’s race will be decided by drafting strategy, pit execution, and survival. With so many trucks running nearly identical speeds, track position will be critical, and mistakes will be costly. Expect intense pack racing from the opening lap.
What This Means for the Race
Starting up front at Daytona is more than a morale boost. It’s a survival strategy. The safest place to avoid the “Big One” is ahead of it, and Majeski now controls the opening restart and earns first choice of pit stalls.
Behind him, the field is stacked with veterans, champions, and high‑risk superspeedway racers. With names like McDowell, Stewart, Pastrana, and McFarland scattered throughout the pack, the opening laps are almost guaranteed to be aggressive. Majeski has the clean air. Everyone else has something to prove.
What’s Next
The stage is set for a wild Friday night under the lights. Ty Majeski fired the first shot of the 2026 season, but qualifying is only half the battle. Now comes the real test: managing the draft, avoiding the chaos, and keeping the No. 88 Ford at the front for 100 laps.
