Arena: Daytona International Speedway

Location: Daytona Beach, FL

Date: Feb 23, 2012

NASCAR Betting Online: On February, the Gatorade Duel roars to a start from the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL.  Make sure to check the NASCAR betting lines before the green flag gets waving, so you can make all your bets on time for this exciting qualifier. The Gatorade Duel, originally known by the particularly dull moniker, “100 Mile Qualifying Races,” is a unique qualifying event in NASCAR, that determines the field and order for the Daytona 500.

Beginning way back in 1959, this event has gone through nine different names, several sponsors, and a myriad of format changes.

One thing that has stayed the same, however, has been its implications for the Daytona 500.  The tradition of Daytona relies on the qualifying efforts of the Duel.

From the days of Fireball Roberts and Bobby Isaac, to Darrell Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt, and now to Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, the Gatorade Duel has served as a microcosm of the world of NASCAR itself.

These drivers have made plenty of memories at this event over the years, as Dale Earnhardt set a record, winning his race ten years in a row, and twelve times overall.

Jeff Gordon won his first ever NASCAR Winston Cup race at this event back in 1993, a shining moment at the start of what has become a legendary career.

Jimmie Johnson won four Sprint Cups before winning this event last year, the start of his run to his fifth straight Championship.

Look for the top drivers to go all out in this one as they try to get a leg up on the first race of the year with points on the line, the Daytona 500.

Who will make the shining memories this year?  Tune in to SPEED network live to find out.

Join BookMaker Sportsbook and get the best NASCAR betting odds on the Web, along with sports betting lines, promotions and prop bets for all major sporting events around the world.

NASCAR Gatorade Duels 2011 - Results and Winners

In the first race which started after 2PM EST, it was Kurt Busch getting the win. NASCAR.com reports that Kurt got major help in the qualifying race from Regan Smith. With that win, Busch gets the pole Sunday. Smith will start at the 3 spot.

In the second race which ended just after 5PM EST, Chevrolet driver Jeff Burton was the winner. Due to the win, Burton will start in 4th for the Daytona 500 on Sunday. His Richard Childress Racing teammate, Clint Bowyer, finished today's Duel 2 race in second.

Also qualifying for Daytona were Michael Waltrip and Brian Keselowski, who finished third and fifth respectively. Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth and Kasey Kahne will start fifth, seventh and ninth for the pole at Daytona.