The 2010 Gatorade Duels were two 150 miles (240 km) qualifying races for the 2010 Daytona 500 held on February 11, 2010 at the 2.5 miles (4.0 km) Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The races determined the field for the race on Sunday, February 14, 2010. Prior to the Duels, only two drivers had their starting positions locked into the 500, they were pole-sitter Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.. Bill Elliott, Joe Nemechek, Scott Speed, and Bobby Labonte were the four fastest non-top 35 drivers, thus locked in.
Transfer Spots
In each duel, the two highest-finishing drivers not in the top 35 of the previous year's owners points earned a place in the Daytona 500. In the second race, Scott Speed earned a place in addition to being one of the four fastest non top 35 drivers. Therefore, an extra place opened for the fifth fastest qualifier and thus Michael Waltrip was awarded a spot in the race.