Landon Cassill Races Way Into Daytona 500, Shows Cedar Rapids Love

Last Sunday, Cedar Rapids native Landon Cassill had a rough go of it in his time trial. Last night was different... as he promised it would be, via Twitter:

Last night, he backed that up by finishing ninth in the first Duel at Daytona, driving his way into the "Great American Race."

He also showed some love to Iowa and the place it all started... Hawkeye Downs here in Cedar Rapids.

Landon starts in the 17th position Sunday afternoon, with Jeff Gordon on the pole during what he's already announced will be his final full season on the NASCAR circuit. The race begins at noon, with live coverage provided locally by Fox 28. Landon will be looking to better his 12th place finish of a year ago, his best to date in the 500. Thousands of eastern Iowans will be hoping he does just that.