45 drivers are on the entry list for this weekend’s Daytona 500. We already know the 36 chartered cars are locked into the Great American Race. So that leaves nine drivers vying for four spots. It’s the toughest line-up of open drivers in years. To think at one time only two of those nine would have been going home, back when 43 drivers made a Cup race.
With nine drivers trying to make the show, the fight to make the Daytona 500 this year is the toughest it has been in many years.
Fight to Make Daytona 500 Toughest in Years
The Daytona 500 has 40 starters unlike most of the other races on the schedule. It is the biggest race of the season for NASCAR. The nine drivers trying to make the field are some huge names. There are two former Cup champions alone among those trying to make the Daytona 500. One happens to be seven-time Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson. The other is Martin Truex Jr, who will try to get TRICON Garage into their first Cup race.
Historic Team Trying to Make First Cup Start
Dale Earnhardt Jr and his sister Kelly Earnhardt-Miller have always wanted to field a cup car, and that is exactly what they are doing for the Daytona 500. Justin Allgaier the reigning Xfinity Series Champion will be tasked with trying to race the No. 40 Traveler’s Whiskey Chevrolet into the ‘Great American Race’. No matter what happens, the work JR Motorsports has done to get this opportunity is special.
Horsepower ➡️ Happy Hour. 🥃 pic.twitter.com/wuOIB7AzYl
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) February 5, 2025
READ MORE: JR Motorsports, Justin Allgaier to attempt the 2025 Daytona 500
Cup Champions Have to Race their way in
Jimmie Johnson will once again face racing his way into the Daytona 500. He will try to pilot his No. 84 Carvana Toyota in the field. His car is quite interesting, to say the least, as he has paired up with basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal to design his ride for the 500. The pair had a little fun on social media, which resulted in a free-throw contest and ultimately led to Shaq designing the paint scheme for Jimmie.
Well, a bet’s a bet… @SHAQ designed it, and I’m sticking to my word. See it on track February 16th! #Daytona500 pic.twitter.com/JK1nDUm2PA
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 8, 2025
Johnson isn’t the only former Cup champion who could miss the show. Martin Truex Jr is also in the same boat. He will make a one-off attempt with Tricon Garage. He will once again pilot a No. 56 Toyota with longtime sponsor Bass Pro Shops back for another race.
pOsT ThE mArTiN cAr pic.twitter.com/ZVIR3BIEEd
— TRICON (@TRICONGarage) February 10, 2025
4-Time Indy 500 Champion Looking to Make History
Helio Castroneves has always wanted to race in the Daytona 500. He’ll get that chance finally this year. After proving himself on ovals over the years, many expected Castroneves to branch out into perhaps some stock-car racing. Team Trackhouse is right in his corner, as Helio will hop behind the wheel of the team’s No. 91 car for the Daytona 500.
Our newest driver has moves on and off the track. 👀
4️⃣ time Indy 500 Champion
3️⃣ time Rolex 24 Champion
1️⃣ Dancing With The Stars Mirror Ball Trophy https://t.co/I57MRyqJ3d pic.twitter.com/PR7ihiS5ZR— PROJECT91 (@THProject91) February 6, 2025
Sure he’s been given an auto spot that won’t count for points or winnings if he doesn’t qualify, he will be a 41st provisional starter according to Chris Vinel from USA Today. But Helio isn’t taking the easy way in, as he’s focused on racing his way in.
READ MORE: Helio Castroneves to attempt 2025 Daytona 500 with Trackhouse Racing
Rest of the Bunch
Corey Lajoie will try to race his No. 01 Rick Ware Racing Ford into the Daytona 500. Sure he isn’t racing full-time this year, but he’s a guy that knows how to get around the superspeedway. NY Racing Team has tabbed longtime NASCAR veteran JJ Yeley to try and get their No. 44 Chevrolet into the Daytona 500. The newly renamed Garage 66 will have Chandler Smith trying to qualify for his first Daytona 500. The pasta man Anthony Alfredo is back for more fun with Beard Motorsports’ No. 62 Chevrolet. BJ Mcleod will look to make his sixth Daytona 500 after failing to make the race in 2024.
That brings the total to nine very hungry drivers looking to grab one of the four spots available in the field. It’s going to be fun to watch all week to see who gets in. One thing is for sure 45 cars is the most trying to make the race since 2015. While plenty are going to be heartbroken, four drivers will have earned their spot in the biggest race of the season.
Featured Image: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
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