Nine Drivers Vying for Daytona 500 Starting Grid
As the anticipation builds for the 67th annual Daytona 500, a total of 45 teams are eagerly eyeing a coveted spot in the Sunday race. Among them, nine open drivers are facing the challenge of securing their positions on the starting grid, adding an extra layer of excitement and competition to the prestigious event.
The 36 teams with charters can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that they have guaranteed starting positions. However, for drivers like Helio Castroneves, a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner set to drive for Trackhouse Racing, the path to the Daytona 500 is slightly more uncertain. Castroneves will either have to qualify for the field through traditional means such as single-car qualifying or his qualifying duel race, or secure the 41st entry spot through the Open Exemption Provisional.
Leading the pack of open drivers is Corey LaJoie, behind the wheel of the No. 01 Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing. Meanwhile, Justin Allgaier is determined to make a mark for JR Motorsports in the No. 40 Chevrolet, aiming to secure the team’s first Cup Series race.
Joining them in the quest for a Daytona 500 starting spot are:
– JJ Yeley in the No. 44 Chevrolet with NY Racing Team
– Martin Truex Jr. driving the No. 56 Toyota for Tricon Garage
– Anthony Alfredo piloting the No. 62 Chevrolet with Beard Motorsports
– Chandler Smith in the No. 66 Ford Mustang for Garage 66
– B.J. McLeod steering the No. 78 Chevrolet for his Live Fast Motorsports team
– Jimmie Johnson taking on the No. 84 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club
Notably, if Martin Truex Jr. secures a qualifying spot, it would mark the first Cup Series race for Tricon Garage. The team has partnered with Joe Gibbs Racing to field Truex’s car, reuniting him with crew chief Cole Pearn, with whom he clinched the 2017 series championship.
Adding to the excitement, William Byron and Hendrick Motorsports are gearing up to defend their title as the reigning winners of the Daytona 500, bringing a sense of anticipation and high stakes to the upcoming race.
For a detailed look at the full entry list and to track the progress of these drivers as they compete for their Daytona 500 starting positions, visit the official website for more information.
