NASCAR grants Jimmie Johnson Daytona 500 request – Sports News
NASCAR has granted seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson an Open Exemption Provisional entry into the season-opening Daytona 500 on February 15, that means the 50-year-old received’t need to qualify for the occasion.
Johnson, the proprietor of Legacy Motor Club, will drive his group’s part-time No. 84 Toyota because the forty first entrant on the 68th operating of the historic race in Florida. The rule, which was launched for 2025 as what NASCAR calls a “promoter’s choice,” might be carried out by the group at its discretion “for accomplished, world-class drivers from NASCAR or other forms of motorsports.”
However, whereas Johnson will be capable to combat for a third Daytona win a yr after his exceptional third-place end in what proved a team-best consequence for the season, being the forty first entrant in what’s normally a 40-car subject means he can’t earn factors or any prize funds, that means it does come at a financial value.
He will, nonetheless, be capable to compete to doubtlessly take part within the annual All-Star Race, which this yr will probably be held at Dover Motor Speedway on May 17, having been held at North Wilkesboro Speedway for the previous three years.
While Johnson has been retired from full-time Cup Series racing because the conclusion of the 2020 season, he returned in 2023 with Legacy at Daytona, occurring to compete in 14 races since then. However, his third place in Florida a yr in the past stays by far his best consequence for Legacy, failing to crack the highest 20 in each different occasion.
Johnson’s alternatives to show he nonetheless has what it takes to compete on the highest stage received’t be restricted to only Daytona in 2026, nonetheless, as he’s additionally set to participate within the inaugural race on the Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, close to the place he grew up.
The race will help have fun the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary, with a 3.4-mile 16-turn observe set to take drivers across the base in what will probably be a distinctive highway course occasion.
In a assertion asserting his determination to take part within the race, Johnson stated, “Growing up just miles from San Diego, I dreamed about racing here in a NASCAR vehicle someday, but I never thought it would be possible.
“I just came to the realization that there would be no way NASCAR could race in that city – as there would be nowhere to put a track. So, it’s just mind-blowing to me that NASCAR made this a reality.
“To come back home, compete in front of my community, the military, my family, and friends, and do it with Carvana and Legacy Motor Club, this is one of those full-circle experiences I will never forget. It’s a lifelong dream.”
Johnson’s No. 84 will probably be sponsored by Carvana at each occasions, along with his placing blue, white, and yellow livery for Daytona having just lately been revealed following a hilarious teaser video during which he pulled off his best Bob Ross impression.
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