Jimmie Johnson will compete in the 2026 Daytona 500, as he has secured a guaranteed entry following the approval of an open exemption provisional. The spot guarantees Johnson a start in the legendary NASCAR event, underscoring his enduring prominence and ensuring that the Jimmie Johnson Daytona 500 spot is set for next February at Daytona International Speedway.
Provisional Secures Johnson’s Place on the Starting Grid
Legacy Motor Club successfully applied for an open exemption provisional, FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass reported Wednesday, which means Johnson will officially line up on Sunday, February 15 for the 2026 race. This marks a significant change in the field, which will increase to 41 cars, with Johnson’s spot confirmed regardless of his qualifying performance. While he won’t receive purse money for his entry, his exact starting position will depend on his results during the duels.
This move reduces the available open spots, leaving seven other cars to compete for the remaining four entries in the Daytona 500. Drivers aiming to secure those slots include Justin Allgaier from JR Motorsports, Corey Heim representing 23XI Racing, Casey Mears with Garage 66, B.J. McLeod for Live Fast Motorsports, and J.J. Yeley driving for NY Racing Team. Teams such as Beard Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing are expected to introduce additional entries, increasing the intensity of the final qualifiers.
NASCAR’s Open Exemption Provisional and Recent Rule Changes
The open exemption provisional, a relatively new mechanism, was introduced before the previous year’s Daytona 500. This provision allows top-tier drivers with exceptional records or background in other motorsport categories a guaranteed entry, given they meet certain credentials as recognized by NASCAR.com. Trackhouse Racing utilized the provisional last year to bring in IndyCar legend Helio Castroneves despite his crash during qualifying duels.
In March, NASCAR updated its protocols to formally require a 41-car field anytime the open exemption provisional is awarded. As stated in the official rulebook:
“The Open Exemption Provisional will be applied only if more than 40 vehicles are qualifying for the Event. In that case, it will be applied regardless of the vehicle’s Qualifying position, and the starting field will be 41,”
the rule states. This ensures that accomplished drivers like Johnson have a definitive path into headline races even when the field is highly competitive.
Johnson’s Competitive Goals and Recent Performances
At age 50, Johnson has continued to pursue excellence in motorsports, competing with his team, Legacy Motor Club, since stepping away from full-time racing in 2020. Since 2023, the seven-time Cup champion has started 14 races for his team, with results often outside the top 30, although he made a notable impression by finishing third in the previous year’s Daytona 500. Reflecting on the achievement, Johnson said,
“That was a very nice day [Daytona]. I hope to have more shots [at that]. We don’t really speak of the podiums in our industry but to finish third and essentially be on the podium was an incredible opportunity,”
— Jimmie Johnson, Driver.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Johnson has also committed to racing at Coronado Naval Base during NASCAR’s inaugural event in San Diego. Aiming to reach 84 career Cup wins while driving the No. 84 Legacy Motor Club car, Johnson’s ambitions remain undiminished. As he noted,
“Man, the 84th win, I wanna believe that opportunity is there one way shape or another. To be in the 84 car chasing that 84th win, I really would like to tick that box.”
— Jimmie Johnson, Driver.
What Johnson’s Guaranteed Entry Means for the Daytona 500
Johnson’s confirmed spot has intensified the battle among hopeful entrants vying for a coveted position in the race, while highlighting NASCAR’s efforts to keep its premier events open to legends of the sport. With respected competitors such as Justin Allgaier, Corey Heim, Casey Mears, and J.J. Yeley facing even stiffer competition for remaining entries, fans can expect elevated anticipation and drama leading into qualifying week. For Johnson and Legacy Motor Club, the provisional provides an assured platform to pursue another historic win, while for NASCAR, it showcases a renewed dedication to both sportsmanship and spectacle at the Daytona 500.
Jimmie Johnson has guaranteed spot in Daytona 500. Legacy applied for and has been granted the "open exemption provisional" … so Johnson is guaranteed spot and field will be 41 cars. Johnson won't get purse $. Where he starts I'd expect depends on finish in duels. @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 7, 2026
