Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, will be on the grid at the 68th Daytona 500 after taking advantage of the Open Exemption Provisional. This move allows Johnson, who is racing for a non-chartered team, to secure a guaranteed start in the upcoming event.
The Open Exemption Provisional (OEP) was introduced just a year ago as a way for world-class drivers without a charter to enter races where entries outnumber the field limit, set at 40 cars. With Johnson selecting this option, the starting lineup for next month’s Daytona 500 will increase to 41 cars. The OEP’s usage under current rules requires drivers to commit to it before attempting regular qualifying, eliminating the previous allowance to fall back on the exemption.
Implications of the Open Exemption Provisional
Drivers using the OEP, such as Johnson, forgo the opportunity to earn prize money or series points in that particular race. While four open spots will still be available for other teams to qualify, Johnson’s deployment of the OEP adds an extra entry to the prestigious season-opener. This marks only the second time the OEP has been used; in the prior year, Helio Castroneves and Project 91 Trackhouse Racing secured their place at Daytona with this rule.
Legacy Motor Club and Johnson’s Daytona 500 Record
For the 2026 Daytona 500, Johnson will drive the No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota. He joins teammates Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek at the team, hoping to build on his storied history at the event. Johnson, inducted as a NASCAR Hall of Famer, previously won the Daytona 500 in 2006 and again in 2013. He stepped away from full-time racing after the 2020 season, but has since taken on a driver/owner role at Legacy Motor Club, occasionally participating in select races.
Johnson’s return to Daytona follows a strong performance last year, when he navigated a chaotic final-lap crash to earn a third-place finish. This notable achievement demonstrated he remains a strong competitor on one of NASCAR’s biggest stages, even in a part-time role.
Significance for Johnson and the Daytona 500 Field
Johnson’s Jimmie Johnson Daytona 500 entry through the OEP not only cements his spot in the race but also highlights the evolving opportunities available to seasoned, world-class drivers. The provision brings star power and additional competition to the Daytona 500, benefiting both fans and the sport. As Johnson gears up for another run at the iconic event alongside drivers like Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek and teams like Legacy Motor Club, all eyes will be on how this expanded field shapes the intensity and excitement of the famed NASCAR season-opener.
