Jimmie Johnson is officially slated to compete in the 2026 Daytona 500 after NASCAR granted him a special entry, known as a provisional, for the acclaimed race in Daytona Beach, Florida. This guarantee means Johnson, a central figure in the Jimmie Johnson Daytona 500 legacy, will start his 23rd Daytona 500 as the field gets set to expand for the highly anticipated event.
Provisional Entry for Johnson in the Iconic Race
NASCAR verified that Johnson has received the open exemption provisional (OEP), which will secure his position on the starting grid but does not ensure prize money. The OEP was introduced to provide world-renowned drivers an assured spot in Daytona’s most prestigious race when entering with an unchartered or open team. Helio Castroneves was the first recipient of this special access in a previous season.
Without this exemption last year, Johnson had to earn his place in the race by driving his No. 84 Carvana Toyota Camry XSE through the qualifying Duel. In that contest, Johnson held off J.J. Yeley in the final laps to claim his start in the main event.
Expanded Driver Lineup and Team Entries
The upcoming event will feature 41 drivers on the grid, increasing opportunities for open teams. Johnson’s guaranteed presence is part of a growing list of competitors and teams already committed to the race. Currently confirmed entries include:
1. Justin Allgaier, piloting the No. 40 Chevrolet with JR Motorsports
2. Corey Heim, representing 23XI Racing in the No. 67 Toyota
3. Casey Mears with Garage 66/MBM Motorsports in the No. 66 Ford
4. BJ McLeod in the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports
5. J.J. Yeley racing the No. 44 Chevrolet for NY Racing Team
6. Beard Motorsports with the No. 62 Chevrolet (driver pending announcement)
7. Richard Childress Racing with a No. 33(?) Chevrolet (driver not yet named)
Johnson’s Daytona 500 Legacy and Historical Context
Throughout his remarkable career, Johnson has never failed to qualify for the Daytona 500, amassing 22 consecutive starts, with 2026 set to mark his 23rd appearance. He currently boasts the most active starts in the NASCAR Cup Series at Daytona, trailing the all-time leader Dave Marcis, who holds 33 starts in the storied race. Other prominent legends with multiple Daytona 500 starts include Richard Petty and Terry Labonte (32 each), Michael Waltrip (30), as well as Bill Elliott, Mark Martin, and Ricky Rudd, each with 29 appearances.
Johnson is now poised to tie Jeff Gordon, who competed in 23 Daytona 500 races, adding further prestige to both drivers’ accomplishments. Johnson’s legacy was launched in 2002 when Gordon handpicked him to drive for Hendrick Motorsports in NASCAR’s primary series, setting him on a path to seven championship titles and 83 victories—including wins at the Daytona 500 in 2006 and 2013.
Gordon’s own Daytona 500 track record includes wins in 1997, 1999, and 2005, and his final start was in 2015. Johnson remains a centerpiece of the race’s rich history, and his guaranteed spot in 2026 reinforces his ongoing relevance.
Significance and What Lies Ahead
As NASCAR’s evolving entry system continues to create new opportunities for elite and open teams alike, Johnson’s assured participation not only acknowledges his extraordinary contributions but also broadens the competitive landscape for the 2026 Daytona 500. With the field expanding and more open slots for ambitious drivers, fans can expect an event marked by experience, emerging talent, and stories that shape stock car racing’s future. Johnson’s continued involvement maintains the connection between the legends of the past and the next chapter in Daytona’s enduring legacy.
