Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, who retired from full-time racing after the 2020 season, has returned to the Cup Series as a driver and co-owner of Legacy Motor Club in 2023. Known for his two Daytona 500 wins, Johnson has locked himself into the upcoming Daytona 500 despite piloting a non-chartered No. 84 Toyota. This secured spot comes as the Daytona 500 expanded its field to 41 cars this year under the Open Exemption Provisional rule.
Johnson’s consistent presence at the Daytona 500 since his Cup Series return includes a notable third-place finish last year after starting 40th, his best performance since his 2013 victory. Despite driving a car without a charter, which normally results in no automatic race berth, Johnson’s No. 84 Toyota remains guaranteed entry, effectively treated as an additional chartered vehicle.
Background on Johnson’s Return and Career Highlights at Daytona
Johnson, a native of El Cajon, California, achieved two Daytona 500 victories in his career, first in 2006 and again in 2013. Since transitioning to IndyCar for two seasons, his current Cup Series comeback has proven competitive. His 2023 performances at Daytona have underscored his ability to overcome the challenge of racing in a non-chartered car, which traditionally faces tougher qualifying conditions than chartered entries.
The No. 84 Toyota, though officially an open car, benefits from the unique structure of this year’s Daytona 500. The field expansion to 41 cars means that Johnson’s car, along with several others, have varying levels of guaranteed starting positions or opportunities through qualifying speeds and the results of the America 250 Florida Duel races.
Johnson’s Exclusion from Betting Odds Highlights Perceived Overlook
Despite Johnson’s confirmed spot in the Daytona 500, he is conspicuously absent from DraftKings Sportsbook’s odds for winning the race. At 50 years old, the El Cajon native’s omission contrasts with several other drivers who are listed despite uncertain race entries. For example, Austin Hill and B.J. McLeod, neither of whom have secured confirmed rides, carry odds of +10000, while veteran open drivers like Justin Allgaier are listed only at +4500.
Several other open-wheel drivers not yet reflected in the odds include Chandler Smith of Front Row Motorsports, Anthony Alfredo from Beard Motorsports, Casey Mears of Garage 66, Corey Heim from 23XI Racing, and Corey LaJoie representing RFK Racing. NY Racing Team has not finalized its entry for J.J. Yeley yet, though an announcement is anticipated.
Given there are eight cars competing for four open spots, four drivers will ultimately fail to qualify, raising stakes for those on the margins. However, despite Johnson’s assured presence, betting markets appear to disregard him in favor of speculation around uncertain entries.
Schedule and Coverage for Daytona 500 Qualifying and Race
Qualifying for the Daytona 500 will begin with single-car sessions at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday, February 11, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET, with live coverage provided by Fox Sports 1. The America 250 Florida Duel races, which determine several starting positions, will air live at 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 12. The main event – the 200-lap Daytona 500 race – is scheduled to broadcast live on Fox at 2:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 15.
The Importance of Johnson’s Guaranteed Entry and Its Impact on the Field
Jimmie Johnson’s guaranteed spot in the Daytona 500 underscores both his enduring reputation and the evolving dynamics of NASCAR’s entry regulations. His case highlights the influence of the Open Exemption Provisional rule, which has created an unusual expansion of the traditional 40-car field, now allowing 41 starters only once since 1993.
This format gives non-chartered drivers like Johnson a unique advantage despite their car’s official status. Still, the lack of betting odds including Johnson raises questions about how the racing community perceives his competitive chances in what remains one of NASCAR’s most prestigious and unpredictable races.
As the qualifying sessions and Duel races approach, all eyes will be on the drivers battling for limited spots and on Johnson’s performance, which could either challenge or confirm the doubts reflected in wagering markets. How this tension plays out will be significant for both Johnson’s legacy and the competitive landscape at Daytona International Speedway.
