The 2026 Daytona 500 open entry list is taking shape months ahead of the iconic race, with Corey Heim’s Daytona 500 entry adding to a group of drivers aiming to qualify without the security of a charter. With just 40 cars permitted on the grid and 36 locked in by charter, competition among open teams for the remaining spots will be among the most intense in years.
Open Entry Landscape Faces Narrowing Opportunity
For the 2026 Daytona 500, uncertainty surrounds whether all chartered NASCAR organizations will participate. As NASCAR navigates changes involving evergreen charters and long-term commitments, it is unclear how many open slots will be available—potentially as few as four—depending on how entry lists ultimately develop. FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass provided a concise overview of the current open entry speculation:
“Open cars I have for Daytona. Confirmed: Johnson (open exemption?), (Justin) Allgaier, (B.J) McLeod. Expected: (Corey) Heim-23XI, Garage 66 (Mears?), NY Racing (J.J Yeley?), Beard (TBD), RCR (Austin Hill?) Do not expect Trackhouse to do fourth car nor AmeriVet (50 car) nor a second RWR car for 500.”
Per the traditional qualifying procedure, the quickest two non-charter teams in single-car time trials secure their place on speed, while the highest-finishing open cars in each Duel race claim the other available slots. The total can reach 41 if NASCAR issues an Open Exemption Provisional, a rare move last seen when Hélio Castroneves was allowed to compete in 2025. However, no confirmation exists for such a provision in 2026, adding further complexity for hopefuls.
Corey Heim and Notable Challengers Among Open Hopefuls
Much attention is fixed on Corey Heim as he looks to convert his Truck Series success into a Daytona 500 start. Following a championship-winning campaign in 2025, Heim—who already boasts some Cup starts—plans to attempt qualifying in 23XI Racing’s No. 67 Toyota. His bid, coupled with the prestige of 23XI Racing, marks him as one of the most closely watched of the upcoming open entries.
Another major storyline revolves around Austin Hill, who races full-time for Richard Childress Racing in the Xfinity Series and made five Cup appearances last year. Hill, yet to start in the Daytona 500, is regarded as a strong contender for an open seat. His potential entry would further intensify the battle for the limited grid positions.
Other potential qualifiers include Casey Mears—last entered in the Daytona 500 in 2019—who may return with Garage 66, and J.J. Yeley representing NY Racing. Both Mears and Yeley attempted but failed to qualify in the previous year, keeping their prospects uncertain. In addition, Beard Motorsports is evaluating its open car lineup, with decisions regarding drivers still pending.
Veteran Experience Plugs the Open Entry Battles
Justin Allgaier and Jimmie Johnson headline the list of established drivers seeking open entry to the 2026 Daytona 500. Allgaier, the 2024 Xfinity Series champion, will again try to qualify in JR Motorsports’ No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet. He made an impressive Cup Series showing in his debut with the team last year, finishing ninth, but must once more earn his spot during qualifying or the Duels.
Seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson returns to attempt another Daytona 500, this time driving the No. 84 Carvana Toyota for Legacy Motor Club. Johnson’s efforts add significant attention to the open slots. Despite tough odds against open teams, he showcased veteran poise last year in a non-chartered car and finished third. The blend of proven experience and the unpredictable nature of Daytona qualifying generate compelling storylines for fans and teams alike.
B.J. McLeod and Other Familiar Names Ready to Compete
Confirmed in the open field is B.J. McLeod, whose efforts with Live Fast Motorsports have underscored the challenges of making the Daytona 500 without a charter. In 2025, McLeod was among five drivers who fell short of qualifying, joining the likes of Chandler Smith and Anthony Alfredo. Those who succeeded, such as Allgaier advancing through racing ability and Corey LaJoie via the Duels, highlight just how difficult open entry can be, even for seasoned drivers such as Martin Truex Jr.
What This Growing Open Field Means for 2026
The 2026 Daytona 500 is poised for heightened drama and unpredictability as veteran contenders and rising stars like Corey Heim aim for a coveted spot in NASCAR’s marquee event. Uncertainty over the number of open slots and possible entry list surprises ensure intense scrutiny leading up to Speedweeks. With fierce competition among experienced drivers and emerging talent, the open entry narrative will remain a focal point as teams and fans await further announcements through the off-season.
