Jimmie Johnson and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB have locked in their place for the 2026 DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway, utilizing the Open Exemption Provisional to ensure their participation. Johnson’s guaranteed slot removes the uncertainty of having to compete for entry during Speedweeks, cementing his #84 Toyota Camry XSE within the starting lineup.
NASCAR Confirms Open Exemption Provisional Grant
“#NASCAR confirms that @JimmieJohnson and @LEGACYMotorClub will receive the ‘Open Exemption Provisional’ for the #DAYTONA500. https://t.co/KrX3PNhqAo”— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley)
NASCAR, in a formal statement confirmed to Racing America On SI, granted Johnson and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB the highly coveted exemption after Johnson made the necessary request. FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass was the first to report the news on Wednesday afternoon, quelling speculation regarding Johnson’s 2026 entry.
Background on Johnson’s Daytona 500 Journey
Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and owner of 83 career wins, returns to the DAYTONA 500 after a 2023 comeback as a part-time driver. His previous run at the event included close calls while attempting to qualify, notably dueling with NY Racing and JJ Yeley for a spot last season. Johnson’s storied career includes two DAYTONA 500 wins, making his continued participation highly anticipated among fans and the motorsports community.
This year, backed again by longtime sponsor Carvana, Johnson will compete in the No. 84 Toyota for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, where he is also a primary owner. The team, operating as a multi-car effort, has navigated the evolving NASCAR qualification landscape to secure its place through this unique provision.
How Rule Changes Secure Johnson’s Place
The Open Exemption Provisional—a mechanism used in 2025 by Trackhouse Racing to admit Helio Castroneves after a Duel crash—now allows NASCAR to allocate a guaranteed 41st starting position prior to Speedweeks. For 2026, officials granted the No. 84 team its entry outright, a step that means regardless of results in the preliminary races, 41 cars, including Johnson’s, will be present at the start of “The Great American Race.”
This amended policy streamlines the process and alleviates the suspense for both competitors and fans, giving the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB reassurance heading into the season. Johnson and his team agreed to forgo any race prize money or points by accepting this provisional entry, which is the tradeoff for guaranteed participation.
Looking Ahead to the Season-Opener
Johnson finished third in the previous February’s DAYTONA 500—his best showing with the NextGen car—and sets his sights on a long-awaited NASCAR Cup Series victory, seeking his first win in nine years. The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season is scheduled to begin at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, February 15, with broadcast coverage on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
The Open Exemption Provisional arrangement highlights NASCAR’s effort to balance inclusion with competition for legendary drivers and teams. As Jimmie Johnson returns to one of racing’s most prestigious stages, his guaranteed entry sets the stage for an exciting season opener, drawing attention from fans and industry insiders alike.
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
#NASCAR confirms that @JimmieJohnson and @LEGACYMotorClub will receive the 'Open Exemption Provisional' for the #DAYTONA500. https://t.co/KrX3PNhqAo
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) January 7, 2026
