Jimmie Johnson has locked in a guaranteed entry for the 2026 Daytona 500, after Legacy Motor Club successfully obtained an open exemption provisional, as reported by Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. This move secures Johnson’s participation in next year’s highly anticipated event, keeping the Jimmie Johnson Daytona 500 spot front and center for racing fans and the NASCAR community.
Johnson’s spot in the race is official for Sunday, February 15, 2026, with the Daytona 500 field expanding to 41 cars for this event. He will compete without being eligible for purse money, and his position in the starting grid will be decided by his performance in the qualifying duels. This arrangement gives the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion a chance to pursue further success in a race synonymous with his illustrious career.
Seven Drivers Gear Up for Four Open Positions
Because Johnson now fills the provisional spot, seven other drivers are preparing to battle for only four remaining open entries in the 2026 Daytona 500 field. The group of hopefuls includes Justin Allgaier from JR Motorsports, Corey Heim representing 23XI Racing, Casey Mears driving for Garage 66, B.J. McLeod from Live Fast Motorsports, and J.J. Yeley of NY Racing Team. In addition, extra entries are expected from Beard Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing, intensifying the competition for the final places on racing’s biggest stage.
Open Exemption Provisional: A New Pathway for Elite Drivers
The open exemption provisional was first introduced before last year’s Daytona 500, allowing track promoters to include a renowned driver in the field, regardless of qualifying performance. This move aimed to strengthen the quality and star power of the lineup, especially for world-class talent or accomplished drivers from other motorsport disciplines. NASCAR.com notes that the provisional is a “promoter’s choice,” a rule that last benefited IndyCar Series veteran Helio Castroneves when Trackhouse Racing used it to allow his entry despite a previous crash in his duel event.
In March, NASCAR updated the qualification protocol to mandate a 41-car field whenever this exemption is employed, which helps avoid excluding other contenders due to the additional entry. The rule now states,
“The Open Exemption Provisional will be applied only if more than 40 vehicles are qualifying for the Event. In that case, it will be applied regardless of the vehicle’s Qualifying position, and the starting field will be 41,”
as clarified in the official language.
Jimmie Johnson Focuses on Next Milestone Victory
Since stepping away from full-time racing after the 2020 season, Johnson, who is now 50, has continued to pursue his passion through a part-time schedule. Competing under his own Legacy Motor Club banner, the legendary driver has entered 14 NASCAR Cup Series races since 2023. While he faced difficulties breaking into the top 30 in both 2023 and 2024, Johnson delivered a standout performance by finishing third in the last Daytona 500—his best recent result.
Beyond Daytona in 2026, Johnson revealed in November that he will also race at Coronado Naval Base during NASCAR’s inaugural San Diego event. With a career total of 83 Cup Series victories, Johnson remains determined to reach his 84th win, a goal made especially meaningful as he pilots the No. 84 car for Legacy Motor Club. Speaking about his Daytona ambitions, Johnson reflected on his memorable recent result:
“That was a very nice day [Daytona]. I hope to have more shots [at that]. We don’t really speak of the podiums in our industry but to finish third and essentially be on the podium was an incredible opportunity,”
Johnson said.
“Man, the 84th win, I wanna believe that opportunity is there one way shape or another. To be in the 84 car chasing that 84th win, I really would like to tick that box.”
— Jimmie Johnson, Driver, Legacy Motor Club
A New Era of High-Stakes Competition Approaches
Jimmie Johnson’s guaranteed place in the 2026 Daytona 500 both honors his legacy and sets up what promises to be a thrilling duel between elite veterans and rising hopefuls. With new rules expanding the field and promoting inclusiveness, the stage is set for intense competition, more storylines, and the potential for another historic victory. As Johnson eyes win number 84, fans and fellow drivers alike will be watching whether he can make further history at the Daytona 500 and beyond.
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
