Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and two-time Daytona 500 winner, will participate in the 2026 Daytona 500 using the Open Exemption Provisional. Johnson’s use of this rule guarantees his place on the starting grid at Daytona, increasing the field to 41 cars for the event held at Daytona International Speedway.
Open Exemption Provisional Ensures Johnson’s Return
The Open Exemption Provisional (OEP), introduced a year ago, allows a non-chartered team with a highly accomplished driver to bypass traditional qualifying for races that exceed the standard 40-car entry list. By activating this rule for the upcoming season-opener, Johnson secures his start in the race but forgoes any event points or purse earnings. Notably, changes to the rule now require drivers to opt for the OEP before qualifying, removing the previous option to attempt qualifying first and rely on the OEP as a fallback. This adjustment leaves four additional open spots on the grid, totaling 41 competitors with Johnson’s entry.
History of Open Exemption Provisional Use
The OEP has only come into play once before, when Helio Castroneves, a four-time Indy 500 winner, used it alongside the Project 91 Trackhouse Racing team during the prior year’s Daytona 500. This highlights the rarity of the provision and underscores Johnson’s status in the sport, as the rule is reserved for drivers with exceptional records.
Lineup and Johnson’s Recent Racing Activity
For the 2026 Daytona 500, Johnson is set to drive the No. 84 Toyota prepared by Legacy Motor Club, joining teammates Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek. After retiring as a full-time competitor at the conclusion of the 2020 season, Johnson, now a NASCAR Hall of Famer and driver/owner, has returned sporadically, mainly with Legacy, to participate in select NASCAR events. Last season, he narrowly avoided a major last-lap incident, finishing third in the Daytona 500, demonstrating his continued competitiveness.
Implications for the Upcoming Daytona 500
Johnson’s confirmed presence brings additional prestige and anticipation to the 2026 Daytona 500. With the grid now expanded by the OEP, fans will witness a slightly larger starting field, emphasizing NASCAR’s willingness to accommodate legendary figures. The introduction and continued evolution of the Open Exemption Provisional highlights NASCAR’s ongoing effort to balance competitiveness with opportunities for icons like Johnson to participate in marquee events. As the race approaches, the motorsports community will be watching closely to see how Johnson, his Legacy Motor Club teammates, and the field of 41 perform during one of the sport’s most celebrated competitions.
