Jimmie Johnson will participate in the 2026 Daytona 500 at Daytona Beach, Florida, following NASCAR’s decision to grant him a provisional entry, ensuring his place in the lineup. The move guarantees Johnson’s entry as part of the open exemption provisional (OEP), a process designed to boost a world-class driver’s access to the high-profile event.
NASCAR Awards Johnson the Open Exemption Provisional
NASCAR confirmed on Thursday that Jimmie Johnson has received the OEP, which guarantees a spot in the 2026 Daytona 500, though it does not secure associated prize money. The OEP, first introduced the previous season, serves to allow celebrated or internationally recognized racers to compete despite not being part of a full-time charter team. Helio Castroneves was the inaugural recipient of this provisional entry, showcasing the organization’s commitment to spotlighting elite talent within the event format.
This year, the starting field expands to 41 drivers, increasing opportunities for open teams. The current list of open, non-charter entrants includes Justin Allgaier for JR Motorsports, Corey Heim driving for 23XI Racing, Casey Mears with Garage 66/MBM Motorsports, BJ McLeod for Live Fast Motorsports, and J.J. Yeley with NY Racing Team. Two teams—Beard Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing—have confirmed entries but have not yet announced drivers for their cars.
Longstanding Daytona 500 Track Record
Johnson’s career at the Daytona 500 reflects remarkable consistency and longevity; he has never missed a start in his 22 attempts, and 2026 will become his 23rd. Among active competitors in the NASCAR Cup Series, Johnson holds the record for the most Daytona 500 starts. However, with ten more starts, he would meet the all-time record set by Dave Marcis, who has 33 appearances in the event. Other notable drivers such as Richard Petty, Terry Labonte, Michael Waltrip, Bill Elliott, Mark Martin, and Ricky Rudd have all reached significant numbers of starts at the Daytona 500, marking their own places in NASCAR history. Johnson is set to tie Jeff Gordon for career Daytona 500 starts, further solidifying his enduring presence at this storied race.
Legacy and Championship Credentials
Jimmie Johnson’s path to NASCAR stardom began when Jeff Gordon selected him for Hendrick Motorsports in 2002, launching a highly successful career. Johnson has achieved a total of 83 NASCAR Cup Series wins, including victories in the Daytona 500 in 2006 and 2013. Gordon, who made 23 Daytona 500 appearances and won three times (in 1997, 1999, and 2005), remains a key figure in Johnson’s career story. Gordon last competed in the Daytona 500 in 2015.
The inclusion of Jimmie Johnson in the 2026 Daytona 500 adds to the event’s prestige, reinforcing NASCAR’s ability to draw legendary competitors and provide fans with highly anticipated matchups at Daytona Beach. The expanded lineup and the OEP provision will continue shaping the race’s competitive landscape in seasons to come.
