Corey Heim Daytona 500 entry is set to make a strong impression as he joins a competitive field of open cars for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway, where teams without charters must race their way into a limited number of spots. With only a few weeks left before the event on February 15, 2026, the tension rises among open entries vying for a place in The Great American Race.
Seven Open Cars Ready for Daytona Showdown
The 68th Daytona 500 will see seven non-chartered teams fight for just four starting positions on the expanded 41-car roster. This year’s lineup of open entries highlights the challenging nature and high prestige of the iconic event. Confirmed participants include Justin Allgaier in JR Motorsports’ #40, JJ Yeley for NY Racing Team’s #44, Anthony Alfredo in Beard Motorsports’ #62, Casey Mears in Garage 66’s #66, Corey Heim representing 23XI Racing’s #67, BJ McLeod with Live Fast Motorsports‘ #78, and Corey LaJoie for RFK Racing’s #99.
Justin Allgaier, current champion of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, returns with a strong Cup Series campaign, aiming for a spot in the main event. Meanwhile, RFK Racing, notably co-owned by Brad Keselowski, has its #99 entry listed as open, contingent on ongoing roster decisions. The fielding of an extra car by three-car team 23XI Racing demonstrates their determination, bringing Corey Heim into the spotlight of this year’s open car contest at Daytona.
Special Provisional Secures Spot for Jimmie Johnson
In a notable development, Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, enters the Daytona 500 with a guaranteed entry through the Open Exemption Provisional rule. NASCAR’s approval of Legacy Motor Club’s application secures Johnson’s participation in the season opener.
“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”
—Bob Pockrass, FOX Sports
“The Great American Race” field expanded to 41 cars, and the dynamics of qualifying are slightly altered. However, for open cars without that exemption, earning a spot in the starting grid still requires top finishes in qualifying sessions and the two Duel races.
—Bob Pockrass, FOX Sports
The application of the Open Exemption Provisional means the field accommodates 41 drivers, but the path to qualification remains arduous for teams without this guarantee. For these open cars, performance in the lead-up qualifying and Duel races at Daytona will determine who secures the coveted spots in the final lineup.
Broadcast Details and Race Day Overview
The Daytona 500, often called The Great American Race, kicks off the NASCAR Cup Series calendar and will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Fans can tune in to the season-opener via broadcast on FOX, streaming on HBO Max, and radio coverage available through MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, starting at 8 pm Eastern.
This year’s open car battle, featuring Corey Heim Daytona 500 entry alongside veterans and rising talents, reflects the enduring appeal and competitive spirit of NASCAR’s most significant race. As anticipation grows, all eyes will be on Daytona International Speedway to see which teams secure their place in the storied event and how changes like expanded field size influence the competition.
Seven open cars expected/confirmed to vie for four spots:
40-Allgaier (JRM)
44-Yeley (NY)
62-Alfredo (Beard)
66-Mears (Garage 66)
67-Heim (23XI)
78-McLeod (Live Fast)
99-LaJoie (RFK) https://t.co/fyZlnzMbKv— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 20, 2026
