Jimmie Johnson, a renowned figure in stock car racing and a two-time winner of the iconic event, is set to participate in the upcoming Jimmie Johnson Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Despite his firm entry into the race and consistent achievements since returning to NASCAR, Johnson faces a peculiar omission from official betting odds, raising questions just days before the high-stakes contest in Daytona Beach, Florida.
After departing from full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing at the end of the 2020 season, Jimmie Johnson spent two years competing in the NTT IndyCar Series. He then returned to NASCAR in 2023 as both a driver and co-owner of Legacy Motor Club. Notably, Johnson has entered the Daytona 500 each year since his return, and his impressive third-place finish last year—after starting from 40th—was his best result since his victory a decade earlier. His record also includes a top-three finish in 2003 and a win in 2006. These accomplishments are particularly notable because his No. 84 car races without the security of a charter, meaning he must qualify on performance alone rather than automatic entry with most teams.
Johnson’s Secured Entry Amid Tough Competition
The 2024 Daytona 500 features a slightly different format. Johnson’s No. 84 Toyota remains a non-chartered, or open, entry, but he has secured his spot in the field because this year’s race will include 41 cars, up from the usual 40. This expansion comes from the Open Exemption Provisional rule, which guarantees Johnson’s participation. Only once since 1993 has the race included exactly 41 competitors, making this year’s event an outlier.
Four qualifying spots remain available for other open cars. Two will be decided on speed during single-car qualifying, while the other two will go to top finishers in the America 250 Florida Duel races. Although Johnson’s car is open, it is effectively being treated as a chartered entry for 2024, ensuring his presence on the starting grid alongside other confirmed drivers such as Chandler Smith of Front Row Motorsports, Anthony Alfredo of Beard Motorsports, Casey Mears representing Garage 66, Corey Heim for 23XI Racing, and Corey LaJoie with RFK Racing.
Omission from Betting Odds Sparks Discussion
Despite his presence, DraftKings Sportsbook does not list betting odds for Jimmie Johnson to win the 200-lap event. This exclusion stands out, given that some drivers with less secure entries, such as B.J. McLeod—whose race participation with Live Fast Motorsports has not been officially confirmed—are included at +10000 odds. Similarly, Austin Hill, previously rumored as a possible entrant for Richard Childress Racing, is listed despite not driving this year.
The absence of Johnson, who is guaranteed a race spot, contrasts with the inclusion of others who lack official confirmation. Several other open car drivers also remain omitted from betting lists, including Anthony Alfredo, Chandler Smith, Casey Mears, Corey Heim, and Corey LaJoie. However, Justin Allgaier, announced well ahead of the event as an open competitor with JR Motorsports, is present at +4500 odds. J.J. Yeley is also likely to be confirmed for NY Racing Team, further crowding the highly competitive field in which eight open cars will vie for four available spots, with the remainder expected to miss qualification.
Details on Scheduling and Coverage
Qualifying action for the Jimmie Johnson Daytona 500 will start at Daytona International Speedway at 8:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 11, broadcast live by Fox Sports 1. The America 250 Florida Duel races will follow at 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 12, also on Fox Sports 1. The main event, the Daytona 500, will air live on Fox at 2:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 15. Fans are encouraged to tune in to catch the dramatic buildup and the race itself from the storied venue known as the “World Center of Racing.”
Heading into the weekend, Jimmie Johnson’s position is unique: though locked into the starting lineup and boasting a strong recent performance, he is being overlooked in the betting landscape. The situation adds intrigue to an already competitive and unpredictable race, as seasoned veterans and new contenders compete at Daytona Beach, with racing organizations and fans watching closely for potential surprises on and off the track.
