There can be no agonizing watch for Jimmie Johnson to make the Daytona 500 this yr.
A yr after a white-knuckle journey into the sphere , the seven-time Cup Collection champion had a neater time in qualifying Wednesday night time for the 67th version of the Nice American Race.
With two assured spots accessible on velocity, Johnson claimed one by turning a 180.785 mph lap within the No. 84 Toyota of the Legacy Motor Membership crew that he co-owns.
“After what I went by final yr, I’m so thrilled,” Johnson, whose automobile has a sponsor cope with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, instructed FS1. “Oh my gosh. Very, very pleased with everyone at Legacy Motor Membership and the hassle they put into this automobile. The evolution wev’e been on from ’24 to now. I’m so very excited. Shaq, we’re within the huge present, buddy. It’s going to be a whole lot of enjoyable.”
The sphere can be set for the 67th Daytona 500 in two 60-lap occasions at Daytona Worldwide Speedway.
Johnson is considered one of 9 drivers in “open” vehicles which might be competing for the ultimate 4 spots within the 40-car subject. There are 36 spots assured to chartered vehicles.
“What I went by final yr was so horrifying and I’m glad I don’t should undergo it once more. I actually respect this course of and don’t envy the fellows that should race their manner in. It’s so robust. I’m very pleased with my Toyota. I’m very pleased with everyone at Legacy Motor Membership. We’ve obtained three vehicles right here which might be all fairly quick. It’s an enormous enchancment from final yr.”
Additionally locking into the sphere was 2017 Cup champion Martin Truex Jr., who’s racing the No. 56 Toyota for TRICON Storage after stepping again from racing full time in 2025.
The ultimate two spots can be decided in two 60-lap qualifying races Thursday night time with one open automobile making the sphere from every race.
“Positively an enormous aid,” Truex, who has been reuinted with crew chief Cole Pearn, instructed FS1. “You by no means know what can occur within the Duels. They get loopy. One thing on pit street will get you in hassle or no matter.
“Nice job by all the fellows. They labored their butts off on this automobile, and so they have been sweating all afternoon. Luckliy we have been in a position to put a superb lap in. All the fellows at Tricon, additionally JGR and Toyota. It’s an enormous deal for them. Each vehicles locked in are Toyotas so huge night time for them and hopefully we will have some enjoyable the remainder of the week.”
Jimmie Johnson mentioned he was not completely happy when he discovered about NASCAR’s new provisional and that he wouldn’t be eligible for it at Daytona.
Among the many seven drivers nonetheless needing to make the sphere is Justin Allgaier within the No. 40 Chevrolet of JRM Motorsports. The 2024 Xfinity Collection champion is making an attempt to make the Cup Collection debut for the crew co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller.
Allgaier nonetheless might make the sphere on velocity if Truex or Johnson have the highest-finishing open automobile in both of the qualifying races Thursday. Corey LaJoie additionally might make the sphere on velocity on this situation.
Different drivers making an attempt to make the sphere Thursday: Chandler Smith, Anthony Alfredo, BJ McLeod, JJ Yeley and four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves.
, Castroneves is assured to make the sphere even when he safe a beginning spot Thursday within the qualifying races. In that occasion, the sphere can be expanded to a forty first automobile.
