Jimmie Johnson, Martin Truex jr. Locked up in the Daytona 500; Dale Earnhardt Jr. ‘s car is still waiting

There will be no painful waiting for Jimmie Johnson to make the Daytona 500 this year.

A year after a white knuckle trip in the field by a disturbing qualifying racethe seven -time cup champion had an easier time to qualify for the Great American Race for the 67th issue of the Great American Race on Wednesday night.

With two guaranteed places available quickly, Johnson claims one by a shot of 180,785 km / h in the no. 84 Toyota of the Legacy Motor Club team he owns to own.

“After what I went through last year, I’m so excited,” Johnson, whose car has a bail agreement with the NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, told FS1. “Oh my gosh. Very, very proud of everyone at Legacy Motor Club and the effort they put in this car. The evolution was from ’24 until now. I’m so excited. Shaq, we’re in the big show, Buddy. It’s going to be a lot of fun. “

The field is ready for the 67th Daytona 500 in two 60-round events at Daytona International Speedway.

Johnson is one of nine drivers in ‘open’ cars competing for the Final Four places in the 40-car field. There are 36 places guaranteed for chartered cars.

“What I went through last year was so frightening and I’m glad that I don’t have to go again. I definitely respect this process and don’t envy the guys who have to chase their way. It’s so difficult. I am very happy with my Toyota. I am very happy with everyone at Legacy Motor Club. We have three cars here that are all fast. This is a big improvement last year. “

Martin Truex Jr. ,, which is also locked in the field, has the 2017 Cup champion Martin Truex Jr.

The last two places are determined on Thursday night in two 60 cloth qualifying races, with one open car making the field out of each race.

“Definitely a great relief,” Truex, who was re -raised with crew head, told FS1. “You never know what can happen in the duel. They go crazy. Something on Pit Road gets you in trouble or whatever.

‘Good work through all the guys. They finished their butts on this car, and they sweated all afternoon. Luckliy could put us in a good shot. All the guys at Tricon, also JGR and Toyota. This is a big deal for them. Both cars that are locked are Toyotas so big night for them and hopefully we can have fun for the rest of the week. “

Jimmie Johnson said he was not happy when he found out about the new NASCAR for the time being and that he would not be eligible for it in Daytona.

Among the seven drivers who still have to make the field are Justin Allgaier in the no. 40 Chevrolet of JRM Motorsports. The 2024 XFinity Series champion is trying to make the Cup series debut for the team run by Dale Earnhardt Jr. And Kelley Earnhardt Miller is owned.

Other drivers who try to make the field on Thursday: Chandler Smith, Anthony Alfredo, Corey Lajoie, BJ McLeod, JJ Yeley and four-time Indy 500 winner Helio CastroneVes.

As a result of a new release of the NASCARCastroneVes is guaranteed to make the field, even if he secures a starting place on Thursday in the qualifying race. In that case, the field would be expanded to a 41st car.