The NASCAR Cup Series’ crown-jewel race, the Daytona 500, is here, with 45 cars entered for the Great American Race.
With 45 entered, five will fail to qualify following the Thursday Duel races, barring any entry list changes.
In addition to the 36 chartered entries, nine open cars will try to make their way into the field.
Justin Allgaier will try to put JR Motorsports in a Cup race for the first time, piloting the No. 40. TRICON Garage, another team known for competing in the lower NASCAR series, will do the same, with Martin Truex Jr. entered in its No. 56.
NY Racing Team is back for another part-time run, with JJ Yeley back in its No. 44. So too is Beard Motorsports, with Anthony Alfredo again in its No. 62 like he was for much of the team’s schedule in 2024.
Garage 66 has Chandler Smith in its No. 66, while BJ McLeod‘s Live Fast Motorsports is back again, McLeod driving its No. 78.
Jimmie Johnson will pilot Legacy Motor Club’s No. 84, and Corey LaJoie‘s in Rick Ware Racing’s No. 01, its second car and now an open ride after being chartered in previous seasons.
Finally, four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves looks to make the race in Trackhouse Racing’s No. 91.
Daytona 500 Entry List
The Daytona 500 is set for Sunday, Feb. 16, at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX. The annual qualifying Duels will precede it on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. on FOX Sports 1.
Rutherford is the managing editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2015 after serving on the editing staff for two years. At his day job, he's a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio -- you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.