Jimmie Johnson has removed one element of stress from the upcoming Speedweeks. He has secured his spot in the 2026 Daytona 500.
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According to an announcement from NASCAR, the seven-time champion and Legacy Motor Club owner has requested the Open Exemption Provisional. This ensures that he will have a spot on the starting grid despite driving an Open car. Johnson will be the 41st driver.
He had previously confirmed that he would attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500. He previously revealed his Carvana scheme for the crown jewel event, which features a light blue scheme with flashes of yellow.
The "OEP" is a creation of NASCAR for "world class drivers" who choose to enter a Cup Series race. This provisional, which debuted last season, ensures a starting spot and an opportunity to compete for the trophy.
However, the drivers who use this provisional will not be eligible for race points, a spot in the playoffs, playoff points, or prize money. This holds true for Johnson, who can pursue his 84th career win and the Harley J. Earl Trophy.
The playoff points are irrelevant to Johnson, who only has two confirmed starts on his 2026 schedule so far. He will compete in the Daytona 500 and then the inaugural street race on Naval Base Coronado, which is near his hometown of El Cajon, California.
NASCAR revised the provisional to increase the field size to 41 entries if necessary. Cup Series fields regularly cap at 40 entries — 36 chartered cars and four Open cars.
The seven-time champion is the second driver to utilize the Open Exemption Provisional. Four-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves used the OEP last season so that he could compete in the Daytona 500.
Castroneves joined a lineup that included other Open entries controlled by Johnson, Martin Truex Jr. (Tricon Garage), Corey LaJoie (Rick Ware Racing), and Justin Allgaier (JR Motorsports).
Johnson and Truex both secured their spots on speed, while LaJoie and Allgaier locked in through the Duel races. That will not be the case this season as the Legacy Motor Club owner already has his spot.
