NASCAR Legends Truex and Johnson Secure Daytona 500 Starting Spots
Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson secured their positions in the Daytona 500 through single-car qualifying. Truex, piloting the No. 56 Toyota for Tricon Garage, emerged as the fastest Open driver, marking Tricon's first Cup Series appearance.
McLaren F1 car in black livery
"It's definitely a big relief," said Truex, the 2017 series champion who recently retired from full-time competition. His car, fielded by Tricon Garage with Joe Gibbs Racing support, demonstrated impressive speed during qualifying.
Johnson, driving the No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota, secured the second-fastest Open driver position. As a two-time Daytona 500 winner, Johnson expressed relief at avoiding the pressure of qualifying through the duel races, which he experienced last year.
Among the nine Open drivers competing, Truex and Johnson outperformed Justin Allgaier and Corey LaJoie. Notably, Allgaier aims to secure a spot for JR Motorsports' potential Cup Series debut.
The remaining spots for the 67th Daytona 500 will be determined during Thursday night's events, including Helio Castroneves' fate, who could either race his way in or rely on the Open Exemption Provisional.
Key Points:
- Truex (No. 56 Toyota) and Johnson (No. 84 Toyota) qualified through single-car speeds
- Tricon Garage makes Cup Series debut with Truex
- Nine Open drivers competing for remaining spots
- Final qualifying positions determined Thursday night
- Castroneves' participation depends on Thursday's outcome