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Martin Truex Jr. & Jimmie Johnson Secure Daytona 500 Berths—Final Spots to Be Decided in Thursday’s Duels

Virgilio Machado by Virgilio Machado
February 13, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Martin Truex Jr. & Jimmie Johnson Secure Daytona 500 Berths—Final Spots to Be Decided in Thursday’s Duels

Feb 12, 2025; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr (56) during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The first two Open drivers to officially lock into the Daytona 500 have been determined—Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson are in!

Truex Jr. Dominates as Fastest Open Driver

🏎️ Driver: Martin Truex Jr.
🏁 Car: No. 56 Toyota (Tricon Garage)
⏱️ Status: Fastest Open Driver, Locks In

In his first race since stepping away from full-time Cup competition, Truex Jr. showed he still has elite speed. Driving for Tricon Garage, with support from Joe Gibbs Racing, he posted the fastest time among Open entries, guaranteeing his spot in Sunday’s Great American Race.

Truex Jr. on locking in:
“(It’s) definitely a big relief. You never know what can happen in the Duels—they can get crazy, something on pit road can get you in trouble. Great job to all of the guys. They worked their butts off on this car. They were sweating all afternoon, and luckily, we were able to put a good lap in.”

This will be Tricon Garage’s first-ever Cup Series start, and Truex is eager to chase his first career Daytona 500 victory.


Jimmie Johnson Avoids Duel Drama, Secures Spot

🏎️ Driver: Jimmie Johnson
🏁 Car: No. 84 Toyota (Legacy Motor Club)
⏱️ Status: Second-Fastest Open Driver, Locks In

After barely racing his way into last year’s Daytona 500, Jimmie Johnson made sure he wouldn’t need to sweat it out this time. The two-time Daytona 500 winner secured his spot in the field with the second-fastest time among Open drivers.

Johnson on locking in early:
“What I went through last year was so frightening and I’m glad I don’t have to go through it again. I certainly respect this process and don’t envy the guys that have to race their way in. It’s so tough.”

This marks a major offseason improvement for Legacy Motor Club, with Johnson praising the team’s speed at Daytona compared to last season.


Who’s Still Fighting for Daytona 500 Spots?

With Truex Jr. and Johnson locked in, only two more Open spots remain. The remaining seven Open drivers will now battle it out in Thursday’s Bluegreen Vacations Duel races to determine who makes the field.

🚨 Notable Open Drivers Still Trying to Qualify:

  • Justin Allgaier (JR Motorsports) – Needs to race his way in for JRM’s Cup Series debut
  • Corey LaJoie – Just missed locking in on speed
  • Helio Castroneves (Trackhouse Racing) – Could fall back on the Open Exemption Provisional if he fails to race in
  • JJ Yeley, Chandler Smith, Ty Dillon, BJ McLeod – Must race their way in

🚦 Next Up: Thursday Night Duels at 7 PM ET—The final battle for the last two Daytona 500 spots begins!

Can Castroneves make it in on speed, or will he rely on his provisional? Can Justin Allgaier give Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JRM team a Cup Series debut? The drama is just getting started! 🏁🔥

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