The 2024 Daytona 500 is officially this weekend, and [autotag]Jimmie Johnson[/autotag] is looking to make it for a second straight year. In 2023, Johnson made the event on qualifying speed and ran most of the event before a late-race accident. The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion returns with Legacy Motor Club in a similar situation.
Johnson is one of the six open cars entered into the Daytona 500. Therefore, two of the following drivers will miss the event: Johnson, David Ragan, Kaz Grala, Anthony Alfredo, B.J. McLeod, and NY Racing Team’s driver that hasn’t been announced. So, what is the easiest path for Johnson to make the 2024 Daytona?
The Cup Series will have single-car qualifying on Wednesday night, and the top 2 open car entries will lock into the race on speed alone. Johnson did this last season, as the qualifying duels didn’t matter for him. If he doesn’t accomplish this goal, it will come down to the nerve-wracking qualifying duels on Thursday night.
Elevating our Daytona 500 No.84 even HIGHER. Welcoming @Creed to the Club and to the track this weekend! pic.twitter.com/EOTqzJNqZi
— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LEGACYMotorClub) February 13, 2024
Johnson can lock himself in if he finishes as the highest open car in his duel. If this doesn’t happen, the driver of the No. 84 car can still make the event. If one of the open entries that is already locked in on speed wins a duel, the next fastest driver in single-car qualifying will make the event. If both drivers already locked into the event win their duels, the following two fastest entries make it.
Quite frankly, Johnson doesn’t want to rely on the qualifying duels because they are so unpredictable. If he is top-4 for open cars during single-lap qualifying, he doesn’t need to win a duel; however, it makes life much easier if he secures a spot on Wednesday night. It will take a good car off the hauler, and Johnson’s talent should help play a role in the outcome this week.
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