NASCAR icon Jimmie Johnson is set to give a subtle but significant boost to Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team at the upcoming Daytona 500 this Sunday. At 50 years old and a seven-time Cup Series champion, Johnson will be competing in his 23rd consecutive Daytona 500, seeking to build on his impressive third-place finish last year as an open entry. The presence of Johnson’s No. 84 Toyota guarantees a stronger starting position for other non-chartered teams like 23XI Racing as they aim to qualify.
Rule Changes Enhance Opportunities for Open-Entry Teams at Daytona
Last year, Johnson and Legacy Motor Club utilized the Open Exemption Provisional, a rule that ensures a non-chartered driver a place in the Daytona 500 lineup, to secure their spot despite being an open entry. This exemption was previously used by Helio Castroneves and Trackhouse Racing but did not fully protect them after qualifying struggles. However, updates to the rule this year have made Johnson’s entry advantageous for all open participants, including 23XI Racing, which hopes its promising driver Corey Heim will claim one of the four open spots for the race.
Expanded Field and How It Benefits Non-Chartered Drivers This Season
The 2026 Daytona 500 field has been increased to 41 drivers, effectively treating Johnson’s No. 84 as a 37th chartered car with an automatic starting position. While Johnson is exempt from competing for the four remaining open positions, those spots remain accessible to other open entries. As a result, eight non-chartered teams will now compete for four qualifying slots, up from three in past years, ensuring Johnson’s participation does not displace other hopeful drivers.
Corey Heim joins these hopefuls along with Chandler Smith driving the No. 36 Ford for Front Row Motorsports, Justin Allgaier in the No. 40 Chevrolet from JR Motorsports, J.J. Yeley in the No. 44 Chevrolet for NY Racing Team, Anthony Alfredo with the No. 62 Chevrolet of Beard Motorsports, Casey Mears representing Garage 66 in a No. 66 Ford, B.J. McLeod in the No. 78 Chevrolet from Live Fast Motorsports, and Corey LaJoie piloting the No. 99 Ford for RFK Racing.
Jimmie Johnson’s Partnership with Carvana and Season Plans
Johnson is slated to make two part-time starts during the 2026 season and has renewed his partnership with Carvana for the Daytona 500. The paint scheme of his No. 84 Toyota, featuring a primarily blue design with accents of yellow and white, has already been revealed. Ryan Keeton, co-founder of Carvana, remarked,
“We’ve shared an incredible journey with Jimmie and we’re excited for what’s ahead in our fifth year of partnership this season.”
Johnson also praised the collaboration, stating,
“Carvana has been an incredible partner, and every season we’ve found new ways to celebrate what makes racing so special. This year’s scheme is sharp, it’s fresh, and I can’t wait for fans to see it on the track in Daytona.”
Corey Heim Balances Cup and Truck Series in Ambitious 2026 Schedule
Corey Heim, who claimed the Truck Series championship in 2025, is scheduled to compete in a mix of 12 NASCAR Cup races during 2026 while also balancing his Truck Series participation. Heim expressed enthusiasm about his ongoing role with 23XI Racing, saying,
“I’m excited and honored to continue my progression with 23XI. Every driver wants to race as much as possible, but I’m fully committed to the approach that I am taking with the team. I look forward to more Cup races this year and the opportunity to grow and expand my race-craft on and off the track.”
