Jimmie Johnson and Legacy Motor Club will use the Open Exemption Provisional to secure Johnson's spot in the 2026 Daytona 500, allowing him to compete for the race win despite not qualifying through traditional means. Johnson, a Hall of Famer and former champion, will start as the 41st car but won't earn championship points or prize money from the event.
William Byron finished 4th in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, winning 3 races including the Daytona 500, and making it to the Championship 4 for the third consecutive year. Despite some late-season misfortune, Byron led the most laps of any driver and showed consistent high performance, setting the stage for a potential championship breakthrough in 2026.
Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and two-time Daytona 500 winner, will race the No. 84 Carvana Toyota at the 2026 Daytona 500, which is scheduled for February 15, 2026, during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway.
Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, will race in the 2026 Daytona 500 driving the No. 84 Carvana Toyota for Legacy Motor Club, marking his 23rd start in the race and his return to Daytona after retiring from full-time competition.
NASCAR has announced revised practice and qualifying formats for the 2025 season, increasing practice times and simplifying starting lineup rules across its national series. The changes include longer group practice sessions, single-round qualifying at most tracks, and specific procedures for different track types. The Daytona Speedweek schedule has also been set, with a new 50-minute practice session before the Daytona 500. Broadcast rights for these sessions will be shared among Prime Video, TNT Sports, FOX Sports, and The CW, as part of a new seven-year media rights deal.
Bobby Allison, a legendary NASCAR driver with 85 career wins, has died at 86. Known for his role in popularizing NASCAR, Allison was part of the "Alabama Gang" and won the Daytona 500 three times. His career ended after a severe crash in 1988, and he faced personal tragedies with the deaths of his two sons in racing-related incidents. Allison was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011 and is remembered for his significant impact on the sport.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison, a key figure in the "Alabama Gang" and a celebrated driver with 85 Cup Series wins, has died at 86. Known for his competitive spirit and fan engagement, Allison's career highlights include winning the 1983 NASCAR championship and three Daytona 500s. His legacy extends beyond racing, marked by a famous altercation with Cale Yarborough in 1979 and personal tragedies, including the loss of his sons. Allison was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011 and is remembered as a pivotal figure in motorsports history.
Bobby Allison, a legendary NASCAR driver and three-time Daytona 500 winner, has died at 86. Known for founding the "Alabama Gang" and his significant contributions to NASCAR, Allison was recognized for his 85 Cup Series wins, placing him fourth on the all-time list. Inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011, Allison's career was marked by both triumphs and personal tragedies, including the loss of his sons in separate accidents. His legacy extends beyond his victories, having played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport.
Bobby Allison, a legendary NASCAR driver and founding member of the "Alabama Gang," has died at 86. Known for his 1983 championship and 85 race wins, Allison's career spanned nearly three decades, marked by both triumphs and personal tragedies, including the loss of his two sons. Inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011, he was celebrated for his significant contributions to the sport, including three Daytona 500 victories. Allison's legacy is remembered for his racing prowess and his impact on NASCAR's history.
Despite social media chatter and Alex Bowman's in-car camera footage suggesting he won the Daytona 500, NASCAR's decision to award the victory to William Byron appears to be the correct call. NASCAR's caution protocol freezes the field, and upon reviewing the video evidence and photo released by NASCAR, it seems that Byron was indeed ahead of Bowman when the caution was called. Bowman's demeanor and the video evidence support NASCAR's decision, indicating that the right call was made.
William Byron wins the Daytona 500, marking a significant achievement in his career and highlighting the continued parity in NASCAR. Despite being involved in a late crash, Byron's determination and recognition of the race's difficulty drove him to victory. The fastest car did not win, with Joey Logano leading the most laps but finishing 32nd after getting caught in a wreck. The race saw nine different drivers lead double-digit laps, showcasing competitiveness and parity. The win doesn't disrupt the playoff picture, but it could set the tone for a season with fewer different winners.
William Byron's Daytona 500 win has propelled him to the top spot in the NASCAR power rankings, with Denny Hamlin, Ross Chastain, Kyle Busch, and Ryan Blaney rounding out the top five. Despite crashing on the final lap, Chastain's performance at Daytona has boosted his standing. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski had mixed results, and Alex Bowman and Joey Logano also made notable showings.
Capital One plans to acquire Discover in a $35.3 billion deal, creating the largest U.S. credit card company; heavy rainfall and strong winds in Southern California trigger flash flood warnings; William Byron wins the Daytona 500 after a massive 22-car crash; the U.N. Security Council schedules a vote for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza; Christopher Nolan's film "Oppenheimer" wins seven awards at the BAFTAs.
The rescheduled Daytona 500 left some visitors feeling disappointed as they had flights to catch back home during the race, with some racing to Daytona Beach International Airport just as the drivers started racing around the track. While some missed out on the race, others, like Chris Amrhein and Rebecca Arbona, made the most of their first race experience despite having to leave early due to the weather. Plans to return next year are already in motion for some, with adjustments being made to ensure they don't miss out again.
William Byron wins the rain-delayed Daytona 500, ending Hendrick Motorsports' nine-race losing streak in the event and marking the team's 40th anniversary season with a victory. The win, which came under caution, was an emotional moment for Byron and his crew chief, Rudy Fugle. The victory ties Hendrick Motorsports with Petty Enterprises for the most Daytona 500 wins in NASCAR history. The race, delayed due to persistent rain, also saw the hiring of a top antitrust and sports lawyer by the teams amid an ongoing dispute with NASCAR over a new revenue-sharing model.