The 2026 NASCAR season is closing in, and with it comes one of the most exciting traditions in the sport, Daytona 500 qualifying. It is one of the last races where we truly do not know the full field when the entry list drops. Between charters, open teams, and special exemptions, Speedweeks drama is already shaping up to be intense.

• Which open teams actually have the speed and funding to race their way into the Daytona 500?
• Does Jimmie Johnson’s guaranteed OEP spot change how aggressive the open teams can be?
• Which underdog entries could surprise everyone in the Duels?
• How crowded could the Daytona 500 entry list realistically get this year?

The 36 chartered teams are mostly unchanged, with a few notable lineup shuffles, while Jimmie Johnson locks himself into the field as the 41st car using NASCAR’s updated OEP rule. That leaves a tight fight for the remaining spots, with entries expected from RCR, JR Motorsports, Beard Motorsports, NY Racing, Live Fast, 23XI, and others. Several of these teams have demonstrated real superspeedway speed before, making this one of the deepest open-entry groups in years. With Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ford all motivated to strengthen their numbers, the Duels could be ruthless. Whether we end up with 44 or even 45 cars chasing just four open spots, the chaos, strategy, and heartbreak that define Daytona qualifying are guaranteed. Now it’s your turn. Which four open teams do you think make the field?

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