P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson are the first two Open drivers locked into the Daytona 500. Truex, driving the No. 56 Toyota for Tricon Garage, was the fastest Open driver in single-car qualify…
Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson have secured their spots in the Daytona 500 as the first two Open drivers. Truex, driving for Tricon Garage, earned his position by being the fastest Open driver in the qualifying round. This will mark Tricon Garage’s inaugural Cup Series start, and Truex is eager to compete as he has never won the Daytona 500 before. Johnson, piloting the No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota, is a two-time Daytona 500 champion and expressed relief at avoiding the pressure of last year’s duel race qualification. With nine Open drivers competing, the final lineup for the Daytona 500 will be determined on Thursday, including the fate of Helio Castroneves and whether he secures a spot through the Open Exemption Provisional.
