DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR’s Daytona 500 showcases a distinctive and complex qualifying system, which has become even more intricate this year due to a record number of participants and a new provision that could increase the field to 41 drivers.

A total of 36 drivers are already secured for the 500-mile race, as their teams possess charters that grant them entry into every event on the Cup Series calendar. The remaining four positions will be occupied by non-chartered entries, colloquially known as “open teams.”

Nine drivers, the highest since 2015, are competing for these coveted spots: Anthony Alfredo, Justin Allgaier, Helio Castroneves, Jimmie Johnson, Corey LaJoie, B.J. McLeod, Chandler Smith, Martin Truex Jr., and J.J. Yeley.

Jimmie Johnson expressed the challenge of this qualifying process, stating, “It’s not just seven whatevers. When you look through the affiliations and how those cars play out, it’s going to be a very stressful qualifying.”

There are two pathways for these drivers to gain entry into “The Great American Race.” Two of them will secure spots based on the fastest qualifying laps recorded on Wednesday, while the other two will be decided through qualifying races scheduled for Thursday.

Although Castroneves is driving for an open team, the celebrated four-time Indianapolis 500 victor has secured a slot in the race thanks to a new rule by NASCAR that permits them to invite a “world-class driver” to each event. His Trackhouse Racing team was the only one to apply for this invitation before the cut-off, making Castroneves the exclusive candidate considered for the special spot.

However, there’s a stipulation; if he opts for this provisional entry, his team will not receive any prize money. Therefore, Castroneves plans to qualify on his own merits. Should he succeed, the Daytona 500 will have a field of 40 cars, leaving five open entries unable to compete. If he does not qualify, he will rely on the provisional entry, resulting in a field of 41 drivers.

Here’s a closer look at the nine contenders:

**Anthony Alfredo** — At 25 years old, Alfredo returns with Beard Motorsports, having previously finished 27th with the team in last year’s race. With two top-10 finishes in 41 Cup races, Alfredo aims for a strong result as Beard Motorsports hopes to qualify for the seventh time since 2017.

**Justin Allgaier** — The reigning champion of the Xfinity Series will drive for JR Motorsports, aiming for their inaugural entry into the Daytona 500. An effort backed by country music star Chris Stapleton, Allgaier, 38, is still seeking his first victory in 82 Cup races.

**Helio Castroneves** — Castroneves is set to debut in NASCAR with his No. 91 Chevrolet, despite any qualifying outcome. A renowned driver for his four Indy 500 victories (2001, ’02, ’09, ’21), he has also triumphed at the Daytona International Speedway, winning the 24 Hours at Daytona thrice.

**Jimmie Johnson** — The celebrated seven-time Cup champion and two-time Daytona 500 winner, now the principal owner of Legacy Motor Club, is contesting two races this year. At 49 years old, he is hoping to secure his 22nd Daytona 500 appearance, needing to qualify for the third consecutive year. His car’s design was influenced by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.

**Corey LaJoie** — At 33, LaJoie is on a part-time schedule with Rick Ware Racing, looking to qualify for his ninth straight Daytona 500. He has achieved three top-10 finishes in this season-opening race, including a career-best fourth place in the previous year.

**B.J. McLeod** — Operating as both owner and driver for Live Fast Motorsports, McLeod sold his charter for a reported $40 million to Spire Motorsports in 2023, allowing him to choose his races. The 41-year-old has participated in five Daytona 500s, with his best finish being 19th.

**Chandler Smith** — Smith aims to claim a spot in the race with Garage 66, stepping into the No. 66 Ford. Although he last attempted to qualify for the 500 in 2023 without success, the 22-year-old has three Cup race starts under his belt, highlighted by a 15th-place finish in the summer race in 2023.

**Martin Truex Jr.** — Having retired from full-time competition last season, the 2017 Cup champion is entering this race with TRICON Garage, benefitting from technical support from Joe Gibbs Racing. At 45 years old, Truex is yet to secure a win in 20 Daytona 500 attempts, despite a second-place finish in 2016 that remains one of the closest finishes in NASCAR history.

**J.J. Yeley** — Yeley, at 48, is attempting his sixth Daytona 500, having not participated since 2015. A veteran of 386 Cup races, he is collaborating with NY Racing Team to drive the No. 44 Chevrolet.

The excitement builds as the Daytona 500 approaches, showcasing not only the talent but also the competitive spirit that defines NASCAR.