Why three NASCAR Cup Series drivers won't be allowed to race at Daytona 500

Excitement is building ahead of the 2026 season, with NASCAR action now just a matter of weeks away.

Of course, the Cup Series is set to kick off the racing return to the track with The Clash exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, but a fortnight later, the official opening weekend takes place.

All three national NASCAR series will be in action at Daytona International Speedway that week in February, but in the Cup Series, it looks like some drivers are set to be very disappointed.

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Cup Series drivers set to miss Daytona 500 race

That disappointment is set to come because certain drivers are guaranteed to miss out on the race once again this year.

In the Cup Series, there are currently 36 full-time chartered cars, all of which are guaranteed entry. However, the Daytona 500 always attracts several open entries without charters, and this year is no different.

So far, seven open entries have been confirmed or are expected, as per Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass, as well as Jimmie Johnson taking the open exemption provisional (OEP).

With that OEP in place, NASCAR's rules state that a maximum field of 41 cars will be permitted to start any given race.

With 37 of those 41 slots already taken through the full-time drivers and Johnson, this leaves the remaining seven drivers to battle it out in qualifying and the Daytona duels to secure one of the four remaining spots.

Ultimately, three drivers won't make it, and will not be allowed to take part in the race. This number could also rise if more entrants confirm their participation in the event in the coming weeks.

2026 Daytona 500 open entries

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