NASCAR Cup Series team Beard Motorsports have confirmed that they will be back at the Daytona 500 week for the tenth year in a row.
The part-time team confirmed on Tuesday that Anthony Alfredo will once again drive the No. 62 car, his third year at Daytona with the team.
As Beard is a non-charter team running without the Open Exemption Provisional, Alfredo will be among a small group of drivers forced to qualify for the race on Sunday, February 15.
The No. 62 car has failed to qualify three times in the last five years, with Noah Gragson (2022) and Alfredo (2024) the exceptions – providing some hope to the superstitious minds in the team, as it has never failed to qualify in successive years.
Alfredo back at Daytona for fourth time
In a team statement, Alfredo said: “I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to compete in the 2026 Daytona 500 with Beard Motorsports and DUDE Wipes. Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series is always a thrill, but that feeling is amplified when it comes to the Daytona 500.
"It’s an iconic race and a win in that race places a driver in elite company. I'm thankful for the opportunity the Beard family gives me and a win in the Great American Race would be an amazing way to thank them.”
The team's executive vice-president Amie Beard-Deja added: “There is nothing like being in Daytona Beach in February for the Daytona 500. Our family and everyone at Beard Motorsports take pride in our NASCAR program and being part of this community. And when we go to the track, whether it’s Daytona, Talladega or another track, we go with the intention of performing well and contending for wins.
“The work Anthony (Alfredo) puts into his craft and his skill in the superspeedway races align with the goals we have for our racing program. He and Darren (Shaw) have developed a great working relationship, so our expectations for Daytona are very high.”
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