Daytona 500 entry list and how to make NASCAR’s Great American Race

There are 42 cars on the entry list for the 66th Daytona 500 but only 40 will start the Great American Race.

First, as a refresher, all 36 charter protected teams will make the race no matter what happens in qualifying on Wednesday or on Thursday night in the twin qualifying races but those without franchise protections will have to earn their spot.

A refresher of what the charter system is and how it works can be read below.

Also Read:
How the NASCAR charter system works

The six drivers racing for the final four spots are the following:

Jimmie Johnson, Legacy Motor Club No. 84
David Ragan, RFK Racing No. 60
BJ McLeod, Live Fast Motorsports No. 78
Anthony Alfredo, Beard Motorsports No. 62
Kaz Grala, Front Row Motorsports No. 36
TBA, NY Racing No. 44

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NASCAR vet Greg Biffle says he’s not racing the Daytona 500 unless he gets paid

Some notes about qualifying on Wednesday night.

The two fastest drivers in the final round of time trials will start from the pole of their respective qualifying races on Thursday night. These two drivers will also lead the field to green on Sunday in the Great American Race as long as they do not suffer any damage that requires moving to a backup car in the duels or in final practice.

The lineup for the twin 150s will be decided by time trials with odd numbered qualifiers placed in Duel No. 1 and even numbered qualifiers placed in Duel No. 2.

Additionally, the two fastest open drivers from time trials will automatically make the race. Should one or both of those teams also make the race based on the results of the qualifying races, the automatic spot will go to the next eligible driver based on qualifying speed.

The driver roster, number, sponsor, manufacturer and crew chiefs can be found below.

Matt Weaver is a Motorsports Insider for Sportsnaut. Follow him on Twitter.