The 2023 Daytona 500 is shaping up to be a significant show as many notable drivers are set to enter the event. This starts with Jimmie Johnson’s return to the NASCAR Cup Series with Legacy Motor Club.
Johnson will drive the No. 84 car sponsored by Carvana. Alongside the seven-time champion, Helio Castroneves has been rumored to compete in the event with The Money Team Racing being the most likely outcome.
This doesn’t even include defending NASCAR Truck Series defending champion Zane Smith with Front Row Motorsports. However, another rumored entry for the race could trump the rest of them.
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NASCAR: Travis Pastrana rumored to drive a third 23XI Racing entry in the 2023 Daytona 500
NASCAR’s biggest race is coming soon as the 2023 season will begin in about one month. However, the rumors are starting to fly with the latest being one many would not have expected.
According to The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi, racing legend Travis Pastrana is expected to compete in the 2023 Daytona 500 in a non-chartered entry from 23XI Racing. Pastrana, 39, would make his NASCAR Cup Series debut.
Due to 23XI Racing’s non-chartered entry, the stunt performer must qualify on time to make the event. This can be accomplished through qualifying as one of the top two open cars or through the qualifying duels.
Pastrana has previous experience in the sport but has not seen much success during his starts. He ran the entire 2013 season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series but only managed four top-10 finishes in the No. 60 car for Roush Fenway Racing.
The 39-year-old driver has also made select starts in the NASCAR Truck Series since that year with zero top-10 finishes. At first glance, it might be confusing to the sport’s fans why Pastrana is receiving so much hype.
Well, Pastrana’s legacy in racing goes beyond NASCAR. Pastrana has several gold medals from the X Games and Gravity Games and multiple championships in Motocross and Rally Car Racing.
This would be a major development for the sport as this season’s Great American Race is rumored to have multiple massive names compete in open entries. Pastrana would add his name alongside Johnson and Castroneves with a necessity to make the event.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on Pastrana’s Daytona 500 bid with 23XI Racing as an announcement is expected to come this week.