Overview
- NASCAR confirmed Legacy Motor Club received the Open Exemption Provisional, securing Johnson’s place in the February 15 Daytona 500 and expanding the grid to 41 cars.
- Under the OEP, Johnson’s No. 84 Carvana Toyota is guaranteed entry but will not earn championship points or a purse payout, though he remains eligible to win the race.
- NASCAR revised the policy after 2025 so the field becomes 41 whenever the OEP is used if more than 40 cars attempt to qualify, regardless of the driver’s qualifying result.
- Johnson’s starting position will be set by his Duel performance, as the provisional guarantees entry only and does not assign a grid spot.
- The OEP was first used in 2025 for Helio Castroneves, and this week’s confirmation has prompted fresh fan debate over fairness and the sport’s evolving rulebook.