Two of the four open spots in the field are now secure, and both belong to past Cup champions: 2017 Cup champion Martin Truex Jr. was first to lock in on his qualifying speed, and then NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson took the second fastest spot among Open cars.

The Duel qualifying races will set the field Thursday, Feb. 13 for the 67th Daytona 500. With 38 cars locked into the race through qualifying, two cars — one in each 60-lap race on the 2.5-mile oval — will claim the final two spots in the 40-car field.

The 2025 NASCAR season has kicked off at the Daytona International Speedway. There were 45 cars aiming for the prestigious spot in the race, which is often referred to as the Great American Race. Among these was the No. 40 Chevrolet, driven by Justin Allgaier, and representing Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s JR Motorsports.

Dale Earnhardt won 34 races at Daytona, including the 1998 Daytona 500. This year's Great American Race is just three days away.

With a full moon overhead and the sun yet to crest the horizon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. stood near his team’s hauler Wednesday morning and watched as JR Motorsports’ first Cup car was unloaded in the Daytona International Speedway garage.