For some, their Daytona 500 dream will end on Thursday night at the end of the Daytona Duel races. Along with the 36 chartered entries that are guaranteed a spot in the race, nine open entries have also entered the Daytona 500 – bringing the entry list to 45 cars.
The problem is that there are only 41 spots available on the grid for NASCAR's biggest race. Through time trials on Wednesday and the heat races on Thursday, eight drivers will be vying for the final four spots on the grid, while Jimmie Johnson in a ninth open entry will take a special provisional to ensure his place in the field.
