Jimmie Johnson does not secure spot in Daytona 500 via qualifying

Feb 14, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (84) during Daytona 500 Media Day at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson will have to wait until Thursday night to secure a spot in the Daytona 500 after failing to lock in via qualifying Wednesday.

There are six non-chartered cars vying for four spots in the Daytona 500. The two fastest cars among those six — Anthony Alfredo and David Ragan — claimed those starting spots Wednesday.

Johnson does not have a charter because he’s running a part-time effort this season for Legacy Motor Club and is not guaranteed a starting spot.

Johnson can secure a starting position in the Daytona 500 by being the highest finisher among the non-chartered cars in his qualifying race Thursday night.

The first qualifying race is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET Thursday. The second qualifying race will follow.

Johnson, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, is seeking to make his 21st start in the Great American Race.

Should Alfredo or Ragan be the highest finisher among the non-chartered cars in their qualifying race, they’ll secure their Daytona 500 starting spot that way. That will allow Johnson — third quickest among the six non-chartered cars — to make the Daytona 500 field via his qualifying lap.

Alfredo is competing for Beard Motorsports. Ragan is driving a third car for RFK Racing.

The other non-chartered cars that did not secure a starting spot Wednesday were those of Kaz Grala, BJ McLeod and JJ Yeley.