NASCAR CUP SERIES
DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
DAYTONA 500
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT
FEBRUARY 5, 2023

AJ ALLMENDINGER, NO. 16 KAULIG RACING CAMARO ZL1, Daytona 500 Media Availability Transcript:

Are you tired yet with a full-season coming up?

“I’m already tired! I forgot about all this media stuff… I thought we just showed up and drove! No, I’m just ready to start. Everybody at the shop, you work – obviously you had the Coliseum race – but you get here and get the process going to find out where we stand. It’s so different than the last time I was here. No practice before we qualify and no practice before the Duels. We just try to get a feel of what this car feels like on a superspeedway, but yeah I’m ready to go.”

Some of the best drivers ever in the sport have never won this race. What’s behind that?

“This race, there is a lot of luck that goes into it. The way superspeedway racing is now with a pack of cars, you have to put yourself in the right position. Even if you do, at times you don’t get rewarded for that. It’s just a tough race to win because there is a lot of skill but also a lot of luck that goes with it. It’s just one of those things. I felt like in the ‘80s, ‘90s and even early 2000s, if you had a strong car… there packs of cars that separated themselves from each other and we just don’t have that now. It’s just hope and pray sometimes and hope you’re in the right spot at the right time.”

When you were in the Xfinity Series, you put yourself in position to win at Daytona and you won Talladega last fall. Where are you as a speedway racer compared to where you were the last time you were in the Daytona 500?

“I’ve always had an idea of how to superspeedway race. The difference at Kaulig Racing compared to the Cup Series back in the day when I would run it, particularly in the last four or five years, we didn’t have strong enough superspeedway cars to consistently run up front. I kind of had to wait in the back, and pick and choose the right time to get up front and have a shot to win the race. At Kaulig Racing, it took me a while even in the Xfinity Series to learn how to run up front and dictate the lead line and the pack and stuff like that. So we’ll see. Last year, the superspeedway cars at Kaulig Racing were really fast. Daniel (Hemric) and Justin (Haley) were up front a lot. (This is) a new year. We’ll see what kind of speed we have and kind of go from there.”

What did you learn from the Xfinity Series that you can apply coming back up to the Cup Series?

“It’s not really what I learned. It’s more what we’ve accomplished allows me to be more comfortable in my own skin. I know that’s kind of weird to say sometimes because sometimes I’m outgoing when it comes to things like that. There are a lot of times where at home, you’re just down because of the way things are going and question things. I’m always super-hard on myself. Those are things that push me everyday but sometimes can be a hindrance. With what we’ve accomplished over the last four years, it’s made me a lot more confident and comfortable. Even if it’s going bad to rely on, ‘This is what we did.’ That’s not even in the Xfinity Series; the Cup races we had, we ran up front a lot at different types of racetracks. So things like that. I’m still not going to change on how hard I am on myself and how much I want it. It’s probably worse now than it’s ever been because I’ve had that success. But I also know how allow it to roll off my back a little bit easier and be ready for next week.”

Is there a point where you feel like, ‘Ah ha… I’m back in the groove’?

“Unfortunately I don’t know if I ever have that ‘ah ha’ moment. Every offseason I feel like I have to question myself like, ‘Maybe you’ve forgotten how to drive this year.’ You can have a good race and go to the next one and say, ‘It doesn’t matter until you do it at this race.’ I’m still the same way. It can be stressful sometimes in my inner turmoil in my head with it. But I’ve done this for over 20 years professionally now. I’m not going to change. It’s what pushes me every day. That’s why I love this race team because Matt (Kaulig) and Chris (Rice) know how much I care… not just myself winning and winning for our team, but the success of our race team in general when it comes to the organization. There’s always those questions in my head but that’s what pushes me every day.”

You’re a rare person in that you’ve won in IndyCar, you’ve won in Cup, you’ve won the Rolex 24. There aren’t a lot of those guys around.

“Once it’s over, I kind of probably allow myself to enjoy it. I feel fortunate and I don’t take it for granted the opportunities I’ve had and been able to win in a lot of different backgrounds. In the moment, it’s always like ‘OK that doesn’t matter because you have to go be at your best the next weekend.’ I do this quite honestly because I’m trying to prove it to myself every weekend. That’s why I do this and it’s part of the reason why I stepped back up to Cup. Why do I want to put myself through this again? I’m like, ‘Because I’m naïve or I’m confident or stupidity or all the above.’ I want to challenge myself to say, ‘Hey, you can go run with the best of the best every weekend.’ Our race team, I think when we show at our best, we can do that. There’s definitely lulls as a young team that you’ll have, but it’s all about for me trying to prove it to myself every weekend.”

In wanting the success of this team to keep rising, Chandler Smith is trying to get into the Daytona 500. How can you help him prepare with such limited track time?

“I don’t know how much help I can bring at this time with what he has to go through. It’s weird with the schedule of no practice until after the Duels. I haven’t run this car on a superspeedway so I can’t even give him an idea of what he’s going to need in the draft. That’s going to be a lot on Justin, really. He’s good everywhere but he’s spectacular and special at these superspeedway tracks. We’ll lean on him a little bit and after we get through the Duels, hopefully we have three cars in the Daytona 500 and we can go from there and start talking about it. It’s a tough schedule for a rookie to go through. Hopefully it’s easy. Hopefully we have a really fast car and he qualifies straight in and doesn’t have to worry about the Duel tomorrow.”

If you are in the same Duel, will you try to find each other and work together?

“If it lines up like that, you’re definitely going to try to do that. It’s an odd situation because although it isn’t a lot of points, the Duels still pay points. For me, I want to get as much experience trying to run up front and see how these cars are in the draft. We’ll definitely talk about that. We’ll see how today goes in qualifying and then we’ll make the next steps after that going into tomorrow.”

You were talking a moment ago about how competitive you guys were running a part-time Cup schedule, especially on the road courses. Do you circle those as great paths to get into the Playoffs?

“I know when we get to the road courses, we’re going to be really fast. But as we’ve seen in the Cup Series, there are about 30 guys that are really fast. It’s not just five or eight guys that you have to worry about and the rest you don’t have to. There are 25-30 guys that show up and potentially can go win at any road course. I don’t try to circle those racetracks. I definitely put a little more added pressure on myself when we get there. But I feel we showed at other races – Homestead, Bristol and even the ones where we didn’t contend but were in the top-10 – that we can run up front at a lot of racetracks. We definitely have our weaknesses. Our short-track program was off last year so that’s something we have to focus on and be better at. I go with the mindset that on any given Saturday or Sunday, we can win at any racetrack. We know there are racetracks that we like as drivers and a team more than others. But that doesn’t mean we can’t go and win those ones we don’t like.”

What are you looking at for what the Duels mean for you? You have experience and know what’s going on but this is a different car.

“The Duels are very important. We have practice after, but I feel like the Duels are where you are going to feel out most about what this car is going to do and how it’s going to react and how it drafts. You can watch all the in-car video and the race back, and I’ve done all that. But you don’t know until you feel it. Hopefully we’re fast enough and we’re inside the lead pack to get a general feel of it so I can go back to my crew chief Matt (Swiderski) and say this is what I feel and this is where I need to be better. It’s going to be so limited so you have to take every opportunity you can get. So the Duels are quite important for me, especially.”

You raced last year alongside Noah Gragson last year with Kaulig Racing in Xfinity. How do you think he’ll transition to his new team?

“I think he’s going to be great, honestly. He’s got so much talent. Over the last couple of years, he’s really matured in the sense of how he races. Don’t get me wrong, we all have our insane moments where you get mad and you go do something, but that’s the nature of the beast. With the team he drives for now, having Erik (Jones) over there and definitely having Jimmie (Johnson), he’s going to have a lot of experience and maturity around him. It’s different. When you’re in Xfinity and you’re a young guy, you’re trying to make your name. There’s no guarantee you’re going to Cup. Every lap on the racetrack, you’re trying to prove, ‘I belong in Cup. I need a team to take a chance on me.’ Once you get to Cup, yeah there’s that same pressure that you need to stay there. But you can race in the sense that you’re already there. I think Noah knows that. But he’s still a rookie. But he’s going to be fast and will be up front a lot.”

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Toyota Racing – Tyler Reddick
NASCAR Cup Series Quotes

DAYTONA BEACH (February 15, 2023) – 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick was made available to media prior to the Daytona 500 Wednesday morning:

TYLER REDDICK, No. 45 Monster Energy Toyota Camry TRD, 23XI Racing

What’s the biggest difference you’ve experienced thus far with the move to 23XI Racing?

“Honestly, I would say it’s Toyota and TRD (Toyota Racing Development) and how they interact with the drivers. The support that 23XI and Joe Gibbs Racing gets from them is really, really incredible. I’d say that for me has been the biggest thing. Obviously, I changed teams too for sure and how the teams operates is different. But the overwhelming support and all the great people at Toyota is the biggest thing for me.”

Has the biggest difference been on the technical side?

“Just all categories, it’s been great. It’s been a really nice, a nice surprise and I’ve enjoyed the transition.”

Did you and Kyle Busch ever talk or give each other advice when you basically swapped teams?

“I wouldn’t say we gave each other advice. I just said, ‘Hey, you’ve got a great group of people, take care of them. They’re really passionate and they’ll do a lot of good for you.’ That was pretty much the extent of it. We didn’t share notes or anything like that. So far it seems like he’s fitting in really good with those guys over there so I’m happy that a team that I’ve been with for so long and have done so much with, they’re getting that. I didn’t know when the end was going to be or if it was going to happen, looking years back, but for whatever reason if I wasn’t going to be driving for those guys or that group, I wanted them to have the best driver out there and I feel like Kyle’s (Busch) one of those drivers.”

Has your shoe game been increased since joining 23XI Racing?

“Incredibly. I had a couple, but certainly yeah. The more the merrier. I can setup my outfits around them now. It’s been cool.”

Have you had much interaction with Travis Pastrana yet?

“We’ve had a few meetings in preparation, qualifying and all of this. I’ve got to be around him a little bit at the shop, which is nice. I don’t know how he does it. He stays really, really busy. He’s been bouncing back and forth between North Carolina and here running the Modifieds and doing other things. He’s just been staying really busy. He’s probably been in the car more than any of us so far to start the year. So far, it’s gone really well. He’s in a tough spot for sure. The first time he’ll be in the car really making any sort of time in the car will be launching off pit road for his qualifying lap, which will be really important.”

How did Clash weekend go for you in getting up to speed with the race team?

“I thought it went really well honestly. Balance-wise, we didn’t hit it exactly perfect on the head, but Bubba (Wallace) did, and they were really strong and we were a little off on the balance, but we still had a really strong race car. Feel like it went really well. We had a few mistakes on the choose lap with just not choosing the right lane and lost a lot of spots there, but we were able to get some of them back by the end of the race. For the most part, I think we could have done a couple things better, but for the first real weekend and attempt out, a lot of things that me and Billy (Scott, crew chief) and my spotter could control, we did pretty good.”

How will it feel to race the two-mile oval at Fontana for the last time next weekend and does NASCAR need more short tracks?

“I’m definitely really going to soak in this last time that we’re at Fontana on the two-mile configuration if this is truly going to be it. I’m going to get to run the Xfinity car there and I’m excited to make the final Cup start there. I’ve always wanted to win there at the two-mile oval and it’s going to be high on the list for me this year. I really want to win on that track before it changes or goes away.”

What’s the relationship been like with Billy Scott?

“Billy’s (Scott, crew chief) definitely a very structured, on time, methodical person and I feel like I’m the exact opposite. We balance each other out pretty good. I don’t think I’ve gotten under his skin too much yet. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not. Maybe this week I’ll be able to. I think it’s going pretty good so far. I think we have the potential to mesh really well together. We’re just going to keep learning and growing as we go.”

How can your past experiences influence your progress at 23XI Racing?

“I think just finding common ground like me and Randall, you know he grew up in St. Louis, but I basically spent seven or eight years of my life in the Southern Illinois area growing up and traveling to a lot of those race tracks so we shared the same passion. We started off on the right foot I would say. Me and Billy (Scott) have our similarities too, he really likes to exercise and stay active too. I think we’ll have our things that will work really well for us. One thing, he’s always really good about being 15 to 20 minutes early and just for him, I’ve been trying to do better at that and so far, I feel like I’ve been doing a better job of that so I think we’re off to a good start.”

Should they wait to see if the short track package is better before they change the Fontana race track?

“Well I mean certainly once you rip it up, you can’t put it back down again. Certainly, I’m not the one that makes that decision. Fontana has put on really good racing for us for a number of years. It was one of the few tracks back when it was paved well, well back in 1996, it came in pretty early on and it’s raced really good for a number of years. Obviously, they’ll have their reasons if they do tear it down, but certainly as we’ve seen with a number of repaves or configurations, once you make that step, you’re kind of committed to it. Hopefully if they do make that step, the racing that we have on the new configuration is as good as what we had before.

Is there anything on the racing that you have learned from Bubba Wallace?

“Just how he approaches speedway racing is definitely different than mine. His comfort level to be able to just jump in and go – is something that I don’t have the same understanding for. I have picked his brain on what him and Freddie (Kraft, spotter) do – how they communicate throughout the race is something that Nick (Payne, spotter) and I have tried to learn from and will continue to learn from.”

Have you set down with Kurt Busch at all?

“In years prior, I’ve been able to spend time with him before 23XI and how he looks at racing. He incredibly smart about race cars and race craft and what he is feeling inside of a race car and trying to get an understanding of that has been beneficial. It has been really, really nice having him when we had the test in COTA – he was there. Every day, every minute, giving feedback. We would talk every time we could – in between runs. He went out to the Phoenix test. We had an engineer or two go too, but he went out there to try to pay attention to what was going on. He’s been a nice resource not only for me, but for Billy (Scott, crew chief) and our whole team. Just an extra set of eyeballs that can really pay attention to what is going on. He comes from a place with a massive amount of experience in this sport, so to have someone like him in our corner to guide me and the whole team has been great.”

How can your learnings as a test driver of the NextGen help you and 23XI?

“The setup of the NextGen car that I drove at the NextGen test is way different than the way it drives now. Almost no – there’s nothing that I can take from the Darlington test that I can apply to the way it drives now. I think Darlington we had like five seconds of fall off or something crazy in 25 laps. The car just drove so much different, where it drove platform wise. It is nowhere close to where it is today. There is not a lot that I can take from that but certainly, there is trends and things that we followed at RCR (Richard Childress Racing) that I remember and have note of and just trying to not make the same mistake twice.”

How well have you gotten to know Billy Scott over this offseason?

“I’ve got to know him a lot more over the offseason – whether he has wanted to know more about me or not – he’s gotten to know more about me for good and bad. I think our relationship is off to a good start. He’s very straight forward and serious and it goes well with how much of a character, arguably a clown, I can be. I think it is a good balance.”

Have you got to talk to Michael Jordan at all? What’s it like working for him?

“It’s a huge responsibility. That guy has done nothing but win, on and off the race track throughout his whole life. He has done really, really well. That is the tone and the precedence on how we are going to operate and go throughout our year here at 23XI. He has high expectations, and I knew that he was involved, but it is really cool to see as I’ve been getting integrated into the team on how much he does pay attention, even more so than I expected. It’s all been really good. I’m excited to drive for him and Denny (Hamlin) and continue to grow in the right direction that this team and Toyota want us to.”

What are conversations with him like?

“It just depends on the conversation itself. It can be about racing, sometimes it is about other things. He’s definitely locked in. It’s funny. I wasn’t feeling my best out at the Clash and somehow, he knew. I hadn’t told very many people, but he was in the loop and wanted to make sure I was all good. It’s great to know – I mean I know he cares about it; it is his team – but certainly he is really in the loop and pays attention to what is going on.”

Has he helped you out with competitiveness or spirit?

“I’m not going to lie when you sit down and talk with a guy like that and you talk about the future and him wanting you to drive for his team – if that doesn’t get you excited and find a way to take it to the next level, then I don’t know what will.”

Have you been able to share some of your road course knowledge with Bubba Wallace yet?

“We haven’t really dove into it much yet. I was the only driver in the car at COTA for the tire test, but COTA is not far away, honestly. I think it is the fifth or sixth race into the season, so as it gets closer and closer, more of that will take place, but certainly. I’ve always been an open book, even when we were aligned, when he was at Petty, and I was at RCR (Richard Childress Racing). I’m going to be there for him with all of the information that he wants whenever we are going through things on the simulator or whatever it may be. I want the whole team to do better, so whatever it is that he needs, I will be there for him whatever that is.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 20 electrified options, with more in showrooms later this year.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

NASCAR CUP SERIES
DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
DAYTONA 500
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT
FEBRUARY 5, 2023

CHANDLER SMITH, NO. 13 KAULIG RACING CAMARO ZL1, Daytona 500 Media Availability Transcript:

Where is your mindset right now?

“Just qualifying, simple. Kaulig Racing has got a really good track record as plate racers as an organization. From Xfinity over to Cup, they’ve been pretty solid. They’re still really green to the Cup series, so we haven’t built up that portfolio that we have in the Xfinity series as far as the reputation as being strong on plate races, but it’s definitely got really good over the past few years they’ve been in the series. For me, I know if I make it into the race, it’s going to be good. I just need to make it in, hit my shift points good and get a good launch off of pit road, obviously. I’m the first one off. I’ll be the first one to hit the racetrack, which is crazy. I’m excited for the opportunity to get the call right out of the Trucks series. To have the opportunity to come run the Daytona 500 is pretty crazy.”

Have you been able to pick their brain on what they’ve learned from the Next Gen car last year?

“A little bit. It’s a completely different aspect of racing compared to what they’re accustomed to in a Xfinity car, and what I’m accustomed to in a Truck. It’s a different animal. I want to get into the race and learn as much as I can in the Duels to apply it for Sunday if I make it in. Taking it one lap at a time.”

There’s no practice. Do you wish you had that opportunity? Are you okay with being the first one to roll out there?

“If we lived in a perfect world, we’d have practice before qualifying because who’s to say right off the bat we had a problem with the clutch or anything. If we had practice, we’d be able to identify a problem and fix it before qualifying. It’s been like this for years, so it’s not going to change and that’s fine.”

Did you get a decent amount of sim time to prepare?

“We did one sim session for Daytona. Daytona is kind of a weird place to get on the simulator because nobody does it. I got on there to practice launches and whatnot. I practiced a launch also out in the parking lot and was able to feel where the clutch released and all that good stuff and feel how the throttle throw is compared to Xfinity and Truck. All that stuff is crucial for my launch off of pit road, so to be able to feel that in real life and not in the simulator was really big.”

“I drove [the car] around and stuff. The steering rack I’m really familiar with because it’s what we run in Super Late Models, as well. It honestly – the fundamentals, the feeling with your feet and all of that stuff – it all feels the same. Even though everything is completely different, in my opinion it all felt the same.”

Do you think you will have any nerves or be calm?

“Oh, I’ll have some nerves. It is the Daytona 500 and it is my first Cup series debut. It’s a really big deal. Considering that I’m going up against the guy who got me started, Jimmie Johnson, it’s pretty surreal. Also, at the end of the day and the fact of the matter that I got the opportunity to come do this, I’ve been busting my butt; praying for this opportunity all off-season, been putting in the work. I know everyone at Kaulig Racing has been too, so we’ll give it our all.”

Is there anything aside from making the Daytona 500 that you or Kaulig Racing attribute as a success?

“I think that’s just the first step. I think our honest expectations for us as the No. 13 group is to make the race and to finish all of the laps. I’ve been watching this race for so many years now, and everybody knows about half of the field will end up finishing. For me, at least, I just want to finish the race. Wherever that plays out, that’s where I end up. If I’m able to finish the race, all 200 laps, I’ll consider that a win in my book for my first rodeo here.”

What if you wind up like a Trevor Bayne (and win on your first race)?

“Oh, I’ll go for it. Kaulig Racing has a really good reputation for plate racing and I know if I make it in, I’ll be working with my teammates. Like I said, we have a good reputation with staying with each other and working together and that’s been prevailing on the Xfinity side. Looking for that to transfer over here and there will be a lot of success that comes with that.”

How much race strategy have you talked?

“The biggest thing that’s been emphasized to me is pit road.. how hectic it is and whatnot. I’ve done some studying on SMT; digesting how hectic it really is, how brake spikes and what people do. The little things that each driver did with this Next Gen car last year. Granted, this was the first place they came to and had a heavy brake on pit road, so everyone didn’t really know how deep they could go. There were some things I picked up there; getting everything you could out of it that and some drivers were able to do.”

 
 
 

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Toyota Racing – Bubba Wallace
NASCAR Cup Series Quotes

DAYTONA BEACH (February 15, 2023) – 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace was made available to media prior to the Daytona 500 Wednesday morning:

BUBBA WALLACE, No. 23 McDonalds Toyota Camry TRD, 23XI Racing

What is it like driving in here every February?

“Fun, because I legitimately drive in here. I drive my motorhome, every year, down here. It’s something that I never really thought about until the last couple of years, but I get so excited for the season to start, especially this year. Amanda (Wallace, wife) is excited. I guess Asher (Wallace’s dog) is excited. Just knowing – yeah, we go to LA for the Clash, but it doesn’t really seem like the start of the season. Now that we are here – I guess yesterday was the last day of the offseason. Today, we are working. This is the work part – later on is not (laughter). It’s hard to describe. You are in Florida, nice weather. I’m here enjoying the moment.”

What is the one thing you have learned in the last month since you got married?

“Yes, dear. (laughter) No, we’ve been crushing life. It’s been fun. It’s funny having conversations and to be like, my wife this, my wife that. It’s been cool.”

Have you gone back and watched the finish of last year’s race?

“Not yet. I relieved it for probably six months after climbing out of the car. I have seen like the last 10 laps and what we could have done different. What (Austin) Cindric could have done different is put (Ryan) Blaney in the fence a little bit harder (laughter). That way it would have hooked him in the fence, and we would have won. We were there. It just wasn’t in the cards for that night. We just have to do better.”

Is there anything you can take away from that?

“We were pretty boxed in there. It’s not like we could have made a move. I was pretty content with pushing (Ryan) Blaney. I think we have to go back to another restart before that to get position better. But like I said – it just wasn’t in the cards. I was content to finish second, and we actually did. I just wasn’t expecting it to be that way. I thought it was going to be on the bumper of somebody, not a fender behind. It is what it is.”

Is this a place that you love to race?

“Yes. I would say so. I remember coming here in the trucks, coming here in Xfinity and absolutely hating it. I’ve only caused one wreck, or two wrecks – I don’t want to bring that juju on myself, but every wreck I was just an innocent bystander. I was like this is so frustrating. I know a lot of guys in the field feel that way. I don’t know – ever since I was doing that fill in race in the No. 43 in 2017 – I think we finished 10th. I had a blast. It was fun. It was new. I was racing against Jimmie Johnson then. It was so cool, and I enjoyed it. Now a few more gray hairs, I feel like an old man as a part of this series now, but that moment made me appreciate speedway racing. Then we show up in 2018, finish second. Get wrecked out by (Tyler) Reddick in the next 500, and maybe again in the following 500. Then we finished second again. So, we are kind of hit or miss, but we have had some really good finishes. Get lucky every once in a while, I guess.”

What do you think Tyler Reddick will bring to 23XI this year?

“Just like Kurt (Busch). Speed, a winning mentality that will push us both to be really strong competitors against one another, but also with one another. Tyler (Reddick) is obviously great on the road courses. It motivates me to show up at places where I struggle – road courses – and be faster. I know when we get to – I think COTA is the first one – he’s probably going to be top of the board. He’s probably going to be top of the board and I’m going to be 18th and I’m going to be pissed off, but I’m going to work hard. We just can push each other to be better.”

Why is Fontana switching to a half-mile track a shame?

“It’s one of the best circuits. I wish we could just pick it up and move it. Move it to my backyard – it’s not that big. Move it somewhere where we could go race there weekly. It’s that type of racetrack. It’s fun. It’s bumpy, it’s worn out. It always provides great racing, I feel like. You just slip and slide. It’s a bigger Homestead. I think the best tracks are in the middle of nowhere. Fontana is in LA, yes, but Miami, you have to travel so far to get there. It’s going to be bittersweet, but hopefully we can win it.”

What are some of the things you have learned last season that are going to help you win multiple races this season?

“Think before you do. I think appreciate the moment that you are in. Amanda, my wife, asked me – this was right after Vegas. I think next year, we are going to be used to running up front and becoming one of the names people talk about every race, so when you have a bad race, you can’t lose your temper because it’s just dang, we finished second, versus being so frustrated at that. Like, accept that, enjoy that. I think just taking a step back. Taking a deep breath, realizing that today is either your day or not your day and that’s okay because you have x-number of races to go.”

Denny Hamlin said that you were getting close to his top-five current speedway racers. Do you agree with that?

“Denny’s (Hamlin) close could be like 20th (laughter). I was always envious when media stuff, articles come out and they would talk about the best speedway racers are Penske guys, Brad (Keselowski) – I was including Brad in Penske, but he’s not there anymore. Denny (Hamlin) of course. I was like, dang, I want to be talked about. We finished second, but it is more than finishing just second. I think it’s a testament to our team, the cars we bring to the race track, so it is not all just me. I try to just survive. The best thing a driver can do is survive. We’ve been able to do that a few times; we just have to keep getting better. Denny is at the top of the list, so anything you can take from him is beneficial.”

Is this a make-or-break season?

“Yeah, I don’t take that as harsh at all. I put enough pressure on myself to fully respect that question and I think now – this is the most excited I’ve been to start a season off. The confidence is high. I’m excited. You cross your fingers and toes to hopefully be able to make it out in one piece this race, and then when we get to the West Coast, it is like it’s on now. There is no for us this year – let’s just get through the first four or five races, no. It’s let’s get through Daytona and make a statement. I feel like our team is well-ready and well-capable of doing that. Bootie (Barker, crew chief) and I have had a few seasons up to this point and we’re ready.”

Does it have to be a multi-win season?

“I think that we have to win at the right time. We have to win before the Playoffs. One win, five wins – whatever it is between that, just have to do it at the right time and then you set yourself up for the postseason. As long as you can carry that momentum into the postseason, we should be okay. Let’s get one and then we can talk about multiple.”

What does 75 years of NASCAR mean to you?

“It’s special. To be able to add your name as a winner in the Cup Series, winning in the Trucks. A non-winner in the Xfinity Series – that chaps my tail. I’ve got to get a Xfinity Series win. It’s just cool to be a part of the history piece – what we have done on and off the race track. No one can erase history. It’s just cool to be a part of it. 75 years, I would like to say that I’ve been a part of it – for 10 years. My first Truck start was 2013 – if you take away the grassroots level stuff. It’s cool to be here for my sixth Daytona 500.”

What has your interaction been with Travis Pastrana so far?

“We had a short interaction. We had our team meeting. I was just talking about this with (Bob) Pockrass (Fox Sports). It’s like he is drinking through a fire hose, but I think he is probably the best guy to do that with all of the avenues he’s gone down just taking everything from our drafting study and speedway racing, and the ins-and-outs on how to make it work, and drafting with one-another, from green flag pit stops – what to do and what not to do. He just sees a bunch of algorithms going off in his head. I kind of felt bad for him, but he is probably the best candidate to be able to jump into something, with no practice, and be able to make a statement. I’m excited to see what happens tonight.”

Pit stops were an issue last season, and you have a new setup this season. Is that part of your confidence factor?

“100 percent. We saw our weaknesses and we made changes to improve those weaknesses and I’m excited about the changes that we made throughout the offseason. We’ve got a really good group of guys that are pitting our three cars and just carrying that vibe and attitude throughout the whole year is exciting changes.”

Are the two runner-up finishes more frustrating or validating?

“I think validation after the first one, frustration after the second one. The third one – I don’t know what happens after that. I don’t know. We will have to see. We just have to win it.”

How long did it take you to get over it and do you feel that same emotion today?

“I was over it probably Monday night or Tuesday morning. You have to reset each and every weekend. You look at the glass half-full and half-empty. We finished second in the Great American Race. We made a good run there without a right-front fender. It could have went really wrong, way wrong, but it didn’t and we survived. Take the good with the bad, and you try to learn from it. Daytona – I think Denny (Hamlin) said it on his new podcast. I’ll give him a shout out there – hopefully, get some royalties back on that – ‘Actions Detrimental’, but he says you can’t luck into multiple Daytona 500 wins. You can luck into one but not multiple. I felt like we lucked into our first second-place finish, but not really our second one. We just have to get a little bit more, and hopefully come out on top, but getting a little bit more puts you on that threshold of danger, so you have to be methodical about it.”

What was the acclimation process like for you coming into the Cup Series?

“I’ve always tried to describe it, I remember telling Ty (Gibbs) at Pocono when he was filling in for Kurt (Busch), I said, ‘Hey man, you’re obviously here for a reason, you’ve done a lot of great things, but do not let it get to you when these guys will just chew you up and spit you out because they’ve been doing it for longer then you’ve been alive.’ I always said it’s like climbing the next rung on the ladder, but it’s like climbing 10 rungs when it gets to Cup level. It’s so hard and you have to be prepared when you get here. I thought coming in here when I did my first race at Pocono, I was like, ‘Oh, I’m a pretty good restarter in the Xfinity Series, near the top of the list so I’m excited to restart.’ I went backwards. And I thought I was going forwards and I went backwards. It’s just a learning curve, it’s little things you realize like whatever you have at the table, be ready to get that squashed and relearn. Cup guys have been doing it for a while and they have a whole notebook and they’re one step ahead of you. That pushes you to work harder and be smarter.”

Have you leaned on Denny Hamlin for advice on approaching Daytona with his three championships in the Daytona 500?

“He’s (Denny Hamlin) definitely one to listen to when he speaks up in meetings when it comes to speedway stuff. It’s nice to have him in our corner and in our camp. And giving his insight. For sure, take what he says and utilize it and it’s nice when it works against him.”

What have you learned from doing the block parties this past season that you can take into this season to expand upon them?

“Hats off to 23XI, hats off to NASCAR for pulling those events together and bringing that demographic out to a racing atmosphere. A place where they may not have felt welcome. I remember a lot of people coming up especially at Richmond saying, ‘thanks man, this is cool.’ They were having fun, normal, casual conversation and how much it meant for them to be on the grounds of Richmond and I thought that was important because every time I showed up, I’m there to race and compete and I’ve always felt welcome, but to the outsiders, they didn’t feel that way. We still have to do the right things to get those feelings to go away and make everyone feel comfortable. But just a fun atmosphere and I think the biggest task for us to get 2500 to 3000 minorities, that crowd that was at Bubba’s Block Party, how do we get them to a race. They’re there for the party, free entertainment, but how do we get you to a race to support us. I think it starts out with me winning some more races and becoming that much more of a household name to get them to come out and support.”

Do you ever replay the moments when you’ve come so close to winning the Daytona 500?

“100 percent. I mean, I’m on social media enough to where you get close enough to the 500, they start posting replays you know. The closest finishes, best finishes and the worst finishes – seems like we’re always in those mixes so I relive it directly or indirectly.”

What do you need to do differently this year to get the win?

“That’s the million-dollar question. We’re going to find out.”

How do you disengage from friendship on the race track?

“When you show up and race against Ryan (Blaney) or Chase (Briscoe) or (Corey) Lajoie, we’re all out there to have one goal in mind and that’s to beat one another, but you do it with respect. I always like to say I’m the same guy on and off the race track. I don’t like many people off the race track, I don’t like many people on the race track. I don’t know, different paths you can walk and just be confident. We just race each other with respect.”

What is it like to share the environment of this race weekend with Travis Pastrana?

“It’s a big deal to have Travis (Pastrana) come back over to the NASCAR ranks. He’s running the truck race so that will be good practice for him. To attempt your first Daytona 500 with no practice, that’s a tall task, but I think he’s ready for it. Our cars are well equipped and show enough speed to hopefully lock in on time and lock in on speed and he will be fine.”

Do you look at some of the stunts that Travis Pastrana has done and think he’s crazy, but yet people think what you all as NASCAR drivers do is crazy as well?

“He’s (Travis Pastrana) done everything. I’m not sure what’s left on his list that he hasn’t done, but I’m sure it’s a long list that we would never think about, but it just shows the level of it. Last night we got blocked in by the haulers and we had a dinner reservation for Valentine’s Day, it’s like my second time doing that ever for Amanda (Wallace, wife), she says it was my first and she reminds me of that, but anyway, we got to go on the track and go around the backstretch. We weren’t on the track, but we were on the apron and she was like, ‘that’s nuts how high the banking is and how do you all stay up there?’ She was asking all the rookie questions like how do we stay up there under caution. But to her, that’s nuts just seeing the race track, to me, it’s just another walk in the part, but seeing his resume, that’s nuts.”

Have you spent any time bonding with Tyler Reddick as a teammate?

“Yeah, Tyler (Reddick) and I have spent a lot of time. Obviously, in LA at the Clash, just being around each other. We’ve done a lot of promotional stuff just leading up to the start of the season and I’ve known Tyler for a handful of years now. I’ve always respected what he’s done and always enjoyed the interaction and I think it’s going to be a great year. It’s going to be fun.”

Do you see this as a big breakout year for 23XI Racing and do you feel the pressure on the team this season to perform?

“A lot of people have expectations, so do we. Especially me.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 20 electrified options, with more in showrooms later this year.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Race Information

• Round: NASCAR Cup Series race No. 1 of 36
• Track Location: Daytona International Speedway – Daytona Beach, Florida
• Race Name: DAYTONA 500
• Broadcast: Duel Races: Thursday, Feb. 16th at 7:00 PM ET live on FS1 (TV) and MRN (Radio)

DAYTONA 500: Sunday, Feb. 19th at 2:30 PM ET live on FOX (TV) and MRN (Radio)

• Team Entrants:

No. 42 | Noah Gragson & Luke Lambert – Wendy’s Chevrolet
No. 43 | Erik Jones & Dave Elenz – Guns N’ Roses Chevrolet
No. 84 | Jimmie Johnson & Todd Gordon – Carvana Chevrolet

Noah Gragson, No. 42 Wendy’s Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Daytona International Speedway Stats

• NCS Starts: 2, Best start: 37th, Best finish: 5th (Summer, 2022), Top 5s: 1, Top 10s: 1
• NXS Starts: 8, Wins: 1 (Spring, 2020), Best start: 2nd, Top 5s: 2, Top 10s: 3, Laps led: 96
• NCTS Starts: 2, Best start: 5th, Best finish: 23rd (2018), Laps led: 1
• ARCA Starts: 2, Best start: 21st, Best finish: 7th (2018), Top 10s: 1

2022 NCS Season Stats

• Starts: 18, Best start: 7th, Best finish: 5th, Top 5s: 1, Top 10s: 1
• About Wendy’s: Wendy’s was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. Dave built his business on the premise, “Quality is our Recipe®,” which remains the guidepost of the Wendy’s system. Wendy’s is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, using fresh, never frozen beef*, freshly-prepared salads, and other signature items like chili, baked potatoes and the Frosty® dessert. The Wendy’s Company (Nasdaq: WEN) is committed to doing the right thing and making a positive difference in the lives of others. This is most visible through the Company’s support of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® and its signature Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® program, which seeks to dramatically increase the number of adoptions of children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Today, Wendy’s and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across approximately 7,000 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the world’s most thriving and beloved restaurant brand. For details on franchising, connect with us at www.wendys.com/franchising. Visit www.wendys.com and www.squaredealblog.com for more information and connect with us on Twitter and Instagram using @wendys, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wendys.
• Season Preview: Noah Gragson will begin his highly-awaited NASCAR Cup Series rookie campaign driving the No. 42 Chevrolet for the newly-rebranded LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. The driver from Las Vegas, Nevada, moves up the ladder from the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he most recently finished second in the championship points standings. After spending four years driving full-time in the series, he was able to capture 13 wins, over 60 top-fives, and over 90 top-10 finishes.

Coming off of a breakout season in which Gragson contested for the series championship, 2023 marks a new journey for the rookie. Leading the No. 42 team will be Luke Lambert, an established crew chief that guided Noah to eight wins in 2022.

• Dawn of a LEGACY: Gragson will make his second DAYTONA 500 start, and first official start for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB in the No. 42 Wendy’s Chevrolet on Sunday. With the preseason non-championship points paying Clash event in the rear view mirror, the driver’s focus is fully on the regular season. Specifically, getting to a good start in Daytona. Noah looks to embark on his rookie campaign carrying a ton of momentum from last year’s dominant season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and is prepared to make the most of his opportunity.
• NG Appearances: Fans attending the DAYTONA 500 will have a bunch of opportunities to meet Noah Gragson throughout the race weekend:

Thursday, Feb. 16th | Hurley Booth: Noah Gragson will head out to the Hurley booth in the Daytona International Speedway Fan Zone to sign autographs from 4:15 PM to 4:45 PM local time.
Friday, Feb. 17th | Hurley Booth: Noah will head out to the Hurley booth in the Daytona International Speedway Fan Zone to sign autographs from 2:15 PM to 2:45 PM local time.
Friday, Feb. 17th | Infield UNOH Fanzone Stage: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB teammates Noah Gragson and Erik Jones will visit the infield UNOH Fanzone stage to play corn hole with fans from 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM local time.
Saturday, Feb. 18th | Hurley Booth: Noah will head out to the Hurley booth in the Daytona International Speedway Fan Zone to sign autographs from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM local time.
Saturday, Feb. 18th | Wendy’s Popup: Noah will trade in his firesuit for an apron as he heads to the Wendy’s popup restaurant in the Daytona International Speedway infield from 1:45 PM to 2:15 PM local time.
Sunday, Feb. 19th | Team Chevy Stage: On race day, Noah will host a Q&A session at the Team Chevy stage in the Daytona International Speedway Fan Zone from 10:30 AM to 10:50 AM local time.
- From the Drivers Seat: You head down to Florida to race in your second DAYTONA 500 this weekend, but first with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. Not only that, but you get to compete against your new team owner, Jimmie Johnson. Have you been able to rely on him for some tips to getting around there at all? Tell us about your thoughts heading into the start of the season.

“I’ve been looking forward to getting down to Daytona for such a long time now, and I’m so glad that we’re finally here. This weekend is going to be special for us; we’re bringing Wendy’s back to the racetrack in a big way on our No. 42 Chevrolet, and to top it all off, Erik and I get to have an extra teammate (and boss, so no pressure) to work with. No doubt, it’s going to be great to have the chance to work with Jimmie and all of the No. 84 team, and we will do everything we can on our part to help him make the race. At these plate tracks, strength comes in numbers, so it is going to be key to work with both of our LEGACY MOTOR CLUB teammates throughout the entire weekend. If we are able to keep our noses clean and find some of that track position towards the end, I feel pretty confident that we can mount a challenge for the win. I’m confident in my team, confident in my ability, and am eager to run in such a prestigious event. I think we have a great opportunity to turn some heads this year, and the amount of preparation that has gone into our team has been very impressive. Looking forward to it for sure!”

Erik Jones, No. 43 Guns N’ Roses Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Daytona International Speedway Stats

• NCS Starts: 12, Wins: 1 (Summer, 2018) Best start: 8th, Top 5s: 2, Top 10s: 3, Laps led: 61
• NXS Starts: 6, Best start: 3rd, Best finish: 8th (Summer, 2015), Top 10s: 2
• NCTS Starts: 1, Best start: 7th, Best finish: 2nd (2015), Top 5s: 1, Top 10s: 1

2022 NCS Season Stats

• Starts: 36, Wins: 1 (Darlington), Best start: 2nd, Top 5s: 3, Top 10s: 13, Laps led: 147, Points finish: 18th
• About Guns N’ Roses: This weekend for the 2023 season opener at Daytona International Speedway, Erik Jones and the No. 43 Chevy team will carry a special paint scheme featuring American icon, hard rock band Guns N’ Roses.
• Season Preview: With six full seasons in the books, Jones returns to the seat of the No. 43 Camaro for the 2023 season and his seventh year competing full time in NASCAR’s highest level of competition. During the 2022 season, Jones returned to victory lane to earn his second Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway and capped the season with three top-five and 13 top-10 finishes. The 2023 season will see Jones and crew chief Dave Elenz continue their partnership with the newly rebranded LEGACY MOTOR CLUB team.
• Jones at Daytona International Speedway: Erik Jones will make 13th Cup Series start at Daytona International Speedway this weekend for the 65th running of the DAYTONA 500. In his previous 12 starts at the historic Superspeedway, Jones has one win, two top-five finishes, three top-10 finishes and 61 laps led. His lone points paying win came on July 7, 2019 where Jones started the race from 29th and battled back from several laps down to beat then teammate Martin Truex Jr. and lead the final lap for his first-career Cup Series win. Jones won again at the track to kick off the 2020 season scoring his first Busch Clash victory. With six starts in the DAYTONA 500, Jones has a best finish of third during the 2019 event where then teammate Denny Hamlin won the race.

In addition to his Cup Series starts, Jones has six starts in the Xfinity Series with a career-best finish of eighth in 2015. In the Truck Series, Jones has one start in 2015 where he finished second.

-EJ Appearances: Fans attending this weekend’s DAYTONA 500 will have several opportunities to meet Erik Jones throughout the weekend.

Friday, Feb. 17th | Infield UNOH Fan Zone Stage: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB teammates Noah Gragson and Erik Jones will visit the infield UNOH Fan Zone stage to play corn hole with fans from 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM local time.
Sunday, Feb. 19th | U.S. Air Force Display: Before starting the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Erik Jones will make an appearance at the U.S. Air Force display in the fan midway from 10:10 – 10:40 AM local time.
Sunday, Feb. 19th | Team Chevy Stage: On race day, Erik Jones will make his way to the Team Chevy Stage for a Q & A session from 10:45 – 11:00 AM local time.

• From the Driver’s Seat: Thoughts heading in to the 2023 season opener, DAYTONA 500: “I’m excited to get this season started. With the changes during the off season and the strength we built last season with our LEGACY MOTOR CLUB team, I think this season will be a really good one for us. I always enjoy the superspeedway races and feel like we usually have good cars, just need a little luck on our side to win one of these races. Last year I felt we had several opportunities to win between Daytona and Talladega, just didn’t have enough to pull those wins off. I’m excited to get the season started and have a chance to win on Sunday.”

Jimmie Johnson, no. 84 Carvana Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Daytona International Speedway Stats

• NCS Starts: 38, Wins: 3 (2006 & 2013 DAYTONA 500, Summer, 2013), Poles: 2, Top 5s: 12, Top 10s: 16, Laps led: 302
• NXS Starts: 1, Best start: 34th, Best finish: 5th (2001), Top 5s: 1, Top 10s: 1

NCS Career Stats

• Starts: 686, Championships: 7 (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016) (tied for most all-time), Wins: 83 (sixth all-time), Poles: 36, Top 5s: 232, Top 10s: 374, Laps led: 18,941
• About Carvana: Carvana (NYSE: CVNA) is an industry pioneer for buying and selling used vehicles online. As the fastest
growing used automotive retailer in U.S. history, its proven, customer-first e-commerce model has
positively impacted millions of people’s lives through more convenient, accessible and transparent
experiences. Carvana.com allows someone to purchase a vehicle from the comfort of their home,
completing the entire process online, benefiting from a 7-day money back guarantee, home delivery,
nationwide inventory selection and more. Customers also have the option to sell or trade-in their vehicle
across all Carvana locations, including its patented Car Vending Machines, in more than 300 U.S.
markets. Carvana is one of the four fastest companies to make the Fortune 500 and for more information,
please visit www.carvana.com and follow us @Carvana & @CarvanaRacing.
• Johnson is back: Johnson will attempt his 20th DAYTONA 500 this weekend as the NASCAR Cup Series officially kicks off the 2023 with the Great American Race. The two-time DAYTONA 500 winner is hoping to add a third championship ring to his trophy case. Johnson’s final full-time race took place on November 8th, 2020 at Phoenix Raceway. After spending two seasons in INDYCAR, this will be the seven-time NASCAR champion’s first race back into the sport where he secured his legacy.

As an unchartered car entry, Johnson will have to qualify for the 500-mile event, but also has a higher stake in the race, as he is a co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB which fields the No. 42 of Noah Gragson and the No. 43 of Erik Jones. Fans will have to get used to seeing Johnson in another number other than the No. 48 as he will make his first start in the No. 84 Chevrolet Camaro, sponsored with Carvana – who rode the wave with Johnson through his INDYCAR journey.

Johnsons’ first ever DAYTONA 500 was in 2002, where as a rookie he won the pole position and finished 15th. His first DAYTONA 500 championship was in 2006. Johnson etched his name as a DAYTONA 500 champion as a second time in 2013, when he led 17 laps and beat Dale Earnhardt, Jr., for the victory.

Johnson currently sits tied for sixth with Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough on the NASCAR all-time wins list with 83. His next win will tie him with Bobby Allison and Darrel Waltrip, who are tied for fifth on the all-time win list.

• Jimmie Johnson Sightings: Fans attending this weekend’s races at Daytona International Speedway will have multiple chances to see Jimmie Johnson:

Sirius XM Speedway: Johnson will participate in the fan-facing broadcast of “SiriusXM Speedway” on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Raceday Q&A: Johnson will attend a fan Q&A on stage in the Fan zone at 12:15pm on Sunday, Feb. 19.

• Grand Command: As NASCAR reflects on its history to start its 75th Anniversary season, nine legends of the sport – all of whom have won the DAYTONA 500 and the NASCAR Cup Series championship – will come together to serve as grand marshals for the 65th running of The Great American Race. Five NASCAR Hall of Famers and four future Hall of Famers in Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, Bill Elliott, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Kevin Harvick, Johnson, Kurt Busch and Joey Logano will collectively give the command to fire engines for the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 19.
• Off-Season Testing: Johnson was able to complete his ‘driver orientation’ program with NASCAR at Phoenix Raceway earlier this month as he was able to pilot the NextGen Chevrolet Camaro for the first time prior to qualifying at Daytona Wednesday night.
• Super Bowl Presence – Johnson was able to connect with longtime friend and former team owner Jeff Gordon for a DAYTONA 500 promotion during Super Bowl LVII. ICYMI: Click here.
• Making the show: Johnson and the No. 84 Carvana Chevy team will have to earn their spot this weekend. There are 42 teams will vie for just 40 eligible spots – and 36 of the 40 eligible spots are already taken by the Charter cars leaving just six spots for the Open teams, to include Johnson. Qualifying kicks off on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 8:00pm ET on FOX.
• Todd Gordon on the box: Johnson and Gordon will both tackle the NextGen car together this week at Daytona. Gordon has been spending his time on the airways with MRN Radio and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio since stepping back from the NASCAR Cup Series grind and working with driver Joey Logano. Gordon was able to attend the test with Johnson at Phoenix and has been working with the No. 84 team in preparation for NASCAR’s biggest stage.
• From the Driver’s Seat: “I feel like the last two months have gone fast and slow at the same time. We have been doing SO much at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB from the rebrand, to testing, to sponsor launches to onboarding personnel. I never thought I would be so fortunate to be in this position – as a team owner and being back in NASCAR in this capacity but I wouldn’t have it any other way. There is pressure to make the show, but LEGACY MOTOR CLUB has a lot of strength on the superspeedway program, and Erik (Jones) and Noah (Gragson) as well as the crew chiefs have great notes for us to start with.”

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is a team that competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, owned by Maury Gallagher and Jimmie Johnson. LEGACY M.C. operates two full-time entries, the No. 42 Chevrolet of Noah Gragson and the No. 43 Chevrolet of Erik Jones. The team also fields a third part-time entry, the No. 84 Chevrolet, for Johnson’s limited racing schedule.

For the last 75 years, the iconic Petty family name has been synonymous in NASCAR, spanning four generations. Over the course of his driving career, Team Ambassador Richard Petty forever enshrined himself as “The King”, earning 200 wins and seven NASCAR Cup Series championships alongside NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief Dale Inman. GMS Racing entered the NASCAR Cup Series in 2021, later acquiring Richard Petty Motorsports to form Petty GMS.

The team was rebranded to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB in 2023 with the addition of Johnson, another seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, to the ownership structure. As a nod to car clubs of past eras, LEGACY M.C. is an inclusive club for the automobile racing enthusiast, fostering a team environment that will breed success for years to come. LEGACY M.C.’s vision is to honor the rich history of its past and acknowledge the future of the sport with some of today’s most iconic drivers.

LEGACY M.C. operates alongside GMS Racing, which fields three full-time entries in the NASCAR Truck Series. Since the formation of GMS Racing in 2012, Gallagher, along with one of the NASCAR garage’s most accomplished figures, Team President, Mike Beam, built a victorious organization, capturing the 2016 and 2020 NASCAR Truck Series championships, the 2015 ARCA Racing Series championship, as well as the 2019 & 2020 ARCA East championships, accumulating over 65 wins across six national racing circuits.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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