Jimmie Johnson’s return to the Daytona 500 came with a mix of relief and disappointment. The seven-time NASCAR champion secured his spot in the race on speed alone, a weight off his shoulders after the stress of qualifying. But for his Legacy Motor Club teammate Erik Jones, the journey was far more dramatic.
Jones battled Austin Cindric fiercely in the second Daytona 500 qualifying duel, ultimately crossing the line just 0.004 seconds ahead. Thinking he had won, Jones celebrated, parking on the front stretch and soaking in the cheers. Even Johnson, watching from pit road, felt a sense of pride. However, a late crash involving Shane Van Gisbergen, Kyle Larson, and Ty Gibbs triggered a caution just before the finish. Per NASCAR rules, the running order at the moment of the caution determines the winner, and officials declared Cindric the victor.
Jones was stunned. “It’s frustrating,” he admitted. “You get excited, then it’s taken away. But that’s how the rules work.” Cindric, who had only led six laps, acknowledged Jones’ disappointment. “I feel for Erik,” he said. “He made a great move at the end.”
Johnson, while disappointed, took the ruling in stride. “If that’s the rule, then that’s the rule,” he said. “We had our hopes up for a bit, but we’ll move forward.” He made sure to encourage Jones, telling him, “You’re still a winner to me.”
Despite the setback, Jones will start fourth in the Daytona 500, giving him a strong chance at redemption. Meanwhile, Johnson, who had been haunted by last year’s failed attempt to qualify, was relieved to lock in his spot early. His No. 84 Toyota showed solid speed, reinforcing Legacy Motor Club’s progress after switching manufacturers. “We’re encouraged by what we’ve seen,” Johnson said. “It’s part of the journey, and we won’t see the full impact of the change until next year.”
As a two-time Daytona 500 winner, Johnson knows what it takes to succeed on NASCAR’s biggest stage. His presence alone adds prestige to Sunday’s race. For Legacy Motor Club, the focus is now on turning their recent speed into a strong finish. While Jones’ near-miss was a tough lesson, it’s also a reminder that anything can happen at Daytona.
