4 Days to Daytona: Open Teams

The final weekend without NASCAR action is here. Once the Super Bowl comes and goes, then NASCAR is next up on the slate. In this Days to Daytona series, each of the 36 chartered teams received their 2025 season preview. Now, it is time to look at the open and non-chartered entries for the 2025 season. There are only 4 Days to Daytona and a litany of open teams to discuss.

Open Teams

JR Motorsports

Announced Drivers: Justin Allgaier (Daytona 500)

Finally, Dale Earnhardt Jr is taking his Xfinity Series operation to the Cup Series. Well, at least for one attempt at a race. JR Motorsports will make their Cup Series debut with Justin Allgaier when they try for the Daytona 500. With sponsorship from Chris Stapleton’s Traveller Whiskey, Earnhardt managed to piece together what he needed to dip his team’s toe into Cup. Now, the question is whether this will be a one off or not.

It might depend on how the Daytona 500 attempt goes. If it is successful, it could either build spirits for another Cup start this season or allow the team to relax on a strong start. On the flip side, a deflating DNQ could lead to a desire to enter a 2025 race where the spot will be guaranteed. No matter, seeing JR Motorsports make the jump to the Cup Series is great to see for the sport.

NY Racing

Announced Drivers: JJ Yeley (Daytona 500)

After taking a one-year hiatus from the Cup Series, NY Racing returned for 10 attempts of Cup action last year. Mostly JJ Yeley piloted the #44 car, with Joey Gase getting one start for the summer Daytona race. While most of their starts demonstrated how far behind the team is, their one DNQ might have been their most impressive performance. In his Duel race last Speedweek, JJ Yeley almost qualified for the Great American Race. Leading over Jimmie Johnson on the final lap, a lack of help coming out of Turn 4 ruined NY Racing’s chances.

This year, JJ Yeley is back to attempt the Daytona 500. In a stacked open entry list, many are not counting on NY Racing to make the show. However, stranger things have occurred. Outside of the Daytona 500, it feels safe to assume that NY Racing will continue to make spot starts throughout the 2025 season. The last on track results will likely continue as well.

Team AmeriVet

Announced Drivers: Burt Myers (The Clash)

The former The Money Team Racing organization, Team AmeriVet is looking to run between 15-17 races. After only making 2 starts last year, that is an ambitious goal for the team. Already in 2025, the team showed up for The Clash, utilizing Bowman Gray champion Burt Myers. They failed to make the main event, but their entry into The Clash demonstrates that the team will not be limited to superspeedways. Their regular season debut will come after the Daytona 500, as they have not announced any plans to make the trip to Florida. As for drivers, Xfinity drivers with some Cup experience might be where they lean.

TRICON Garage

Announced Drivers: Martin Truex Jr (Daytona 500)

This will be quick. Essentially, TRICON Garage is being used by Joe Gibbs Racing to let Martin Truex Jr attempt the Daytona 500. Although the original plan was for Truex to drive a 23XI Racing car, that seemingly fell through. After the Daytona 500, it would be a shock to see TRICON Garage show up on another Cup Series entry list.

Beard Motorsports

Days to Daytona: Open Teams - Beard — Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Announced Drivers: Anthony Alfredo (Daytona 500)

Beard Motorsports returns to the Daytona 500 this year with the same driver who qualified in last year. Anthony Alfredo will look to go back-to-back in Daytona 500 starts. Last year, he managed to qualify in on speed, making his Duel race an extended practice session. Looking past the 500, Beard Motorsports will likely continue running sporadic superspeedway races. Alfredo and Parker Retzlaff combined to make 4 starts in the 62 in 2024. More than likely, that will be around the number of races that the team will show up this year.

Garage 66

Announced Drivers: Garrett Smithley (The Clash), Chandler Smith (Daytona 500)

New year, new branding (at least for Cup). For the Cup Series, MBM Motorsports has altered their identity and will now be known as “Garage 66”. The only open team to attempt both The Clash and Daytona 500, Garage 66 plans on attempting about 20 races in 2025. Similar to the other open teams, expectations are low for how well the team will perform. Garrett Smithley will likely pick up a few starts, along with Timmy Hill and Chad Finchum. Chandler Smith’s 500 attempt should be a one-off appearance for the Great American Race.

Live Fast Motorsports

Announced Drivers: BJ McLeod

Since selling the team’s charter, Live Fast Motorsports has essentially become a new version of Beard Motorsports. BJ McLeod attempted every superspeedway race in 2024. During his Duel race, he found his way to the front and led one of the lines for a bit. Overall, Live Fast’s results were decent. Outside of the first Talladega start, McLeod usually finished inside the Top-25. His season best finish was 19th at spring Atlanta. More of these results should be expected, as McLeod usually runs with the second pack at the superspeedways. This year, Live Fast will add the Coca-Cola 600 to the itinerary.

Non-Chartered Entries

Days to Daytona: Open Teams - Non-Chartered — Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

Rick Ware Racing #01/#15

Announced Drivers: Tim Brown (The Clash), Corey LaJoie

Down from two chartered entries to one, Rick Ware Racing will still dust off their second car every once in awhile. Actually to start the season, RWR has entered their second car in both opening events. Bowman Gray champion Tim Brown attempted The Clash in the 15. Meanwhile, Corey LaJoie decided spot starts in the 01 car will be more beneficially than potentially driving race winning equipment. Outside of superspeedways, not much will be expected from this second car.

Richard Childress Racing #33

Days to Daytona: Open Teams - RCR — Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images

Announced Drivers: TBD

Although there have yet to be any announcements for when Richard Childress Racing’s #33 team will hit the track, the team did announce a crew chief. Andy Street will sit atop the pit box for this team. Based on recent past and rumors, Brodie Kostecki and Will Brown seem destined to start a road course race or two. Meanwhile, Austin Hill and potentially Jesse Love could gain valuable NextGen experience making spot starts. There are reports that RCR wants to expand to a 3-car Cup team again. Using 2025 to ramp up their efforts with the 33 could be an indication of that pathway forward.

Legacy Motor Club #84

Announced Drivers: Jimmie Johnson

After a busy part-time schedule last year, Jimmie Johnson will only run 2 races in the 84 this season. Both are crown jewel events: the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600. At this point, less is certainly better for Johnson. Clearly, he has struggle to adapt to the NextGen car. It is difficult to watch Johnson struggle to remain on the lead lap in his non-superspeedway starts. Hopefully, this year can see some success from the 84 team and Johnson can fully retire to focus on fixing Legacy Motor Club. Plus, the stacked Daytona 500 open entry field certainly jeopardizes Johnson’s chances at making the Great American Race.

Trackhouse Racing #87/91

Announced Drivers: Helio Castroneves (Daytona 500), Connor Zilisch

Out of all the teams in this article, Trackhouse Racing’s PROJECT91 is certainly the most intriguing. Despite expanding to 3 fulltime Cup teams, Trackhouse decided to bring back their open entry after taking a year off last year. Kicking off with the Daytona 500, IndyCar champion Helio Castroneves will make his Cup debut. Using NASCAR’s new guest driver provisional, it is certain that Castroneves is locked into the field. Whether the field will be 40 or 41 cars is the question.

Later in the year, young sensation Connor Zilisch will also debut in the Cup Series. Redubbed the #87 for Red Bull, Zilisch’s debut on a road course certainly has some ears perked. His NASCAR future looks bright, with some bold predictions thinking he can pull out a win at some point this season. COTA might be the first start, but it probably will not be the last.

Outside the two known drivers, will Trackhouse send the 91 car out for other dates? Justin Marks is keen to bringing in international talents to NASCAR’s top series. An appearance from PROJECT91 (or the 87) feels possible for Mexico City.