The Daytona Duels will get more exciting this time as big-name drivers will attempt to qualify for the Great American Race. In 2024, 42 teams entered the Daytona 500 race, which saw six drivers from open entries tussle for four remaining spots on the starting grid. However, this year close to 45 entries are expected to line up. This influx of entries is expected to make the qualifying rounds more competitive and entertaining at the same time.

This year’s open entry list includes heavy-weight drivers like Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson. Not to forget, Helio Castroneves has bagged his spot for the main event thanks to Open Exemption Provisional. MBM Motorsports, or let’s say Garage 66, is looking for a new driver. Meanwhile, there are also rumors about Corey LaJoie’s entry with Rick Ware Racing. And with the growing number of entries, the chances of qualification grow slimmer for star drivers.

Corey LaJoie could play a role of major spoilsport at the Daytona 500

Corey LaJoie’s hopes for a full-time ride in 2025 came to an end when Rick Ware Racing announced that Cody Ware would pilot the No. 51 entry. The former Spire Motorsports driver was involved in a mid-season swap that saw Justin Haley switch to the Chevy camp and LaJoie transferred to Ford. But, with RWR leasing one of their charters to RFK Racing, there was little hope for him to return to full-time racing in 2025.

However, it looks like RWR could be fielding their No. 15 car on a part-time basis. And this might allow LaJoie to run a partial schedule in 2025. After Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson confirmed their entry, rumors started to swirl online about LaJoie’s potential entry at the Daytona 500. “Late-night post. I’d say you should fully expect Jimmie Johnson to attempt the 500, and also sounds like Lajoie in the 15 for the 500. If I’m not mistaken that would mean 45 cars (if the 66 can make it) going for 40 spots (or 41).” A silly season page named nascarrumornostalgia shared this on Instagram.

Truex Jr. might have won the biggest prize in NASCAR racing, but the Daytona 500 title is missing from his trophy cabinet. Meanwhile, 7-time champ Johnson is rumored to be on his way to retirement, hoping to finish off his story with a 700th start at the Coca-Cola 600. But, for both these drivers to have a shot at achieving their goals, they will have to clear the major obstacle, which is the duels. Had it been close to 40 or 42 entries, they would be favorites to make the field for the main event. But with Corey LaJoie and Garage 66’s addition, the field extends to 45 entries, which makes the task even more challenging for the star drivers. Not to mention, Lajoie posted a competitive 4th place finish in last year’s Daytona 500, making him a worthy contender.

This year will be the first time for Martin Truex Jr. where he will have to fight for a spot to run at the Daytona 500. From 2005 to 2024, he was always assured a starting spot with his team running a full season and later, thanks to the charter system. Meanwhile, Jimmie Johnson understands just how competitive Duels are; he finished 12th in the Duel qualifying race. He got the better of J.J. Yeley by the finest of margins as he ended the Duel in 16th place.

As if things couldn’t get any more difficult, the word on the street is that future Hall of Famer Carl Edwards could be next in line to announce his return at the Daytona 500.

Is Carl Edwards scripting a NASCAR comeback?

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Just imagine either MTJ, Jimmie Johnson, or Carl Edwards failing to make the Daytona 500 race. These are some of the best race car drivers to grace the NASCAR circuits, but without a full-time chartered ride, they will have to go through the grueling Duels qualifying rounds. The rumor about the former Roush Racing driver was sparked by Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s crew chief comments on X, “I’m expecting Cousin Carl to make an announcement tomorrow that he’s attempting to make the @DAYTONA 500! This year’s duels are getting exciting!”

Edwards ghosted NASCAR after the bitter end to his racing career. In 2016 he was on the cusp of winning his first championship at Homestead Miami. But his move to block off Joey Logano on a late-race restart with 10 laps to go ended in a crash. And without any hints or announcements, just like that, Edwards decided to call it quits from NASCAR racing at the end of 2016. Although his Hall of Fame recognition has brought him closer to the sport again. It is hard to say that it will motivate him to get back in a race car.

“As far as being an impetus for my stepping away, I’ll go right back to what I said not clearly enough when I did it. I just needed time. Right towards the end of my career, I realized I’m not spending any time doing really anything other than racing, and that time I never get back. I really felt that I had done everything I personally wanted to do in the sport.” Edwards explained his reason for retiring from racing.

So while the rumors and speculations are floating online on social media, it is hard to see Edwards return to NASCAR. Not to shut the door on his return, but only an official confirmation from the driver could paint a clear picture regarding his return.