Castroneves to use “world-class driver” provisional to race in Daytona 500 after qualifying crash

Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves will race in the Daytona 500 as a special 41st driver under a new rule that allows for a “world-class driver” to receive a provisional spot. “Unfortunately, we’re going to have to take the provisional," Castroneves said. Bubba Wallace in a Toyota for Michael Jordan-owned 23XI Racing won the first of the two qualifying races, which are used to set the starting order for Sunday's season-opening Daytona 500.

Jimmie Johnson scuffled in his first 2 years as NASCAR team owner. Can he make Legacy a winner?

The pull of driver vs. owner responsibility Johnson wrestled with for two years at last had a decisive winner. “I still want to be behind the wheel,” Johnson said, “but it’s really ... I need to come here with a different agenda.” Johnson stayed true to tightening his commitment at Legacy Motor Club, and is now the majority owner under an offseason restructuring in which a private equity firm bought into the Cup Series team. He’s Legacy’s final boss, and yeah, the 49-year-old seven-time NASCAR champion still knows how to turn a fast lap, locking himself this week into Sunday’s Daytona 500 in the first round of qualifying.