The Daytona 500 is NASCAR’s crown jewel, and making the field is often as much of a challenge as the race itself. For the 2025 edition of the Great American Race, a surprising development could add drama to the qualifying battle: Corey LaJoie’s potential return to the Cup Series. This move may put two former NASCAR champions in jeopardy of missing the starting grid due to the intense competition for open spots in the field.
Corey LaJoie’s Comeback
LaJoie, known for his underdog spirit and ability to outperform in underfunded equipment, is reportedly in talks to secure a ride for the Daytona 500. While details about his team and car are still under wraps, the news has already sent ripples through the NASCAR community.
LaJoie last competed full-time in the Cup Series in 2024 but has remained a fan favorite thanks to his consistent efforts in mid-tier cars and his standout runs on superspeedways. A return to the Daytona 500, where his aggressive driving style has earned him strong results in the past, could put him in contention for one of the coveted open spots in the starting lineup.
The Open Spot Dilemma
The Daytona 500 features 40 starting positions, with 36 guaranteed to chartered teams. The remaining four slots are up for grabs, with drivers and teams relying on their qualifying times or performance in the Duels to make the race.
With LaJoie’s potential entry, the competition for these open spots becomes even fiercer. Several big-name drivers, including past NASCAR champions, are expected to compete for these positions, creating a high-stakes scenario where two former champions could find themselves on the outside looking in.
Champions in Jeopardy
Among the drivers without charters are two NASCAR champions—names that carry weight in the sport but find themselves in a precarious position. Both are rumored to be driving for part-time or start-up operations without guaranteed entries. Their status as former champions doesn’t afford them a free pass into the field, leaving them vulnerable to the intense qualifying process.
One of the champions, known for his success on superspeedways, may face his greatest challenge yet as he competes against a mix of veterans like LaJoie and up-and-coming talent. The other champion, returning to the Cup Series after a hiatus, could be at a disadvantage due to a lack of seat time in NASCAR’s Next Gen car.
A Battle to Watch
The Daytona 500 qualifying process is already one of the most dramatic in motorsports, and the addition of Corey LaJoie to the mix only raises the stakes. Fans can expect an emotional and high-intensity week as drivers vie for a chance to compete in NASCAR’s biggest race.
For LaJoie, it’s an opportunity to reestablish himself as a regular in the Cup Series. For the two champions, it’s a fight to maintain their legacies.
With NASCAR’s rules ensuring that only the fastest and most strategic survive qualifying, the storylines surrounding this year’s Daytona 500 could make it one of the most unforgettable in recent history. Whether LaJoie’s return spells heartbreak for others or fuels a Cinderella story, one thing is certain: the road to the Great American Race just got a lot more unpredictable.
