The field of drivers wishing to race in the Daytona 500 is growing.
Last week, stuntman and two wheel racer Travis Pastrana announced that he has signed a deal with 23XI Racing to make an attempt at racing in the 500.
Today, Kaulig Racing driver Chandler Smith announced that he would make his Cup Series debut with an attempt to run the Daytona 500.
Last season Smith raced in the Craftsman Truck Series (formerly the Camping World Truck Series) but is scheduled to race full time in the Xfinity Series for the 2023 season in the number 16 car; replacing AJ Allmendinger who is moving up to the Cup Series for 2023 in the number 13 car. The 500 will be the first of five planned Cup Series races for Chandler Smith.
Chandler Smith will join Jimmie Johnson, Travis Pastrana, Austin Hill, and Truck Series champion Zane Smith as “open” drivers attempting to race in the Daytona 500. Currently there are 36 charter teams that are guaranteed a starting spot in the 500; the remaining four spots will go to an open driver (three if a former Cup Series champion makes an attempt to make the race).
