Without a fast enough qualifying speed in Wednesday night’s time trials and driving a non-chartered third entry for the Legacy Motor Club team he co-owns, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion needed to race his way into Sunday's starting line-up.
While there were nearly two dozen cars in Johnson’s qualifying race, his battle to make the 500 was in essence a one-on-one tug-of-war between himself and veteran J.J. Yeley as a late-race spin from a multi-car accident left Johnson behind Yeley on the last lap of his 60-lap Duel race.
"I’m like, I’m not going to make it, not going to make the Daytona 500," said Johnson.
"I’m going to have to call all our partners. I’m going to have to stand in the suite during the 500 and shake hands, not drive a car. This is running through my mind as I’m catching him. I have to figure out a way."
Source: Autosport