Three NASCAR teams that allegedly considered competing in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series’ Daytona 500 have apparently decided against doing so. Despite the fact that there are currently 42 cars on the unofficial entry list for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series’ Daytona 500, teams are allegedly still currently considering their cars to the list in an effort to make the race.
Team Hezeberg powered by Reaume Brothers Racing and NY Racing Team were two NASCAR teams that were seen to be strong contenders to enter non-chartered cars in an effort to qualify for the 200-lap race over the four-turn, 2.5-mile high-banked Daytona Beach, Florida track.
The #27 Ford for Jacques Villeneuve and the #44 Chevrolet for Greg Biffle were the cars that each team entered for the 2022 Great American Race. MBM Motorsports, a third team that was taken into consideration, sought to participate in the race with two cars the previous year but was unsuccessful in qualifying either car. Since 2019, only one of their seven tries to qualify for the Daytona 500 has been successful.
However, the Daytona 500 entry list does not appear to be expanding to include any additional NASCAR teams. On the issue, Bob Pockrass mentioned the fact that there are presently six confirmed entries, compared to the seven non-chartered entries shown on the garage assignments given to the teams.
“No entry expected for the 44 or others. The garage assignments sent to teams show seven open cars for the 500.”
No entry expected for the 44 or others. The garage assignments sent to teams show seven open cars for the 500. https://t.co/llQJoRxnTm
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 11, 2023
These six include the #13 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet driven by Chandler Smith, the #36 Front Row Motorsports Ford driven by Zane Smith, the #50 The Money Team Racing Chevrolet driven by Conor Daly, the #62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet driven by Austin Hill, the #67 23XI Racing Toyota driven by Travis Pastrana, and the #84 Legacy Motor Club Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson.
The NASCAR team to release a statement of run a non-chartered entry in select events
However, this came after it was revealed that Josh Reaume will serve as the No. 80 car’s crew chief and Finish Line Motorsports Marketing would be driving it for J.J. Yeley. Later, Reaume Brothers Racing confirmed the news and said that they are certainly negotiating a deal to enter a non-chartered car in a few races, but they also said that they have decided to postpone their debut with further details expected on Monday.
To clarify with everyone,
We’ve been working with frontline Motorsports to run a number of Cup Series events as an open car.
With several factors in play, a decision was made this afternoon to delay the teams debut. An official announcement can be expected Monday.
— Reaume Brothers Racing (@RBR_Teams) February 11, 2023
There is always a possibility that it will receive a 43rd car before the entry list is formally revealed, although it is unlikely.
Two non-chartered entries will be locked into the 40-car field during the single-car qualifying session on Wednesday, February 15 at 8:15 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1, and two more will be locked in during the Bluegreen Vacations Duels on Thursday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1. Two of the six will not be eligible.
The 65th running of the Daytona 500 will be broadcast live on Fox on Sunday, February 19 at 2:30 pm ET.