The Dream To Race the “Great American Race” Is Achieved By Pastrana.
The dream is coming true for Pastrana.
Jimmie Johnson, former Daytona 500 champ and seven-time Cup Series champ who’s coming back to NASCAR (part-time) after two years in IndyCar, claimed one of four starting spots for non-exempt teams.
The other went to Pastrana, who will race his first Daytona 500.
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“I tell you what, qualifying for the 500 is literally a dream come true. This is bigger than big,” Pastrana said.
With 25 of the 42 cars completing their qualifying lap, Johnson is 10th and Pastrana 12th. Whatever happens in Thursday’s qualifying races, they clinch Sunday starts as the two fastest qualifiers among the non-charter teams here for the race.
In his return to NASCAR Cup Series competition for the first time since 2020, Johnson was the fastest open car in qualifying. The No.84 Legacy Motor Club Chevrolet was 28th fastest overall.
Pastrana was the second-fastest open car in a third entry for 23XI Racing. Pastrana was 25th fastest in single-car qualifying, which earned him a spot in the Daytona 500 field for the first time in what will be his Cup Series debut.
“The launch was good,” Pastrana said of his effort. “I shifted a little bit early on two and didn’t lift enough shifting to fifth, so I had to double let go, and I thought I just blew it. I looked at Bubba’s [Wallace] time, and the car definitely had a little bit more.
“This team helped me to get there and like Kurt [Busch] just told me, now it’s time to learn. We’ll go to work tomorrow, and then we’re in the 500, so cool.”
Black Rifle Coffee Company, a veteran-founded premium coffee company with a mission to better the lives of veterans, active-duty military and first responders, has a long-standing relationship with Pastrana, supporting his journey throughout racing and driving escapades.
“Travis is part of the fabric that is Black Rifle Coffee Company and truly a member of our family,” said
Luke Peelgrane, senior vice president, Marketing and Media, Black Rifle Coffee Company. “When he came to us and shared his desire and interest in fulfilling one of his lifelong bucket list items – competing in the Great American Race – we didn’t hesitate to come alongside him for the ride.”
We’re excited to welcome Travis to the team as he competes for a spot in the Daytona 500,” said Steve Lauletta, 23XI Racing president. “He is one of the most well-known and well-decorated action sports athletes of all time, and we’re looking forward to helping him in his quest to race in the Daytona 500.
Lauletta continued; “Attracting a driver of Travis’ stature speaks volumes to the success 23XI Racing has had in our first two seasons and points to the positive direction in which we are headed. Aside from the opportunity to introduce Travis’ dedicated fanbase to 23XI and NASCAR, this race also provides a chance for more of our team members to expand their responsibilities as we continue to grow and strengthen the team.”