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Drivers Of The 2019 Daytona 500

The 40 drivers competing in the 2019 Daytona 500, in order of starting position:

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: William Byron, driver of the #24 Axalta Chevrolet, drives during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 24 Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports

DRIVER: William Byron

BORN: Nov. 29, 1996

HOMETOWN: Charlotte, North Carolina

CREW CHIEF: Chad Knaus

SPONSOR: AXALTA

TWITTER: @williambyron

NOTEWORTHY: Daytona 500 pole-sitter and 2018 rookie of the year. Winless with four top-10 finishes in rookie season with Hendrick Motorsports.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, drives during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 88 Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports

DRIVER: Alex Bowman

BORN: April 25, 1993

HOMETOWN: Tucson, Arizona

CREW CHIEF: Greg Ives

SPONSOR: Nationwide

TWITTER: @AlexBowman88

NOTEWORTHY: Bowman starts on the front row for the second straight year. Won the pole in 2018 and starts behind Hendrick teammate William Byron on Sunday.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Busch Beer Car2Can Ford, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 4 Ford, Stewart-Haas Racing

DRIVER: Kevin Harvick

BORN: Dec. 8, 1975

HOMETOWN: Bakersfield, California

CREW CHIEF: Rodney Childers

SPONSOR: Busch Beer Car2Can

TWITTER: @KevinHarvick

NOTEWORTHY: Won 2007 Daytona 500 with Richard Childress Racing. Third in points for the second straight season in 2018. Won a series-leading eight times, giving him 45 in his career.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 22 Ford, Team Penske

DRIVER: Joey Logano

BORN: May 24, 1990

HOMETOWN: Middletown, Connecticut

CREW CHIEF: Todd Gordon

SPONSOR: Shell Pennzoil

TWITTER: @joeylogano

NOTEWORTHY: Defending series champion and Team Penske star is looking to become the first since Jimmie Johnson in 2010 to win consecutive Cup titles.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #17 Fastenal Ford, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 17 Ford, Roush Fenway Racing

DRIVER: Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

BORN: Oct. 2, 1987

HOMETOWN: Olive Branch, Mississippi

CREW CHIEF: Brian Pattie

SPONSOR: Fastenal

TWITTER: @StenhouseJr

NOTEWORTHY: Suffered slump after breakthrough 2017. Failed to win a race and finished 18th a year after making playoffs.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Aric Almirola, driver of the #10 Smithfield Ford, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 10 Ford, Stewart-Haas Racing

DRIVER: Aric Almirola

BORN: March 14, 1984

HOMETOWN: Tampa, Florida

CREW CHIEF: John Klausmeier

SPONSOR: Smithfield Foods

TWITTER: @aric_almirola

NOTEWORTHY: Won his first race since 2014, ending 149-race winless streak. Starts second season with Stewart-Haas Racing. Led 2018 Daytona 500 until last-lap accident.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Advance Auto Parts Clash - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Paul Menard, driver of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford, drives during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

No. 21 Ford, Wood Brothers

DRIVER: Paul Menard

BORN: Aug. 21, 1980

HOMETOWN: Eau Claire, Wisconsin

CREW CHIEF: Greg Erwin

SPONSOR: Motorcraft/Quick Lane

TWITTER: @RCR27PMenard

NOTEWORTHY: One win in 435 Cup starts. Winless since taking checkered flag at Brickyard 400 in 2011. Wrecked by Jimmie Johnson with the lead at the exhibition Clash last weekend.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Clint Bowyer, driver of the #14 Rush Truck Centers/Mobil 1 Ford, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 14 Ford, Stewart-Haas Racing

DRIVER: Clint Bowyer

BORN: May 30, 1979

HOMETOWN: Emporia, Kansas

CREW CHIEF: Mike Bugarewicz

SPONSOR: Rush Truck Centers/Mobil 1

TWITTER: @ClintBowyer

NOTEWORTHY: Made strides in second year at Stewart-Haas Racing. Won two races last season, his first since 2012. Winless in 13 Daytona 500 starts.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the #95 Procore Toyota, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 95 Chevrolet, Leavine Family Racing

DRIVER: Matt DiBenedetto

BORN: July 27, 1991

HOMETOWN: Grass Valley, California

CREW CHIEF: Michael Wheeler

SPONSOR: Procore

TWITTER: @mattdracing

NOTEWORTHY:  No top five finishes in 140 career starts.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 11 Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing

DRIVER: Denny Hamlin

BORN: Nov. 18, 1980

HOMETOWN: Chesterfield, Virginia

CREW CHIEF: Chris Gabehart

SPONSOR: FedEx Express

TWITTER: @dennyhamlin

NOTEWORTHY: 2016 Daytona 500 champion. Won closest finish in race history, barely edging Martin Truex Jr.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 19 Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing

DRIVER: Martin Truex Jr.

BORN: June 29, 1980

HOMETOWN: Mayetta, New Jersey

CREW CHIEF: Cole Pearn

SPONSOR: Bass Pro Shops

TWITTER: @MartinTruexJr56

NOTEWORTHY: 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion. Won four races and was runner-up to Joey Logano for championship in 2018. Starts first season with Joe Gibbs Racing after Furniture Row Racing folded.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Kurt Busch, driver of the #1 Monster Energy Chevrolet, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 1 Ford, Chip Ganassi Racing

DRIVER: Kurt Busch

BORN: Aug. 4, 1978

HOMETOWN: Las Vegas

CREW CHIEF: Matt McCall

SPONSOR: Monster Energy

TWITTER: @KurtBusch

NOTEWORTHY: 2017 Daytona 500 champion with Stewart-Haas Racing. Well-traveled driver making move to Chip Ganassi for 2019. Missed 2015 race because of suspension.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #43 Aftershokz Chevrolet, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 43 Chevrolet, Richard Petty Motorsports

DRIVER: Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr.

BORN: Oct. 8, 1993

HOMETOWN: Mobile, Alabama

CREW CHIEF: Derek Stamets

SPONSOR: AfterShokz

TWITTER: @BubbaWallace

NOTEWORTHY: Was first black driver last year to start Daytona 500 since Wendell Scott in 1969. Finished second behind winner Austin Dillon.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Peak Ford, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 12 Ford, Team Penske

DRIVER: Ryan Blaney

BORN: Dec. 31, 1993

HOMETOWN: High Point, North Carolina

CREW CHIEF: Jeremy Bullins

SPONSOR: Menards/Peak

TWITTER: @Blaney

NOTEWORTHY: Won second career Cup race last season at Charlotte "roval." Starts second season driving for team owner Roger Penske.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Chris Buescher, driver of the #37 Kleenex Wet Wipes Chevrolet, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 37 Chevrolet, JTG Daugherty Racing

DRIVER: Chris Buescher

BORN: Oct. 29, 1992

HOMETOWN: Prosper, Texas

CREW CHIEF: Trent Owens

SPONSOR: Kleenex Wet Wipes

TWITTER: @Chris_Buescher

NOTEWORTHY: Entering fourth full-time season. Only win came in rain-shortened race in 2016. Had only two top-10 finishes in 2018.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Jamie McMurray, driver of the #40 McDonald's/Cessna/Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet, drives during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 40 Chevrolet, Spire Sports

DRIVER: Jamie McMurray

BORN: June 3, 1976

HOMETOWN: Joplin, Missouri

CREW CHIEF: Scott Eggleston

SPONSOR: McDonald's/Cessna/Bass Pro

TWITTER: @jamiemcmurray

NOTEWORTHY: Won 2010 Daytona 500, same year he also won Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis. Expected to make final NASCAR start. Will transition to TV analyst for Fox Sports.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 48 Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports

DRIVER: Jimmie Johnson

BORN: Sept. 17, 1975

HOMETOWN: El Cajon, California

CREW CHIEF: Kevin Meendering

SPONSOR: Ally

TWITTER: @JimmieJohnson

NOTEWORTHY: Seven-time NASCAR champion. An eighth title would push him past the late Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty for most ever, leaving him alone as NASCAR's greatest.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 9 Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports

DRIVER: Chase Elliott

BORN: Nov. 28, 1995

HOMETOWN: Dawsonville, Georgia

CREW CHIEF: Alan Gustafson

SPONSOR: NAPA Auto Parts

TWITTER: @ChaseElliott

NOTEWORTHY: Son of two-time Daytona 500 champ and Hall of Fame driver Bill Elliott won three times last season. Voted NASCAR's most popular driver in 2018.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Ford, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 6 Ford, Roush Fenway Racing

DRIVER: Ryan Newman

BORN: Dec. 8, 1977

HOMETOWN: South Bend, Indiana

CREW CHIEF: Scott Graves

SPONSOR: Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh

TWITTER: @RyanJNewman

NOTEWORTHY: Starts first season driving for Jack Roush. Failed to post a top-five finish for first time in his career.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 Dow Chevrolet, drives during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 3 Chevrolet, Richard Childress Racing

DRIVER: Austin Dillon

BORN: April 27, 1990

HOMETOWN: Welcome, North Carolina

CREW CHIEF: Danny Stockman Jr.

SPONSOR: Dow

TWITTER: @austindillon3

NOTEWORTHY: 2018 Daytona 500 champion. Won driving the iconic No. 3 Chevrolet that Dale Earnhardt piloted for most of his career. Spun Aric Almirola on the last lap to pull off the win. No driver has won two straight Daytona 500s since Sterling Marlin in 1994 and 1995.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Ryan Preece, driver of the #47 Kroger.com Chevrolet, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 47 Chevrolet, JTG Daugherty Racing

DRIVER: Ryan Preece

BORN: Oct. 25, 1990

HOMETOWN: Hartford, Connecticut

CREW CHIEF: Tristan Smith

SPONSOR: Kroger.com

TWITTER:@RyanPreece—

NOTEWORTHY: Made five Cup starts last season. Takes over for AJ Allmendinger in the 47. Candidate for NASCAR rookie of the year.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Ty Dillon, driver of the #13 GEICO Chevrolet, drives during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 13 Chevrolet, Germain Racing

DRIVER: Ty Dillon

BORN: Feb. 27, 1992

HOMETOWN: Lewisville, North Carolina

CREW CHIEF: Matt Borland

SPONSOR: GEICO

TWITTER: @tydillon

NOTEWORTHY: Younger brother of Austin Dillon. Grandson of team owner Richard Childress.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Advance Auto Parts Clash - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Daniel Suarez, driver of the #41 Haas Automation Ford, drives during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

No. 41 Ford, Stewart-Haas Racing

DRIVER: Daniel Suarez

BORN: Jan. 7, 1992

HOMETOWN: Monterrey, Mexico

CREW CHIEF: Billy Scott

SPONSOR: Haas Automation

TWITTER: @Daniel_SuarezG

NOTEWORTHY: Makes move to Stewart-Hass Racing. Pushed out at Joe Gibbs Racing to make room for Martin Truex Jr. Won first Cup pole at Pocono. Won Xfinity Series title in 2016, becoming NASCAR's first foreign champion.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: David Ragan, driver of the #38 Select Blinds Ford, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 38 Ford, Front Row Motorsports

DRIVER: David Ragan

BORN: Dec. 24, 1985

HOMETOWN: Unadilla, Georgia

CREW CHIEF: Seth Barbour

SPONSOR: SelectBlinds.com

TWITTER: @DavidRagan

NOTEWORTHY: Won only Cup races in 2011 and 2013. Had just one top-10 finish last four years. Finished 30th at Daytona last season.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Parker Kligerman, driver of the #96 Gaunt Brothers Racing/Toyota Toyota, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 96, Toyota, Gaunt Brothers Racing

DRIVER: Parker Kligerman

BORN: Aug 8, 1990

HOMETOWN: Stamford, Connecticut

CREW CHIEF: Mark Hillman

SPONSOR: Gaunt Brothers Racing

TWIITER: @pkligerman

NOTEWORTHY: Doubles as NBC Sports broadcaster. Winless in 14 career starts.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Credit One Bank Chevrolet, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 42 Chevrolet, Chip Ganassi Racing

DRIVER: Kyle Larson

BORN: July 31, 1992

HOMETOWN: Elk Grove, California

CREW CHIEF: Chad Johnston

SPONSOR: Credit One Bank

TWITTER: @KyleLarsonRacin

NOTEWORTHY: Followed breakthrough 2017 season with winless 2018. Fell from four wins to none but made playoffs for third straight season.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Landon Cassill, driver of the #00 PERMATEX Chevrolet, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 00 Chevrolet, StarCom Racing

DRIVER: Landon Cassill

BORN: July 7, 1989

HOMETOWN: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

CREW CHIEF: Wayne Carroll

SPONSOR: Permatex

TWITTER: @landoncassill

NOTEWORTY: Made 29 starts for StarCom in 2018. Winless in 288 career starts.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Erik Jones, driver of the #20 Sport Clips Toyota, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 20 Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing

DRIVER: Erik Jones

BORN: May 30, 1996

HOMETOWN: Byron, Michigan

CREW CHIEF: Chris Gayle

SPONSOR: Sport Clips

TWITTER: @erik_jones

NOTEWORTHY: Won at Daytona in July for first career Cup win. Had nine top-fives and finished 15th in standings in first season at Joe Gibbs Racing.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Daniel Hemric , driver of the #8 Bass Pro Shops/Caterpillar Chevrolet drives during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 8 Chevrolet, Richard Childress Racing

DRIVER: Daniel Hemric

BORN: Jan. 27, 1991

HOMETOWN: Kannapolis, North Carolina

CREW CHIEF: Luke Lambert

SPONSOR: Bass Pro Shops/Caterpillar

TWITTER: @DanielHemric

NOTEWORTHY: Made two starts for RCR last season. First driver to race the No. 8 since Dale Earnhardt Jr. Hails from same hometown as the Earnhardts.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Brendan Gaughan, driver of the #62 Beard Oil Distributing/South Point Chevrolet, drives during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 62 Chevrolet, Beard Motorsports

DRIVER: Brendan Gaughan

BORN: July 10, 1975

HOMETOWN: Las Vegas

CREW CHIEF: Darren Shaw

SPONSOR: Beard Oil/South Point Casino

TWITTER: @Brendan62

NOTEWORTHY: Winless in 58 Cup starts. Played college football and basketball at Georgetown, guarding Allen Iverson on practice court and becoming all-Big East kicker on gridiron. Earned one of the final transfer spots for the Daytona 500.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Chocolate Bar Toyota, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 18 Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing

DRIVER: Kyle Busch

BORN: May 2, 1985

HOMETOWN: Las Vegas

CREW CHIEF: Adam Stevens

SPONSOR: M&M's Chocolate Bar

TWITTER: @KyleBusch

NOTEWORTHY: 2015 Cup Series champion has yet to win Daytona 500, a streak that stands at 13. Won eight races last season and finished fourth in season standings.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Corey LaJoie, driver of the #32 Old Spice Ford, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 32 Ford, GO FAS Racing

DRIVER: Corey LaJoie

BORN: Sept. 25, 1991

HOMETOWN: Charlotte, North Carolina

CREW CHIEF: Randy Cox

SPONSOR: Old Spice

TWITTER: @CoreyLaJoie

NOTEWORTHY: No top-10 finishes in 57 career starts. Son of two-time NASCAR second-tier series champion Randy LaJoie. Has his face painted on the hood of his car for Daytona 500.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Matt Tifft, driver of the #36 Speedco Ford drives during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 36 Ford, Front Row Motorsports

DRIVER: Matt Tifft

BORN: June 26, 1996

HOMETOWN: Hinckley, Ohio

CREW CHIEF: Michael Kelley

SPONSOR: Speedco

TWITTER: @matt_tifft

NOTEWORTHY: Cup rookie missed part of the 2016 season after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, which was discovered during treatment for a back injury. Returned to racing 11 weeks after the tumor was removed. Has since become a spokesman for the National Brain Tumor Society. Raced full time in the Xfinity Series the last two years.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Michael McDowell, driver of the #34 Love's Travel Stops Ford, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 34 Ford, Front Row Motorsports

DRIVER: Michael McDowell

BORN: Dec. 21, 1984

HOMETOWN: Glendale, Arizona

CREW CHIEF: Drew Blickensderfer

SPONSOR: Love's Travel Stops

TWITTER: @Mc_Driver

NOTEWORTHY: Winless in 285 Cup starts. Shines at Daytona. Finished fourth in 2017 Daytona 500, and ninth in 2018. Were his only top-10s each season.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Discount Tire Ford, drives during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 2 Ford, Team Penske

DRIVER: Brad Keselowski

BORN: Feb. 12, 1984

HOMETOWN: Rochester Hills, Michigan

CREW CHIEF: Paul Wolfe

SPONSOR: Discount Tire

TWITTER: @keselowski

NOTEWORTHY: 2012 series champion still looking for first Daytona 500 victory. Has at least three victories in each of the last three years at Team Penske, including three in a row late last year.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Cody Ware, driver of the #52 Winn Dixie Chevrolet, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 52 Chevrolet, Rick Ware Racing

DRIVER: Cody Ware

BORN: Nov. 7, 1995

HOMETOWN: Greensboro, North Carolina

CREW CHIEF: George Church

SPONSOR: Winn-Dixie

TWITTER: @CodyShaneWare

NOTEWORTHY: Making Daytona 500 debut for RWR, which bought NASCAR charter from Front Row Motorsports. Cars came from FRM and Leavine Family Racing.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: BJ McLeod, driver of the #51 Jacob Companies Chevrolet, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 51 Chevrolet, Rick Ware Racing

DRIVER: B.J. McLeod

BORN: Nov. 17, 1983

HOMETOWN: Wauchula, Florida

CREW CHIEF: Michael Hillman

SPONSOR: Jacob Companies

TWITTER: @bjmcleod78

NOTEWORTHY: Making Daytona 500 debut for RWR, which bought NASCAR charter from Richard Petty Motorsports. Cars came from FRM and Leavine Family Racing.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 09: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #31 Symbicort Chevrolet, during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 9, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

No. 31 Chevrolet, Richard Childress Racing

DRIVER: Tyler Reddick

BORN: Jan. 11, 1996

HOMETOWN: Corning, California

CREW CHIEF: Justin Alexander

SPONSOR: Symbicort

TWITTER: @TylerReddick

NOTEWORTHY: Driving a third car for RCR, a one-off ride for the Daytona 500. Reigning Xfinity champion left JR Motorsports to drive for RCR in the second-tier series.

 

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Gander RV Duels At DAYTONA #2
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 14: Casey Mears, driver of the #27 Chevrolet, leads Corey LaJoie, driver of the #32 Old Spice Ford, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Gander RV Duel At DAYTONA #1 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2019 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

No. 27 Chevrolet, Germain Racing

DRIVER:

BORN: March 12, 1978

HOMETOWN: Bakersfield, California

CREW CHIEF: Pat Tryson

SPONSOR: Rim Ryderz

TWITTER: @CJMearsGang

NOTEWORTHY: Making his first Cup start since 2016. Has one victory in 488 Cup starts. Finished second in the 2006 Daytona 500.

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