For the second year in a row, former NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Justin Allgaier attempted to make this year’s Daytona 500 in the #40 Chevrolet, a Jr. Motorsports entry owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The 39-year-old would make the field by either being one of the two fastest open cars in Daytona 500 pole qualifying, or race it out in the Duels and be the highest finisher of the remaining open cars.

For Earnhardt Jr. and company, Allgaier didn’t let them sweat it out in the Duels this year.

On Wednesday, February 11, Allgaier posted a 14th-place time in qualifying and was the second fastest of the eight open cars to secure Jr. Motorsports its second Daytona 500 start in the organization’s history.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the stress of making the Daytona 500: ‘That’s the best part about it’

After Allgaier locked himself in the Daytona 500 field, there was reason for Earnhardt Jr. and his sister, Kelley Earnhardt Miller, to celebrate on pit road. FOX Sports reporter and retired NASCAR driver Regan Smith caught up with the two during the broadcast.

When asked what is worse between coming down to Daytona as a driver or owner, in terms of stress, Earnhardt Jr. said he wasn’t sure. One thing he did know, however, is that he embraced the pressure of making “The Great American Race” with Allgaier.

“This is a lot of fun either way, man. It’s such a great sport, so much fun to be a part of it. It’s awesome to be able to come down here and try to make your way in. It is stressful, but that’s the best part about it,” Earnhardt Jr. said.

Earnhardt Miller, co-owner of Jr. Motorsports with her brother, described what it’s like knowing that her car is locked into the field for the Daytona, which takes place on Sunday, February 15.

“It feels really good. I don’t know about less stress, but it feels really good. We’re super proud of Justin. Wanna thank Traveler Whiskey for this opportunity, so couldn’t be any better,” Earnhardt Miller said.

While he has 83 career starts in the Cup Series, Allgaier is best known for his accomplishments in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The Illinois native has 28 victories on the circuit, which ranks ninth on the all-time wins list.

In 2024, Allgaier captured his sole O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championships piloting the #7 Chevrolet for Jr. Motorsports.

Six drivers fight for final two Daytona 500 spots in the Duels

Allgaier, along with 23XI Racing driver Corey Heim, locked themselves into the Daytona 500 during Wednesday’s qualifying. The remaining six open drivers will duke it out in the Duels at Daytona on Thursday, February 12 to try and follow suit.

Two spots remain in the Daytona 500 field, with the highest finisher of the open cars in both Duel races making the cut. Among those battling for a spot include Corey LaJoie, Chandler Smith, J.J. Yeley, Casey Mears, B.J. McLeod, and Anthony Alfredo.

The Duels at Daytona are scheduled to take place Thursday night, with Duel 1 starting at 7 p.m. Eastern time and Duel 2 slated for 8:45 p.m. Eastern time.