WATCH: “Ricky Wreckhouse strikes again”- Jimmie Johnson almost faced Daytona 500 DNQ humiliation after a wreck involving Ricky Stenhouse Jr., fans react

Jimmie Johnson barley made it into the Daytona 500 on his Toyota debut.

WATCH: “Ricky Wreckhouse strikes again”- Jimmie Johnson almost faced Daytona 500 DNQ humiliation after a wreck involving Ricky Stenhouse Jr., fans react

Jimmie Johnson crashed out at Daytona Duel One (Images via IMAGO)

For the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson at the 2024 Daytona 500. He made his Toyota debut, driving his team, Legacy Motor Club’s part-time entry, the No:84 TRD Camry. But he didn’t know he was in four a tough weekend. Johnson was one of the 42 drivers who entered the event, and with only 40 spots available on the grid had to secure spots by topping qualifying sessions or the duels.

But to his surprise, Johnson couldn’t extract enough speed from his Camry to make it to the Great American Race in the qualifying. So, in order to make it to the next round, he had to impress in Duel One, but midway to the race, his dream of making it to the main event almost ended when he was collected in a crash involving Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Austin Dillon. Johnson kept his composure and could get his car to a halt without any major damage.

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With just 11 laps left in the race, Daniel Hemric got lost following a nudge from Stenhouse Jr. and hit hard to the wall before returning to the track. He proceeded to collect the reigning Daytona 500 champion, who made contact with Austin Dillon. The RCR Chevy driver then made contact with Johnson and spun him.

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Johnson just had to finish the race better than JJ Yeley to make it to the main event and till the incident was a pretty convincing position to do it. Following the crash, he was on backfoot, and an impressive last lap charge and late pass by the Hendrick Motorsports legend helped him to seal the deal and qualification.

Here is how fans reacted to the incident

The NASCAR Cup fans via X expressed their opinion on the first major incident of the 2024 season. Some were quick to blame Stenhouse Jr. for the incident. A few fans also took shots at Jimmie Johnson for getting himself into such a situation.

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Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson (Via IMAGO)

A majority of fans also voiced their opinions about the poor race coverage from Fox Sports. The first major incident of the year wasn’t aired as when it happened; the commercials were being aired. Fox Sports has been on the receiving end of criticism for poor coverage since last season.  

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