The Supercross and Rallycross champion has qualified for the Daytona 500
In 2000 and 2001, Travis Pastrana won AMA Supercross and Motocross titles in 125cc AMA competition. Since then, Pastrana’s career has taken a lot of turns.
Now, he’s set to race his first ever NASCAR Cup Series event. And as of Wednesday night, he’s officially qualified for this Sunday’s Daytona 500.
Hear from Travis Pastrana after he qualified for the big race below.
Pastrana is in one of 6 open (non-charter) cars that must race or time their way into the show. Daytona 500 qualifying took place on Wednesday night, locking two of those six cars into the show.
The 39-year-old has officially qualified for the event. He joins 7-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson who was the other open car to lock in. Johnson is making his return to the sport after retiring in 2020.
Pastrana is driving the No. 67 car sponsored by Black Rifle Coffee. The car is prepared by 23XI Racing, a Toyota backed effort.
Daytona 500 Qualifying Results: February 2023 (NASCAR)
Travis Pastrana comments after qualifying for the Daytona 500
“It’s an honor to be able to race with these guys,” Travis Pastrana stated from the Daytona media center.
“To be able to lineup in the 500 on Sunday will be a dream come true, no matter what the outcome is. I’m going to try to be as smart as I possibly can. Make as few mistakes as I possibly can.”
“Honestly, Kurt Busch said it best when I came out, ‘Now the work starts. Let’s get to work.’ “
This is not the first time Pastrana has jumped into a stock car. Between 2011-2013, Pastrana competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He ran full-time in the series back in 2013, collected four top-10s along the way and finishing 14th in the standings.
He’s also run five NASCAR Truck Series races, with the most recent in 2020.
Daytona TV Schedule: NASCAR Week (February 2023)
Links
Travis Pastrana | Jimmie Johnson | Daytona International Speedway | NASCAR
