Beard Motorsports’ No. 62 Chevrolet will be one of the open entries aiming to secure a spot in next month’s 68th running of the Daytona 500. Anthony Alfredo, sponsored by DUDE Wipes, will be behind the wheel once again. Although Alfredo didn’t qualify for the race last year, the team is returning in 2024 with the same lineup. Last season, Alfredo started 39th and finished 27th.
“There’s nothing quite like arriving at Daytona Beach for the Daytona 500 in February,” said Beard Deja, executive vice president of Beard Motorsports. “Our family and everyone involved with Beard Motorsports take great pride in being part of NASCAR and this community. When we head to Daytona, Talladega, or any other circuit, our goal is always to perform strongly and compete for victories.”
Deja also highlighted Alfredo’s progress, saying, “Anthony’s dedication and skill on superspeedways align perfectly with the ambitions of our racing program. He has developed a strong working relationship with crew chief Darren Shaw, so we have high hopes for Daytona.”
Alfredo will be aiming for his third Daytona 500 start in 2024, having competed in 2021 and last year. Additionally, he races full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driving for Viking Motorsports.
“I’m thrilled to have the chance to race in the 2026 Daytona 500 with Beard Motorsports and DUDE Wipes,” Alfredo stated. “Competing in the NASCAR Cup Series is always exciting, but the Daytona 500 is on another level. It’s an iconic race, and winning it places a driver among an elite group. I’m grateful to the Beard family for this opportunity, and winning the Great American Race would be my way of showing thanks.”
Fan Take: This announcement is exciting for NASCAR enthusiasts because it highlights emerging talent like Anthony Alfredo getting another shot at one of the sport’s most prestigious events. Success for smaller teams like Beard Motorsports at the Daytona 500 can shake up the field and add unpredictability, keeping fans engaged and the competition fierce.
