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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Beard Motorsports has officially announced its intention to field an entry in the 68th running of the Daytona 500, with Anthony Alfredo slated to pilot the No. 62 Chevrolet. The perennial contender for an open-wheel spot in NASCAR’s crown jewel event will once again carry primary sponsorship from DUDE Wipes, a partnership that has proven fruitful in previous attempts.
This marks a significant return for the No. 62 team, which, despite Alfredo’s best efforts, narrowly missed the field in last year’s Daytona 500. However, the same combination of driver, team, and sponsor successfully qualified for the 2024 edition of the race, with Alfredo starting 39th and ultimately finishing 27th in a race characterized by its typical attrition and strategic maneuvering.
"There is nothing like being in Daytona Beach in February for the Daytona 500," stated Beard-Deja, executive vice president of Beard Motorsports. "Our family and everyone at Beard Motorsports take pride in our NASCAR program and being part of this community. And when we go to the track, whether it’s Daytona, Talladega or another track, we go with the intention of performing well and contending for wins."
Beard Motorsports, a family-owned operation known for its competitive spirit and strategic approach to superspeedway racing, views the Daytona 500 as a pinnacle event. The team’s commitment to this prestigious race underscores their ambition to consistently challenge for victories on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit.
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"The work Anthony (Alfredo) puts into his craft and his skill in the superspeedway races align with the goals we have for our racing program," Beard-Deja continued. "He and Darren (Shaw) have developed a great working relationship, so our expectations for Daytona are very high." Shaw, as crew chief, plays a crucial role in the team’s superspeedway strategy, a discipline that requires a unique blend of aggressive driving and calculated risk management.
For Anthony Alfredo, this attempt will be his third foray into NASCAR’s most celebrated race. His previous appearances include the 2021 and 2024 Daytona 500s. Beyond his Cup Series aspirations, Alfredo is also a full-time competitor in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, driving for Viking Motorsports, where he continues to hone his skills and build his racing resume. His experience across different NASCAR national series provides him with a well-rounded understanding of race craft, a valuable asset when navigating the pack at Daytona.
"I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to compete in the 2026 Daytona 500 with Beard Motorsports and DUDE Wipes," Alfredo expressed. "Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series is always a thrill, but that feeling is amplified when it comes to the Daytona 500. It’s an iconic race and a win in that race places a driver in elite company. I’m thankful for the opportunity the Beard family gives me and a win in the Great American Race would be an amazing way to thank them."
Alfredo’s sentiment highlights the immense prestige associated with winning the Daytona 500, a race that has launched careers and cemented legacies. The "Great American Race" is renowned for its unpredictable nature, often seeing unexpected winners emerge from the chaos of pack racing. The 2026 running promises to be another chapter in this storied event’s history.
The challenge for Beard Motorsports and Alfredo lies in navigating the qualifying process. As an open team, they must earn their spot in the 40-car field through a combination of qualifying speeds and the highly competitive Duel at Daytona races. Success in these preliminary events is crucial, as it not only secures a starting position but also provides valuable track time and data collection for the main event.
DUDE Wipes’ continued support is a testament to the brand’s engagement with the motorsport community and its alignment with the passionate NASCAR fanbase. Their presence on the No. 62 Chevrolet provides essential funding for the team’s campaign, enabling them to compete at the highest level.
The 2026 Daytona 500 is anticipated to draw a strong field of competitors, including chartered teams with guaranteed entries and several other open teams vying for a coveted starting position. The strategic implications of superspeedway racing, particularly at Daytona, involve drafting, fuel mileage, and the ability to avoid multi-car incidents that frequently occur. Alfredo’s track record at these venues, coupled with Beard Motorsports’ focused preparation, positions them as a team to watch in the lead-up to qualifying.
The history of Beard Motorsports in the Daytona 500, while not marked by a victory, is characterized by resilience and a consistent effort to be competitive. Their participation as an open team often provides compelling storylines, as they operate with fewer resources than many of the larger, manufacturer-backed teams. This underdog narrative, combined with the inherent drama of the Daytona 500, creates significant interest among race fans.
Alfredo’s background, including his experience in various levels of stock car racing, provides a solid foundation for his superspeedway endeavors. His ability to adapt to the nuances of drafting and maintain composure under pressure will be paramount in his pursuit of a strong finish. The partnership with crew chief Darren Shaw further strengthens their technical approach, as Shaw is known for his expertise in race strategy and car setup for these high-speed ovals.
As the 2026 season approaches, the focus will intensify on the preparations of Beard Motorsports and Anthony Alfredo. Their confirmed attempt at the Daytona 500 injects another layer of anticipation into the early stages of the NASCAR Cup Series calendar. The quest for a spot in "The Great American Race" is a rigorous one, but the team’s commitment and sponsorship support provide a clear pathway towards achieving their goal. The outcome of their qualifying efforts will be closely monitored by fans and competitors alike as the countdown to the 2026 Daytona 500 officially begins. The team’s performance in the upcoming superspeedway events leading up to Daytona will also offer valuable insights into their competitiveness.
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