57 cars entered for Daytona 500

Fifty-seven cars were entered for the Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race as technical inspection opened Friday morning at Daytona International Speedway.

Thirty-five drivers are locked in the field based on 2008 owner points. Stewart-Haas Racing’s Tony Stewart is also locked in as the most recent past champion, and 21 others will vie for the final seven spots. They will attempt to either make the race on qualifying speed Sunday or by racing their way into the field through the 150-mile qualifying races Thursday.

Qualifying Sunday sets the front row. Two non-guaranteed drivers from each of the races Thursday get automatic spots in the 500 field. And the rest will be determined by speed, with one spot available to the most recent past champion.

Stewart would get that spot if he needs it. Prism Motorsports’ Terry Labonte would be in line for the past champion’s spot if Stewart gets in through the heat races or speed. Wood Brothers Racing’s Bill Elliott would be next if Stewart and Labonte both make the field.