NASCAR Does Not Approve James Davison to Compete at Talladega, Debut Set For Pocono

You had to figure NASCAR would have to intervene as James Davison, who has never driven a stock car on an oval track, was set to run his debut race in the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway with no practice whatsoever.

On Thursday, NASCAR denied the Aussie by not approving him to compete in this weekend’s race.

Davison says he has spoken to NASCAR and that the decision was made due to there being no practice or qualifying due to the current coronavirus protocols.

“I have been contacted by NASCAR and informed that although I was previously approved to race, they had to reconsider their position on Superspeedways, given there won’t be practice or qualifying prior to Sunday’s race at Talladega,” explained Davison in a Spire Motorsports team release. “I was pumped about the opportunity to take the green flag, but I fully understand and appreciate NASCAR’s position. I’m approved to race next weekend at Pocono and equally thrilled to make my series debut there.”

Davison, 33, will now compete at the following event at Pocono Raceway for Spire Motorsports in the No. 77 machine.

Taking Davison’s spot in the No. 77 at Talladega will be BJ McLeod.

While Davison does not have experience in a stock car at an oval, he has run four NASCAR Xfinity Series events on road courses, with a best finish of fourth at Mid-Ohio in 2017.