Latest Daytona 500 News

Latest Daytona 500 News

More Daytona 500 News

Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Daytona Gamble Set to Be Featured in NASCAR Hall of Fame by 2026

A bold Daytona move by Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to shape NASCAR history, soon earning recognition in a lasting legacy.
2021 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

NASCAR’s Daytona International Speedway Makes a Glamorous Move With Bold Partnership

NASCAR's Daytona International Speedway takes an unexpected step, signaling a fresh chapter that could reshape its cultural presence.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Delivers Blunt Verdict on NASCAR’s Road Course Dilemma

Dale Earnhardt Jr. blasts NASCAR's road course expansion & playoffs, urging a return to the old school ways.
NASCAR Xfinity: NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Dover

Daytona Winning Star to Make NASCAR Debut Setting Off New Buzz Amongst Fans

Daytona ARCA winner Brenden “Butterbean” Queen’s Xfinity debut at Bristol sparks wild fan buzz, with Reddit hyped for his NASCAR rise.
LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 20: Martin Truex, Jr. ( 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Bass Pro Shops Toyota) and Christopher Bell ( 20 Joe

Ryan Blaney Admits Talladega Looms Large Despite Playoff Focus

Ryan Blaney eyes another championship after wins at Nashville and Daytona, but a familiar superspeedway could ruin all NASCAR driver plans.
Ryan Blaney

Ryan Blaney Snubs Daytona 500’s Prestige Dishing Out Controversial Take on Crown Jewels

For the four major crown jewels of NASCAR, Ryan Blaney's ranking is an unpopular opinion, not beginning with the most prestigious Daytona.
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 07: Ryan Blaney ( 12 Team Penske Dent Wizard Ford) talks with his crew during qualifying for the

Haas Factory Team Turns Page on Tony Stewart Era With Bold Rick Hendrick–Chevrolet Move

Haas Factory Team eyes stability after SHR’s closure, bidding farewell to Tony Stewart's Ford era for a new chapter in NASCAR.

“RIP”: NASCAR Community Offer Condolences as Winston Cup Star Bids Farewell at Age 87

NASCAR mourns Phil Barkdoll, 87, whose underdog spirit shone, while Kelley Earnhardt reflects on healing after Dale Sr.’s death.
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Daytona 500’s 66 YO Legacy Under Grave Threat as NFL Forces NASCAR Schedule to Reconsider Options

The NFL’s push for an 18-game season could force NASCAR to reconsider the Daytona 500's historic 66-year schedule to avoid a clash.
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Rising NASCAR Driver Admits Side Job Exists Just to Fund ‘Expensive’ Racing Dream

A rising NASCAR driver pulls back the curtain on the sport’s unglamorous side, admitting her side job is essential to fund her racing dream.
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Denny Hamlin Fails to Buy HMS ‘Washed’ Verdict Despite Darlington Nightmare

Denny Hamlin defends Hendrick Motorsports after Darlington disaster, rejecting claims the team is "washed" in playoff scrutiny.
Denny Hamlin, Rick Hendrick

Bubba Wallace’s Championship Push Gets Real As Darlington Remains Kind To Him

Bubba Wallace’s Darlington run signals 23XI Racing’s rise, with crew chief Denike fueling his playoff push toward a NASCAR title.
Syndication: The Tennessean

Chase Briscoe Singles Out One Track That Could Derail His Championship Push Despite a Dominant Win

Chase Briscoe opened up after his commanding victory at Darlington Raceway, revealing the race track where he faces the most difficulty.
NASCAR: Daytona 500 – Media Day

Brad Keselowski Admits to $46 Billion Giant Partner’s Struggle After Poor Regular Season Outcome

Brad Keselowski’s candid reflections on RFK Racing’s 2025 season reveal a team wrestling with performance gaps and sponsorship deals.
Brad Keselowski

Denny Hamlin Makes Heartwarming $2M Move Carrying on 13 Years of Legacy

Denny Hamlin honors a 13-year legacy with a heartfelt $2M gesture, proving his impact goes far beyond the racetrack.
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Ford Driver Breaks Silence Days After Screaming “Motherf*cker” at HMS Drivers

NASCAR driver explains his Daytona heartbreak, addressing the drafting politics and teamwork effort that come into play at NASCAR.
Preece Ford Car

“What Is That Solving?”: Denny Hamlin Shuts Down Talks on Removing ‘Kyle Busch Rule’

Denny Hamlin dismisses speculation on removing the ‘Kyle Busch Rule,’ stressing focus on real issues NASCAR must solve moving forward.
Denny Hamlin Kyle Busch

Brad Keselowski’s NASCAR Driver Gets Candid on Daytona Fumble With Honest HMS Admission

After a tussle with Hendrick Motorsports drivers, Ryan Preece broaches the icky topic by explaining his opinion.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Media Day Feb 15, 2023; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece (41) t

HMS Star Lets Slip Biggest Season Regret Despite Secured Playoff Berth

Hendrick Motorsports star admits season regret after narrow playoff escape, reflecting on missed wins and Daytona drama.
NASCAR: Goodyear 400

Global Internet Sensation Makes Surprise Visit to Daytona Taking NASCAR Community By Storm

Global internet star stuns NASCAR fans with a surprise Daytona visit, bringing viral buzz and introducing the sport to new audience.
Daytona track

NASCAR Broadcaster Publicly Defends Kyle Busch & Brad Keselowski as Fans Mount “Washed” Claim

Veteran broadcaster stands up for Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski, rejecting fan claims that the former Cup champions are past their prime.
Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch

“It P***es Me Off”- Joey Logano Publicly Challenges NASCAR Community’s Championship Callout With Bold Claim

As NASCAR playoffs approach, Joey Logano responds to the heated debate around his championship win with a bold claim.
Joey Logano (3)

William Byron Bluntly Shuts Down HMS Slump Narrative in 1-Word

William Byron addresses his HMS slump narrative in the recent months ahead of the Darlington race on Sunday.
NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400

“Eats You Alive”: William Byron Gets Real About the Pressure of Being a Race Car Driver

Amidst another solid battle for the Cup Series championship, William Byron reveals his drive to 'enjoy' his career more.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice & Qualifying Jul 22, 2023; Long Pond, Pennsylvania, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver W

Denny Hamlin Slams NASCAR Playoff ‘Randomness’ for Hurting Star Power of True Champions

Denny Hamlin critiques NASCAR playoffs’ randomness while eyeing his first title with cautious optimism this postseason
AUTO: FEB 16 NASCAR Cup Series DAYTONA 500

Joey Logano Sheds 5-Word Parenting Wisdom as Teammate Ryan Blaney Braces for Fatherhood

Joey Logano shares no-nonsense parenting advice, revealing the essential gear and mindset for NASCAR dads balancing family and racing
Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney

About Daytona 500

What is the Daytona 500?

For any NASCAR fan, the Daytona 500 race holds a special place in their hearts. The most prestigious race in the Cup Series, a win at the revered race bestows limitless repute and honor to its victor. Often referred to as the unofficial "birthplace of speed", Daytona Beach, where the race has been held for over six decades, has a long and storied history. Currently, it features on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule as one of the four crown-jewel races and also features the highest winning prize among all Cup races.

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Origins of the Daytona 500

While many stories about the origin of Daytona races date back to 1903 when two men challenged each other to a race to decide whose horseless carriage was the fastest, the sturdy stock car race at the iconic location came into being in 1959, courtesy of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. And on February 22, in front of 41,000 people, the revered race planted its seed to mega-stardom. The inaugural race was the only instance when both hard top and convertible vehicles were allowed to race. Since then, the Daytona 500 has been much-awaited by stock car racing fans every year.

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And while the Daytona Beach, Florida location is already iconic, the track that hosts the Daytona 500 race is just as well-thought out and executed. Wanting to give fans an edge-of-the-seat thriller, Bill Frances Sr brainstormed alongside engineers to create a track that would have the highest banking, allowing cars to reach topmost speed. And soon the prospect presented itself in the form of a tri-oval with 31 degrees banking at turns and 18 degrees at the start/finish lines. With 2.5 mile in length, today, the race lasts 500 miles/200 laps.

The first-ever Daytona 500, called the 1959 First 500 Mile NASCAR International Sweepstakes at Daytona back then, saw 59 cars competing. The winning purse of the inaugural race had a steep value of $53, 050, out of which Lee Petty took home $19,050 for his victory while the runner-up Beauchamp secured $7,650.

Why is the Daytona 500 called ‘The Great American Race’

As one of the most iconic spectator sports events in America, the Daytona 500 definitely takes the cake when it comes to being NASCAR's crème de la crème. Throughout history, the event has often been compared to the Super-Bowl, the crown jewel of the NFL. However, many NASCAR enthusiasts haven't been too keen about that description and have placed the crown-jewel race way above the Super Bowl.

The Daytona 500 has also been synonymous with the President's Day weekend in every NASCAR fan's heart. From 1968 to 2011, the race was held on President's Day weekend every year. However, NASCAR decided to change that in 2012 with news of an NFL schedule revamp doing the rounds. As per reports, NFL was planning to expand its 18-game regular season and as per the new roster, the Super Bowl was to be held on the same day as the Daytona 500. Sensing a dent on viewership numbers, the stock car racing organization move the race. However, as the NFL season-expansion plans failed to reach fruition, the Daytona 500 was moved to its original calendar spot. Now, that's definitely a win-win!

While the winning purse of the Daytona 500 is already a stuff of legends, sitting atop with the largest return, the trophy being awarded to the victors isn't any less prized either. Called the Harley J Earl trophy, the prize has been named after legendary automobile designer, Harley Earl, who was also a close friend of Bill France Sr and a General Motors executive back in the day. Earl is most significantly known for being the Father of the Corvette. He has also been credited for designing the Firebird I prototype. The Daytona 500 race is full of prestige and perks for sure.

One other aspect that the race victor gets to experience is their car being showcased at the Daytona 500 experience, for one year in its race-winning condition. For the uninitiated, the Daytona 500 Experience is a museum and gallery situated next to the Daytona International Speedway.

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Highlights of the Daytona 500

The inaugural Daytona 500 race in 1959 was won by Richard Petty's father, the legendary Lee Petty. The patriarch of the NASCAR royalty family clinched victory driving a 1959 Oldsmobile for Newton Chappell at the inaugural event outperforming Johnny Beauchamp. Charley Griffith, representing Red Bank, finished P3, while Cotton Owens and Joe Weatherly wrapped up the Top-5 positions.

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Lee Petty's son isn't much far behind on the Daytona 500 record book either. With seven wins, Richard Petty sits atop the most-wins list at the venue. What makes his feat even more legendary is the fact that Petty managed to clinch four of those titles in a single decade, in 1971, 1973, 1974 and 1979. The rest of his victories came in 1964, 1966 and 1981.

While the initial years of the Daytona 500 didn't see much vehicle policing, it soon became apparent that certain rules and restrictions would have to be put in place. One of the biggest instances of a change came in 1988 when former stock car racing driver and NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison's car went airborne and hit the catch fence at 200 mph at Talladega in May, the previous year. As a result, restrictor plates were made mandatory in hopes that they would stunt speed, which in turn would stop vehicles from going airborne.

Speaking of Bobby Allison, he also became the oldest driver to win the race at 50 years, 2 months and 11 days, in 1988. On the other hand, Trevor Bayne is the youngest Daytona 500 winner. Bayne was 20 years and 1 day old when he won the event in 2011.

Another revamp that hit NASCAR and the Daytona 500 was during the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500 race, when 'Cars of Tomorrow' debuted for the first time in the stock car racing circuit. While the name might throw some people off, 'Cars of Tomorrow' simply entailed that the same roll cage, frame and body would be used in all kinds of race tracks as opposed to how crew members would need to build different cars for different tracks like superspeedways, road courses and short tracks.

The Daytona 500, being such a grand event, has often been associated with high-profile names. In a bid to make the event even more exciting, every year, the organizers bring in popular figures to serve as a Grand Marshal. While 'Captain America' famed Chris Evans graced the event in 2014, Nicholas cage stopped by in 2007. Even former US presidents Donald Trump and George W Busch served as the event's grand marshal in 2020 and 2004, respectively.

 Qualifying Format of the Daytona 500

Currently, the Daytona 500 sees 40 cars competing, out of which 36 sports belong to drivers whose teams have their own charters. The rest of the 4 spots, which are referred to as open cars and constitute teams that do not own a charter.

In its 65 year history, the Daytona 500 has had many revamps to its qualifying format. From two timed laps, the better of two laps, to the average of two laps, the crown jewel race has explored several avenues to decide its starting grid. However, what stuck and is currently in place is a two-race qualifying. The first race is a single-car qualifying where each driver takes up one lap. The Top 10 drivers from that round advance to the second round where their order in the main event starting grid is determined. The single-car runs decide the front row of the Daytona 500. They also decide the lineup for the qualifying races also referred to as "the duels". The starting grid is eventually decided on the basis of the duels.

The Black Sunday of the Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 was perhaps one of Dale Earnhardt's greatest achievements. After chasing an elusive win at the track for about two decades of his career, the driver finally succeeded in finish P1 in 1998. However, just three years later, the same race would claim his life. It all happened on February 18, 2001, when the driver was competing in the final lap of the race. The driver slammed head-first into the retaining wall after contact with Ken Schrader and Sterling Marlin. The driver had suffered from a basilar skull fracture and had died instantly upon contact. Earnardt's death triggered a wave of safety improvements in stock cars and are seen even today.

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The changes of the name of the Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 has seen a plethora of name changes till date. While the first-ever edition of the race was called the 1959 First 500 Mile NASCAR International Sweepstakes at Daytona, the name was changed the very next year to the Inaugural 500 Mile International Sweepstakes. The race, then, went on to be known as the Daytona 500 by STP from 1991 to 1993. On the year of Dale Earnhardt's passing in 2001, it was known as the Daytona 500 by Dodge. In 2007, a new name was coined yet again and this time, the race was called Daytona 500 by Toyota. From 1961 to 1990, 1994 to 2000 and from 2002 to 2006, the race was called Daytona 500 and since 2008, that's the very name that has stuck around.