Latest Daytona 500 News

Latest Daytona 500 News

More Daytona 500 News

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

Denny Hamlin Confesses Playoffs Scare as Past Mishaps Haunts 2025 Championship Odds

Denny Hamlin opens up on his elusive championship pursuit, revealing the brutal truth behind 19 playoff runs and his 2025 mindset
NASCAR Cup Series 2025 July 20: AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400

Kyle Larson Finally Makes Bitter Admission as Bold Move Backfires Derailing 2025 Championship

Kyle Larson shares how the NASCAR playoffs' challenges after the Indy 500 affected his racing but fueled his playoff readiness and resolve.
AUTO: JUL 26 NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400

Bubba Wallace Reveals Playoff Scare with Grave ‘Living on the Edge’ Admission

Bubba Wallace reflects on a season defined by pressure, turning points, and a shift in mentality as he heads into the NASCAR playoffs.
Bubba Wallace

Daytona International Faces Political Scrutiny as Florida Governer Takes Down Iconic Track Feature

Daytona International Speedway, long celebrated as racing’s crown jewel, finds one of its most recognizable symbols altered under scrutiny.
Ron DeSantis, Daytona

Shane van Gisbergen Gets Real on His Playoff Chances Amid Oval Struggles

Shane van Gisbergen openly acknowledged the need for improvement as he faces the playoff oval track gauntlet.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice & Qualifying Aug 12, 2023; Speedway, Indiana, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane V

William Byron Snubs Championship Pressure Despite Being the Face of NASCAR 25 Game

William Byron on becoming the featured face of NASCAR 25 game release is a reflection of how far the sport has come.
NASCAR: Cup Series Playoff Media Day

Kyle Larson Snaps Back at Reporter Days After On-Track Drama With Erik Jones

When a reporter asked Kyle Larson if Erik Jones had reached out to him in the aftermath of their Daytona clash, Larson pushed back.
AUTO: JUL 26 NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400

Dale Jr Publicly Shuts Down NASCAR Community’s ‘Big-One Blame’ in 3-Words

Dale Earnhardt Jr. delivers a blunt 3-word verdict on Daytona's big wreck, defiantly shutting down NASCAR's toxic blame culture.
NASCAR: Cup Practice

SVG Playoff Narrative Gets Major Boost as NASCAR Insiders Drop Bold Verdict

Shane van Gisbergen's playoff run is debated: can his road course dominance overcome oval challenges for a deep playoff push?
shane van gisbergen

Bubba Wallace Shrugs Off Playoff Pressure, Unveils Bold NASCAR Cup Goal

Bubba Wallace shrugs off playoff pressure, aiming for the Cup title after Indy win, while questioning Dover’s surprising All-Star Race.
Syndication: The Tennessean

HMS Veteran Reveals True Feelings on Alex Bowman’s Playoff Redemption

Alex Bowman enters the 2025 NASCAR playoffs seeking redemption, with an HMS veteran weighing in on his playoff potential.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice and Qualifying Nov 2, 2024; Martinsville, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver A

Dale Jr. Issues Clear NASCAR Warning as Engine Woes Threaten Ram’s Truck Ambitions

Dale Earnhardt Jr. shares bold insights on Dodge’s future on engine challenges; shares ideas for improving superspeedway racing.

Richard ‘The King’ Petty Disciplines Own NASCAR Driver With Touching Message After Daytona

After Daytona’s playoff drama, Richard Petty steps in with a powerful message for his driver, urging him to move past on-track grudges.
MADISON, IL – Richard Petty as seen after driving the inaugural lap before practice for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup

Fans Plead Chase Elliott to Recapture Winning Formula Amidst NASCAR Playoffs Pressure

Chase Elliott faces playoff pressure with fan-fueled advice, past clashes, and bold challenges shaping his championship journey.
NASCAR: Wurth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY

Ryan Blaney Admits Harsh Reality of Next-Gen Cars at Drafting Tracks

During a recent conversation with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Ryan Blaney gave an honest admission on Next-Gen cars at drafting tracks.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice Nov 8, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney (12) duri

Chase Elliott Clears the Air on NASCAR Legacy Choice, Rejecting Jeff Gordon’s Shadow

Chase Elliott explains choosing the No. 9 over Jeff Gordon’s iconic No. 24, rejecting his shadow to honor family legacy.
Copy of Copy of ES WEB FIs (1080 x 720px) (35)

Ryan Blaney Gets Real on His Super Speedway Skills After Photo Finish at Daytona

After Daytona’s photo finish, Ryan Blaney opens up about his mindset before a superspeedway race, which makes him successful on such tracks.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA NASCAR Cup Series Championship Nov 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ry

Insider Credits Roger Penske’s Controversial Mid-Season Change to Ryan Blaney’s Success

A NASCAR Insider credits Ryan Blaney's recent surge to the behind-the-scenes changes made by the Team Penske.
Roger Penske, Ryan Blaney

FOX Broadcaster Gives Open Challenge to Denny Hamlin After Fued Goes Viral

FOX broadcaster Mamba Smith issues an open challenge to Denny Hamlin for a debate after their viral social media feud over a prank.
2020-Charlotte-Road-Cup-Denny-Hamlin-NKP

Kevin Harvick Challenges NASCAR With Bold Fix Backing Rick Hendrick’s Star Driver

Kevin Harvick sparks debate on NASCAR’s rules, raising concerns while defending Rick Hendrick's star and hinting at a system overhaul.
Kevin Harvick and Rick Hendrick

Kaulig Racing’s Risky Truck Series Gamble Leaves NASCAR Insider Skeptical

Insiders expressed mixed admiration and doubt on Kaulig Racing signaling its five-truck debut in the NASCAR Truck Series.
Kaulig Racing, AJ Allmendinger

Richard Petty Opens Up on Revenge Calls Against Kyle Larson for His Daytona Antics

When approached directly about the revenge chatter targeting Kyle Larson, Richard Petty was characteristically blunt yet disarming.
Kyle Larson, Richard Petty

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.