Latest Daytona 500 News

Latest Daytona 500 News

More Daytona 500 News

Former Cup Series Star Unhappy With NASCAR’s Revamped Rulebook, Suggesting Minor Tweak

Corey LaJoie confesses his dislike for NASCAR's provisional rule at the Daytona 500, calling for recognition of past champions.
Spire Motorsports

Kyle Larson Unexpectedly Leads Daytona 500 Odds With Surprise Entries

The Daytona 500 is almost here and everyone is eager to know who's taking the largest cut from the biggest race purse. Odds say, Kyle Larson!
NASCAR

NASCAR Faces Fans Fury Over ‘Woke’ Agenda: “What Has Happened to the Daytona 500?”

Chevrolet rolling out their new EV consumer car at the Daytona 500 hasn't been received well by the traditional NASCAR fans.
Syndication: The Tennessean Fans take in the race in the shade of the press box during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Tenness

“Not…Fair”- Denny Hamlin Doubles Down on ‘Desperation’ Rant With Brutal Verdict

Denny Hamlin is not a fan of the new provision NASCAR has come up with and the 23XI Racing owner did not hold back in saying so.
NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500

2025 Daytona 500: NASCAR Drops Two Major Surprises Capturing New-Gen Fans

NASCAR stuns fans with two major surprises for the 2025 Daytona 500, high-tech Cosm venues and Captain America as Grand Marshal.
NASCAR: Daytona 500

Daytona 500 x Cosm: Everything You Need to Know About NASCAR & Fox’s Latest Broadcast Addition

Everything about how NASCAR fans experience the thrills of racing is about to change with a revolutionary new immersive technology
Daytona International Speedway plays host to the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series for the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach

Brad Keselowski Breaks Silence on His Truck Series Team’s “Difficult” Shutdown After Fulfilling a NASCAR Dream

Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing is looking forward to the 2025 Cup Series Run. He looks back at his decision to sell BK Racing, his own team.
Brad Keselowski gets interviewed during Media Day for the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, FL, USA. Daytona Beach United St

Veteran Insider Floats Controversial Upgrade for NASCAR’s Daytona Race Amidst Major Safety Concerns

Veteran NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass addresses the debate on rain tires for Daytona, explaining why superspeedway wet racing remains unlikely.
NASCAR: Daytona 500

$120,000 Richer: Kyle Larson Concedes His Only Daytona 500 Roadblock With “Cr*pshoot” Verdict

Kyle Larson has an uphill battle of Daytona 500 in front him and with his current racing form he don't want to take things for granted
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA South Point 400-Cup Practice & Qualifying Oct 19, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Serie

After Replacing 65 YO Veteran, JGR’s Former Driver Opens Up About Daytona 500

New talent with MBM Motorsports shares his take on the prospects at Daytona after replacing veteran driver for the track.
NASCAR: Cup Practice

Danica Patrick Was in Tears After Witnessing Dale Jr.’s $25M Worth Partner’s Super Bowl Performance

Danica Patrick who has set new milestones of record in her racing career, recalled Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s partner Super Bowl Performance that...
Dale and Danica

Humbled Jimmie Johnson Embraces Shaq’s Orlando Magic Scheme for Daytona 500

Jimmie Johnson is all set to take on the Daytona 500 tracks with a stellar new car designed by NBA legend Shaquille O Neal.
NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500

Helio Castroneves Praises “Once-in-a-Lifetime” Kyle Larson’s Indy 500 Skills in Front of His Favorite NASCAR Driver

IndyCar turned NASCAR driver Helio Castoneves is impressed by the talents of Kyle Larson who understands both his worlds
Motorsports: IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona

Outspoken Veteran Sides With Denny Hamlin’s “Desperation” Rant With Shocking Verdict

After Denny Hamlin views NASCAR's new OEP Rule, as 'Desperation'. A bold and outspoken NASCAR veteran appeared to agree with him.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA South Point 400-Cup Practice & Qualifying Oct 19, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Serie

“It Was So Difficult”: Helio Castroneves Indebted to ‘Coach’ Shane Van Gisbergen’s Help to Conquer a Roadblock

Ahead of his Daytona 500 debut, Helio Castroneves returned to his SVG having once trained with the Kiwi driver in the Supercars series.
NASCAR driver Shane van Gisbergen

Helio Castroneves Discloses Shocking Connection to Tony Stewart’s Failing Investment Behind His Daytona 500 Cameo

Ahead of his debut at Daytona 500 Helio Castroneves reveals how a sudden partnership with Tony Stewart paved his way to NASCAR
tony stewart helio castroneves

Ty Gibbs’ Ignorance to Denny Hamlin’s Warning Proves Costly as NASCAR Sends a Strong Message

Ty Gibbs recent actions has drawn ire from many veterans including Denny Hamlin who is left unimpressed by his impulsiveness
Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs

“Don’t Get Greedy With it”- Ryan Blaney Calls Out NASCAR’s OEP Despite Being Personally Happy

NASCAR's new Open Exemption Provisional, has proven to be very controversial, and Ryan Blaney is one of many drivers calling it out publicly.
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 07: Ryan Blaney ( 12 Team Penske Dent Wizard Ford) talks with his crew during qualifying for the

Kevin Harvick Suspects Internal Conflict as Infighting Erupts Between Richard Childress’ Grandsons

Kevin Harvick is looking at some cracks within the Richard Childress Empire and these cracks are becoming visible on the racetrack
(L-R) Kevin Harvick and Richard Childress. | Image Credit: Imago

NASCAR’s Dark Daytona 500 Truth Exposed by Veteran After Outcasted Ex-Driver’s Shocking Accusations

NASCAR has seemed to lost it old glory and the spot it had once for the older fans. The former driver and Veteran admitted the bitter facts on
NASCAR: Daytona 500

Richard Childress & Co Blamed for Kyle Busch’s Failures as NASCAR Veteran Exposes Rowdy’s Career Blunder

Kyle Busch's decision to change teams has proved him costly with is evident with his recent struggles at the Madhouse
Kyle Busch, Richard Childress

Jimmie Johnson Loses Self Inflicted Battle With Shaq, Sealing His Daytona Fate

Veteran racer Jimmie Johnson lost a bold free throw gamble against Shaquille O'Neal, allowing the former NBA star creative control of his car.
Shaquille O’Neal, Jimmie Johnson

“I Smell Fear”: Jimmie Johnson Faces Off With Shaquille O’Neal With Daytona 500 Bombshell at Stake

NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson faces NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal in a special challenge with Daytona 500 at stake
Shaquille O’Neal, Jimmie Johnson

Kyle Busch Shows Off Bragging Rights Over Brother Kurt Despite Miserable Daytona 500 Streak

As the 2025 NASCAR season approaches, Kyle Busch has downplayed Kurt’s achievement despite his poor Daytona 500 records
Kyle Busch and Kurt Busch

Toyota Stops Denny Hamlin From Betraying Their Alliance, After Years of Surviving on Ford & Chevy’s “Mercy”

Ahead of the upcoming season opener at Daytona JGR driver Denny Hamlin reveals important strategy change at Toyota
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA South Point 400-Cup Practice & Qualifying Oct 19, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Serie

Kenny Wallace Lets Slip Brother Mike’s Embarrassing Feelings Post Daytona 500 Snub

Amidst the concerning dismissal of Mike Wallace's Daytona attempt, his brother Kenny Wallace acknowledged his brother's embarrassment.
Untitled design (30)

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.

via Imago

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.

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.

via Imago

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.

 

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.

via Imago

 

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.