Latest Daytona 500 News

Latest Daytona 500 News

More Daytona 500 News

Fans Brutally Trash Kyle Busch Walking Dale Earnhardt’s Unlucky Path With Brutal Verdict

While Kyle Busch can snap his winless streak at the Daytona 500 just like Dale Earnhardt Sr., fans are not happy with the possibility.
BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 21: Kyle Busch ( 8 Richard Childress Racing Cheddar s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet) waves to the cr

Decades Later, Dale Jr.’s Feelings on JR Motorsports’ Future Echoes Amid Cup Series Debut

A young Dale Earnhardt Jr. once dreamed of building a racing empire—now that vision is finally reaching the start of its peak.
dale earnhardt jr 2004

10x Grammy Winner Reveals the Origins of Dale Jr.’s Nearly $2 Billion Partner

Dale Earnhardt Jr's Daytona 500 collaborator has revealed the inside story behind how Traveller Whiskey came into being.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr Sends Strong 3-Word Message Amid Boiling TikTok Controversy in America

NASCAR hall of fame Dale Earnhardt Jr gives blunt verdict on the ongoing controversy around social media platform TikTok
BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 20: Dale Earnhardt, Jr ( 88 JR Motorsports Hellmann s Chevrolet) talks with members of his crew

Potential Carl Edwards’ Daytona 500 Bombshell Leaked by Cup Series Crew Chief, NASCAR Fans Shocked

Veteran NASCAR driver Carl Edwards is rumored to be making his comeback by attempting to qualify for the Daytona 500.

NASCAR Rumor: Former Joe Gibbs Star Set to Take Over Mike Wallace & MBM Motorsports’ Failed Daytona 500 Ambitions

Mike Wallace’s heartfelt Daytona 500 plans hit a wall—but could this young NASCAR talent step in to rewrite the story?
joe gibbs mike wallace

Mark Martin Recalls “Future GOAT of NASCAR” as Dale Jr. Resurfaces His Father’s Daytona Glory

Mark Martin is reminiscing about the glory days of NASCAR through a fanboy comment on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s latest post on X.
Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr

Dale Jr.’s Daytona Partner Gets Candid on ‘Selfish’ Motives Behind JR Motorsports’ Cup Entry

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s partner has complimented the No. 40 Chevy's design ahead of the JR Motorsports Cup Series debut attempt at the Daytona 500.
Dale Earnhardt Jr

Winless Kyle Busch Emerges as Cup Stars’ Biggest Daytona 500 Threat

Kyle Busch's journey in NASCAR has been long and successful, but still incomplete. And 2025 could be the year he wins NASCAR's biggest race!
NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 30: Kyle Busch ( 8 Richard Childress Racing zone/Thorntons Chevrolet) waves to the fans prior to th

Denny Hamlin’s Toyota Gate Leak Sparks Fans’ Fury After Brutal NASCAR Loss

After a string of break-ups, Denny Hamlin's dwindling situation gets confirmed in a leaked Daytona picture, leaving fans shocked.
BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 20: Denny Hamlin ( 11 Joe Gibbs Racing FedEx Toyota) looks on during practice for the running of

TRICON Garage Earns NASCAR Fans Approval With Jaw-Dropping Martin Truex Jr. Unveil

The Daytona 500 just got even more exciting with Martin Truex Jr.'s return and a paint job that’s setting the internet ablaze.
NASCAR: Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona

MBM Motorsports’ Desperate Move After Mike Wallace Scandal Sparks Outrage in NASCAR Community

After NASCAR axed Mike Wallace's Daytona 500 ambition, his team rebrands itself, drawing jeers and irked reactions from fans.
Mike Wallace

Dale Jr.’s Champ Let’s-Slip Hilarious Career Crisis Before Landing Coveted Cup Ride

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s driver faced a range of emotions before being told about his Cup Series appearance at the season-opening Daytona 500.
Dale Earnhardt Jr

Dale Jr. Discloses a JR Motorsports Blunder That Nearly Ruined Kelley Earnhardt & Co’s Daytona 500 Bombshell

Dale Earnhardt Jr. revealed that JRM's Cup Series appearance announcement almost leaked on their website days before it became official.
Dale Earnhardt Jr and Kelly Earnhardt-Miller

“That Is No Joke”: Wife Amy Earnhardt Lets Out ‘Natural Pirate’ Dale Jr’s Life-Changing Trait

Amy Earnhardt has candidly discussed about her husband Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s transformation from early days of their relationship
Dale Earnhardt Jr, Amy Reimann

Rumor: Jimmie Johnson Prepared to Quit NASCAR Racing After 700th Start, Claim Fans

NASCAR icon and co-owner of Legacy Motor Club Jimmie Johnson is scheduled to race two races in the 2025 Cup Series season.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Jimmie Johnson Announcement Nov 4, 2022; Avondale, Arizona, USA; Jimmie Johnson speaks with the

Daytona 500: Martin Truex Jr Returns to NASCAR Cup Series With Tricon Garage

NASCAR legend Martin Truex Jr. makes a triumphant return to the Daytona 500, partnering with Tricon Motorsports for their Cup Series debut.
NASCAR: Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona

Rick Hendrick Again Flaunts His Influence in NASCAR as He Openly Defies Their New Rules

After Rick Hendrick partnered up with JRM for its Daytona 500 entry, fans got proof of his power in NASCAR yet again.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Championship, Nov 7, 2021; Avondale, Arizona, USA; Rick Hendrick owner of Hendricks M

Why Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dropped a List of Potential Daytona 500 Winners for His Unexpected Cup Venture

In a candid conversation, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelly Earnhardt-Miller revealed why they selected Justin Allgaier for the Daytona 500.
Justin Allgaier, Dale Earnhardt Jr

Rick Hendrick’s Tolerance to “Stupid Questions” Secured the Earnhardt’s Long-Running Dream at Daytona 500

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team is taking its baby steps into the Cup, and Rick Hendrick is guiding it - earning JR Motorsports' gratitude.
DARLINGTON, SC – MAY 13: Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports looks on during practice for the running of the NA

“We’re Starting at the Bottom” – Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Cup Series Dream Reignited After New, Humble Beginning

After leaving the NASCAR world in suspense, Dale Earnhardt Jr. dropped his team's new adventure - for which he is determined.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Ford EcoBoost 400-Practice, Nov 17, 2017; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earn

Is JR Motorsports Moving to the Cup Series? Why #40 for Justin Allgaier’s Daytona 500 Car?

Could JR Motorsports' Daytona 500 attempt with Justin Allgaier pave the way for a full-time place in the NASCAR Cup Series?
BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 15: Justin Allgaier ( 7 JR Motorsports BRANDT Chevrolet) looks on before the running of the NASC

NASCAR Rumor: Trackhouse Racing Spoil Dale Jr’s Surprise as Eagle-Eyed Fans Spot Key Detail

Have twitter fans just uncovered one of Dale Jr's biggest surprises of 2025? The evidence is quite compelling. Let's dive deeper.
Dale Earnhardt Jr, Justin Marks

Ken Schrader Brutally Shuts Down NASCAR’s Questionable Call With Bold Daytona 500 Verdict

After NASCAR dropped an absurd rule change for the Daytona 500, Ken Schrader points out its obvious shortcoming.
DAYTONA, FL – FEBRUARY 19: Ricky Stenhouse Jr ( 47 JTG Daugherty Racing Kroger/Cottonelle Chevrolet) and Kyle Larson ( 5

NASCAR Rumor: Insider Shatters Fans’ Hopes of Dale Jr & Martin Truex Jr’s Daytona 500 Alliance

Despite JR Motorsports stirring up big rumors about Dale Jr or Martin Truex Jr, an insider deflates fans' hopes.
Dale Earnhardt Jr, Martin Truex Jr

Kenny Wallace Defends NASCAR’s Heel Turn to Crush His 65-YO Brother’s Daytona 500 Dream

Veteran driver Kenny Wallace reveals the real reason why his brother's Daytona 500 entry was disqualified by NASCAR.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Nationwide Series: DRIVE4COPD 300 Feb 25, 2012; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Nationwide Series

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.

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.

 

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.