NASCAR starts with first points win at Daytona 500

The wait is over! NASCAR is back this weekend, from February 14th to 16th, ready to rev up the engines and start earning points for the 2025 season at the iconic Daytona International Speedway.

The NASCAR Cup Series is set to launch the new season with a bang as the engines roar at Daytona, one of the most legendary tracks in motorsports. The first race of the year, the Daytona 500, will be a high-speed battle for glory, drawing fans from around the world. The stakes are high as the drivers aim for a strong start in what promises to be an epic season leading up to the playoffs in September.

Daytona’s legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval is where it all begins. Known as “The Great American Race,” the Daytona 500 is NASCAR’s crown jewel, and this weekend, the best teams in the sport will battle it out for an unforgettable victory.

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How the Daytona 500 Works

Qualifying will set the stage for the Daytona 500, securing the top two spots for the Sunday race, along with the fastest “open” cars (teams not on a charter). The rest will be placed based on their performance in the Duel races. The 36 chartered teams already have a spot guaranteed, but where they start will depend on their Duel finish. And keep an eye on Helio Castroneves—thanks to a new rule, he’ll also have a spot secured, whether through qualifying or the Duels.

The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile race, broken up into 200 laps around the legendary track. It’s a true test of speed, strategy, and stamina.

When is the Daytona 500?

Mark your calendars! The NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 will take place on Sunday, February 16th, with the race starting at 2:30 PM (EST) at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Practice sessions will be held on Friday, February 14th, and Saturday, February 15th, leading up to the big race.

Here’s a look at the drivers and teams that will be competing in the Daytona 500:

1. #01 Corey LaJoie – Rick Ware Racing
2. #1 Ross Chastain – Trackhouse Racing
3. #2 Austin Cindric – Team Penske
4. #3 Austin Dillon – Richard Childress Racing
5. #4 Noah Gragson – Front Row Motorsports
6. #5 Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports
7. #6 Brad Keselowski – RFK Racing
8. #7 Justin Haley – Spire Motorsports
9. #8 Kyle Busch – Richard Childress Racing
10. #9 Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports
11. #10 Ty Dillon – Kaulig Racing
12. #11 Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing
13. #12 Ryan Blaney – Team Penske
14. #16 AJ Allmendinger – Kaulig Racing
15. #17 Chris Buescher – RFK Racing
16. #19 Chase Briscoe – Joe Gibbs Racing
17. #20 Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing
18. #21 Josh Berry – Wood Brothers Racing
19. #22 Joey Logano – Team Penske
20. #23 Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing
21. #24 William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports
22. #34 Todd Gilliland – Front Row Motorsports
23. #35 Riley Herbst – 23XI Racing
24. #38 Zane Smith – Front Row Motorsports
25. #40 Justin Allgaier – JR Motorsports
26. #41 Cole Custer – Haas Factory Team
27. #42 John Hunter Nemechek – Legacy Motor Club
28. #43 Erik Jones – Legacy Motor Club
29. #44 JJ Yeley – NY Racing Team
30. #45 Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing
31. #47 Ricky Stenhouse Jr – Hyak Motorsports
32. #48 Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports
33. #51 Cody Ware – Rick Ware Racing
34. #54 Ty Gibbs – Joe Gibbs Racing
35. #56 Martin Truex Jr – TRICON Garage
36. #60 Ryan Preece – RFK Racing
37. #62 Anthony Alfredo – Beard Motorsports
38. #66 Chandler Smith – Garage 66
39. #71 Michael McDowell – Spire Motorsports
40. #77 Carson Hocevar – Spire Motorsports
41. #78 BJ McLeod – Live Fast Motorsports
42. #84 Jimmie Johnson – Legacy Motor Club
43. #88 Shane van Gisbergen – Trackhouse Racing
44. #91 Helio Castroneves – Trackhouse Racing
45. #99 Daniel Suarez – Trackhouse Racing

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Season!

It’s finally here! The NASCAR Cup Series kicks off with the Daytona 500.

Join the excitement—be part of the NASCAR thrill ride! 🏎️