The 67th running of the Daytona 500 will kick off the 2025 NASCAR season on Sunday with seven former winners entered, including 17-1 longshot William Byron, last year's champ. The 27-year-old Byron has 13 NASCAR Cup Series victories and 104 top-10 finishes since competing in his first race, the 2018 Daytona 500.
The Hendrick Motorsports racer has run 252 races over the past seven years. Among the former Daytona winners competing are Denny Hamlin (2016, 2019, 2020), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (2023), Austin Cindric (2022), Michael McDowell (2021), Austin Dillon (2018), and Joey Logano (2015). The latest forecasts for the race predict a 25% chance of rain with temperatures reaching the 70s.
Chase Briscoe will be on the pole, with Kyle Larson as the +1200 favorite, followed closely by Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, and Ryan Blaney, all sitting at +1300 according to the latest odds. The race is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. ET. Before making any picks or predictions for the 2025 Daytona 500, it's important to consult insights from NASCAR insider Steven Taranto.
Known for his thorough analysis and passion for the sport, Taranto has made significant predictions in past seasons, including successful picks like 16-1 longshot William Byron's win at last year's event. This year, he is high on fourth-year Cup driver Todd Gilliland, though he is listed as a longshot at 20-1. Although Gilliland finished 35th last year, his previous seasons suggest he has the potential to surprise fans.
“Personally, this race means the most by far of anything,” Gilliland expressed. He reminisced about his father’s past glory and how the race had fueled his ambition. Meanwhile, Taranto is also adjusting their projections on former winner Michael McDowell, now with Spire Motorsports after switching teams this offseason. Despite having had wins and numerous top-10 finishes, McDowell had struggles during the 2024 Daytona 500.
The Daytona 500, often referred to as the “Great American Race,” is recognized as one of the pinnacle events on the NASCAR calendar, attracting 41 drivers, all vying for the prestigious Harley J. Earl Trophy. Chase Elliott, son of two-time Daytona 500 champion Bill Elliott, knows the significance of this race and the history it bears.
“It means a great opportunity to submit your name in the history books of the sport,” said Chase during the 2025 Daytona 500 Media Day. He, alongside many other competitors, dreams of finally grabbing the coveted title after years of trying.
Another former Cup champion, Kyle Busch, has not yet secured his Daytona 500 victory, finishing near the top but never first. “Two years ago, we led mile marker 500, but unfortunately, we were coming to the yellow flag. There’s definitely some angst over trying to win this one,” he said, showcasing the deep emotions attached to the coveted win.
Effective pit management strategies will play a pivotal role this Sunday, with crew chiefs emphasizing fuel efficiency as they navigate the pack at speeds of up to 190 mph. “The driver who spends the least time on pit road will have the best opportunity to win the Daytona 500,” noted Billy Scott, crew chief for Tyler Reddick.
Then there’s Justin Allgaier, who has made headlines by qualifying for the Daytona 500 with the JR Motorsports team, owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. This event marks the first entry of JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series and holds significant emotional value for both Allgaier and Earnhardt Jr.
“Emotions are high because of everyone who wanted it,” Allgaier stated after successfully securing his spot. Dale Jr., visibly nervous before the race, expressed his pride and excitement for Allgaier’s performance during the duel race where he finished ninth.
Other competitors like Bubba Wallace, who won the first duel race, will also be contesting the Daytona 500, aiming for prestigious positions starting third. The race, with its massive purse of $30,331,250, will cover 500 miles over the course of 200 laps, with significant stakes for each driver battling through three stages.
With the 2025 Daytona 500 mere hours away, the anticipation among teams and fans continues to mount. The event stands as not only the season opener for NASCAR but as the most important race on the calendar, with potential career ramifications for the winners.