DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The excitement is palpable as the Daytona 500 returns for its 67th edition, the pinnacle of NASCAR's Cup Series season, which began today at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. This race is more than just cars making laps; it's often referred to as "The Great American Race," and it has the unique ability to define careers. The stakes are high as drivers vie for the crown, and fans have gathered to witness it all.
The race is often referred to as NASCAR's Super Bowl, kicking off the season with 36 points-paying events leading up to the championship at Phoenix Raceway. The starting grid was determined following two days of intense qualifying, with Chase Briscoe securing the coveted pole position after clocking the fastest time during qualifying on Feb. 12. It's Briscoe's first pole at the Daytona 500 and marks the first time ever for Toyota to take the top spot at this iconic event.
"A great way to start our season. It’s unbelievable to start off with Toyota," Briscoe said after his qualifying win, thanking coach Joe Gibbs and the entire Toyota team. Following Briscoe, Austin Cindric, the defending champion of the Daytona 500, will start from second place, and Bubba Wallace will join him on the front row from third after strong showings during Thursday's Duels.
Famed drivers like Jimmie Johnson, who previously clinched seven championships, and four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, making his NASCAR Cup Series debut, have also entered the race. Last year's victor, William Byron, starts from fifth, hoping to repeat his thrilling victory and maintain the momentum for Hendrick Motorsports, who seeks their 10th Daytona 500 win.
"Everybody talks about this race. It is all about Daytona. I'm honored to compete again, but luck plays a big part," Byron commented, reflecting on the weight this race carries for every driver.
Weather, always a wildcard at Daytona, looms over today’s race. With forecasts predicting rain late this afternoon, NASCAR officials made the decision to move the green flag start time one hour earlier to 1:30 p.m. ET. If the precipitation arrives, it could cause delays much like last year, when the Daytona 500 was run on the following day due to weather disruptions.
This season, excitement surrounds not just the newcomers but also the veterans chasing the elusive Daytona 500 trophy. Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, and Brad Keselowski, each incredibly successful but yet to win at Daytona, will compete fiercely. Busch, participating for the 20th time, looks to change his fortune this year after nearly two decades of trying.
Meanwhile, Cindric, who won last year’s race, has odds set at +2500 as he aims for back-to-back wins at this monumental event. His track experience and race strategies make him one to watch.
The starting lineup includes notable names such as Denny Hamlin, known for his past victories, and Chase Elliott, whose passionate fan base will still hold hope for his first victory here. Despite suffering crashes during the qualifying events, drivers like Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman are determined to overcome their obstacles this season as they race from the back.
Today’s race is not just about the glory on the tarmac; it's also a day for fans celebrating the roar of engines and the spirit of competition. From families to racing aficionados, enthusiasm will fill the stands as spectators root for their favorites, embracing this iconic American tradition.
For viewers at home, generous coverage is available with live broadcasts on Fox and streaming options on platforms like fubo and FOX Sports app starting at 1:30 p.m. ET. Enthusiasts may follow updates via MRN or SiriusXM radio for the full race day experience.
Given the Daytona 500’s legacy, the race offers not only wins but also stories of perseverance and passion. Drivers take to the track today not just to compete but to fulfill lifelong dreams and perhaps write the next chapter of their racing legacies. “We love to race, and racing is tough,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflected as he discussed his hopes for his team’s performance this year.
Time is running out, and as engines roar to life, the green flag is poised to set the pace for yet another chapter of history at the Daytona 500.
Whatever the outcome, the excitement of the crowd, the thrill of competition, and the unpredictability of the race will embody the spirit of NASCAR racing. Fans anticipate extraordinary performances as racers go wheel to wheel across the fabled track, all vying for the honor of calling themselves Daytona 500 champions.
Let the race begin!