The Daytona 500 is the race everyone is talking about. Cars flying down the track, fans screaming, and the thrill of speed. In 2025, the big names are back, but new faces are joining the track.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for an exciting day, this is an event to experience. Keep reading to find out why the Daytona 500 is unmissable!
Photo by Carlos Galván from Pexels
What to Know About Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a famous motorsports complex located in Daytona Beach, Florida. This track, open since 1959, is best known for holding world-renowned races like the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious race, and the Rolex 24.
The track is 2.5 miles long with sharp banks, so it is one of the fastest circuits in racing. The venue was renovated in 2016, so it is a more modern stadium now with over 100,000 spectators. Even if you’re not a racing fan, you can attend a variety of events, from sports car races to motorcycle competitions.
Visiting Daytona International Speedway is a must for any motorsport fan, it attracts millions annually for its thrilling racing and cultural significance.
Photo by Andrew Roberts on Unsplash
History of the Daytona 500
The Daytona 500 is an annual 500-mile NASCAR Cup Series race held at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Held every February, this race is the big opener for the NASCAR season. The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile race, comprising 200 laps around the 2.5-mile superspeedway. Unlike most sports that end with a championship, NASCAR starts with its biggest event, also known as “The Great American Race.”
It began on February 22, 1959, coinciding with the opening of the speedway, which was developed by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. There were originally 59 cars with the first event having more than 41,000 people on side stands watching the competition. The inaugural race, on February 22, 1959, was won by Lee Petty during one of his photo finish fights over Johnny Beauchamp.
Over the years, legends like Cale Yarborough, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Denny Hamlin have made history. Currently, Richard Petty holds the record with seven Daytona 500 victories, earning the nickname “The King.”
With the largest purse in NASCAR, the Daytona 500 stands as one of the highest-rated events in motorsports. It’s not just a race, but a part of the culture and history of American auto racing.
There have been many memorable moments since then:
- In 1998, Dale Earnhardt finally won his first Daytona 500 in a long struggle to triumph in that particular race.
- Denny Hamlin made it back-to-back wins, prevailing over Martin Truex Jr. by an incredibly tiny margin of 0.010 seconds, in what became the closest finish ever, in 2016.
- In the 1979 edition, an on-track fight involving Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough ensued from a crash.
- Richard Petty leads the tally of most Daytona wins with seven victories.
Foto de Derek Lynn en Unsplash
How Wide Are Daytona Speedway Straights?
Daytona Speedway’s straights are 40 feet wide to allow for close racing. The front straight is 3,800 feet in length, while the backstretch is 3,000 feet (914 meters) long, giving drivers a chance to draft and pass.
The turns at the track are steep, and the banking reaches as much as 31-degree banking, making the track one of the fastest. The straights are banked at a steep 18-degree incline compared to most tracks, which favors its unique racing dynamics.
How Much Does the Winner of the Daytona 500 Get?
The winner of the Daytona 500 receives a cash prize which varies each year depending on race earnings and sponsor support. In the last few years, this prize has been around $2 million. The winner also receives a trophy and media exposure. Payouts are also distributed among the drivers, teams, and other participants based on finishing position.
Daytona Speedway Seating Guide
Daytona International Speedway has varying seating options for fans, especially huge races such as the Daytona 500. This seating guide aims to help you locate the best viewing areas for races, prices, and vantage points.
Best Place to Sit for the Daytona 500
The 300-level sections, specifically sections 340-362, are considered some of the best seats for the Daytona 500. These places offer great views of the track, especially the start/finish line, and are close to the pit area, so you can see the action up close.
The grandstands are great if you want a broad view of the track. The front rows are close to the pit stops, while higher rows give you a full view of the track, especially the fast sections like turns 3 and 4.
For a closer look at the action as cars come into the infield, consider turns 1 and 2. This is a good place to sit for watching cars race through high-speed action and overtakes. If you’re after the thrill of the race’s final moments, turn 4 and the tri-oval give a great view of the race’s final moments and the finish line.
The infield provides access to the fan zone and pit road, but you’ll have a limited view of the race track. You might miss some race action if you choose to sit there.
For premium seatings, Daytona 500 Club Seating offers perks like food, drinks, and access to replays. This option lets you enjoy the race with added comfort and convenience. Likewise, skyboxes have the best views and premium perks, including air conditioning and exclusive amenities.
General Admission Seats
If you want to experience the Daytona 500 without breaking the bank, general admission seats are a great option. These seats are in the lower rows of the grandstands, putting you close to the action, but do not provide assigned spots, so you’ll need to arrive early to grab a good spot. It’s a great choice for those who simply want to enjoy the race without paying for reserved seating.
Free parking near Daytona Speedway is hard to come by, especially on race day. To even find a spot, you’ll need to arrive hours before the event starts. If you’re planning to park for free, it’s worth checking out local maps or resources on the Speedway’s website to figure out your best option. The traffic can get heavy, so having a plan in place is key.
Whether you go for general admission or premium seating, it’s always best to plan in advance to make your experience at Daytona much better.
When Does the Daytona 500 Start in 2025?
The Daytona 500, the main event of the NASCAR Cup Series is planned to start on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 2:30 PM Eastern Time (ET), at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It will be broadcast on FOX, with radio coverage by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
The Daytona 500 is the opening race of the NASCAR Cup Series season and is often referred to as the “Great American Race.”
Is the Daytona 500 Postponed?
The Daytona 500 is one of the biggest events in racing, and if you’re planning to attend, it’s essential to know when it will take place. As of now, there haven’t been any updates about a delay or change, but it’s always good to stay alert.
Keep in mind that weather can affect the race. There have been multiple occasions where rain has delayed the start of the Daytona 500. In recent years, when conditions aren’t safe, the race has even been pushed to Monday. For example, the 2024 Daytona 500 was postponed to Monday afternoon due to rain.
As race day approaches, you should keep an eye on the weather. If rain is expected, NASCAR will announce schedule changes early in the day. This heads-up lets you plan ahead, arrive on time, and not worry about missing the race if the schedule shifts.
Daytona 500 Event Schedule and Activities
Although the Daytona 500 itself begins on February 16, there are several activities earlier from February 12 to 16. This week includes several races and events leading up to the main race. Here are some activities you won’t want to miss:
- Daytona 500 Qualifying: This takes place on February 12, 202,5, and determines the pole positions for the Daytona 500, including the front row.
- The Duel at Daytona: These qualifying races take place on February 13, 2025. They finalize the starting lineup for the Daytona 500.
- Fresh From Florida 250: This is a NASCAR Xfinity Series race that happens on February 14, 2025.
- United Rentals 300: This race is held on February 15, 2025, as part of the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Race Day Schedule
On race day, several pre-race activities are planned, including driver introductions and entertainment.
For fans seeking the all-in-all experience, Daytona International Speedway offers hospitality packages including race tickets combined with hotel accommodations and transportation.
Other options may include visits to the Motorsports Museum and access to events such as the Sprint Fan Zone, which grants access to pit road and other exclusive areas. This way, NASCAR fans can plan in advance and fully enjoy all the activities surrounding the race.
To know all the details about the event, visit the official Daytona International Speedway website.
Daytona 500 2025 Tickets: How to Buy and Prices
For the 2025 Daytona 500, tickets are available through authorized ticket vendors, like StubHub, Vivid Seats and the Daytona International Speedway website. The race is in February with different ticket prices to choose from.
2025 Daytona 500 Ticket Prices:
- 100-level seats: From $134
- 300-level seats: From $189
- 400-level seats: From $202
- Club seats: Around $2,100
- Fanzone tickets: About $80
Multi-day passes are also available:
- Two-day passes (Saturday and Sunday): From $304
- Four-day passes (Thursday to Sunday): Around $484
For a premium experience, the Trioval Club 4-Day Package costs about $1,889, which includes reserved seating and extra benefits.
Please note that 2025 Daytona 500 ticket prices are subject to change. It’s advisable to check the official Daytona International Speedway website or authorized ticket vendors for the latest updates.
Where To Buy Tickets for the Daytona 500 in 2025
- Vivid Seats: Offers a variety of ticket options for the Daytona 500. Tickets are 100% guaranteed by their Buyer Guarantee.
- Visit StubHub, one of the largest and most popular platforms for ticket resale.
- Check the Daytona International Speedway website for direct buys and seating details.
The Daytona 500, known as “The Great American Race,” is one of the most anticipated events in NASCAR. Popular sections tend to sell out fast, so securing your seats ahead of time is a smart move.
How to Watch the Daytona 500 Live
You can watch the 2025 Daytona 500 on the following broadcaster as it airs live:
- Fox: The 2025 Daytona 500 is scheduled to air live on Fox on February 16, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. ET.
- Fox Sports App: If you have a cable package that includes Fox, you can check out the Fox Sports App.
- fuboTV: fuboTV offers a free trial and includes Fox in its channel lineup. You can watch the race and then never have to worry about cable subscriptions.
It will also be available on regular TV, so if you have access to Fox, you can easily watch the Daytona 500 like any other major event.
You will be able to listen live on MRN Radio and SiriusXM if you are an audio fan.
With this, you can keep up with the race while on the move. Check your local listings closer to race day for any changes in the broadcast schedule.
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