The first NASCAR race of the 2025 season is the prestigious Daytona 500, which is set to take place on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The Daytona 500 is not just the first race of the NASCAR Cup Series season; it is also one of the most significant and prestigious events in the world of motorsports. Often referred to as “The Great American Race,” the Daytona 500 is a 500-mile (805 km) event that features 200 laps around the 2.5-mile (4.0 km) tri-oval superspeedway.
2025 Daytona 500 Race Details
The 67th running of the Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2025, with the green flag set to wave at 2:30 p.m. ET. The race will be held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, which has hosted the event since its inception in 1959.
Daytona International Speedway is a 2.5-mile (4.0 km) tri-oval superspeedway with 31-degree banking in the turns and 18-degree banking in the tri-oval. The track’s unique layout and high banks allow for close, pack-style racing, making it one of the most exciting and unpredictable tracks on the NASCAR circuit.
Speedweeks: The Build-Up to the Daytona 500
In the days leading up to the Daytona 500, fans are treated to a series of events known as Speedweeks. This week-long celebration of racing features practices, qualifying sessions, and preliminary races that set the stage for the main event.
Some of the key events during Speedweeks include:
- Tuesday, February 11: NASCAR Cup Series practice sessions
- Wednesday, February 12: NASCAR Cup Series practice sessions and qualifying (determines front row for Daytona 500)
- Thursday, February 13: Bluegreen Vacations Duel races (sets starting lineup for Daytona 500 from positions 3-40)
- Friday, February 14: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race
- Saturday, February 15: NASCAR Xfinity Series race
How to Watch the Daytona 500
For fans in the United States, the Daytona 500 will be broadcast live on FOX, with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Those who prefer to stream the race online can do so through the FOX Sports app or at FOXSports.com, though a valid TV provider login may be required.
International fans also have options for watching the Daytona 500. For example, in the United Kingdom, the race will be available via Viaplay, a streaming service that offers live coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series. A monthly subscription to Viaplay costs 11.99 GBP and grants access to the entire NASCAR Cup Series season.
Full guide and times for watching the 2025 Daytona 500
A Brief History of the Daytona 500
The Daytona 500 has a rich history dating back to its inaugural running in 1959. Over the years, the race has produced countless memorable moments and crowned some of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history.
Some notable Daytona 500 winners include Richard Petty (7 wins), Cale Yarborough (4 wins), Jeff Gordon (3 wins), and Dale Earnhardt Sr. (1 win). In recent years, drivers such as Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, and Austin Dillon have added their names to the list of Daytona 500 champions.
One of the most iconic moments in Daytona 500 history occurred in 1979 when Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison crashed on the final lap while battling for the lead. The incident led to a physical altercation between the drivers and Allison’s brother, Bobby, in the infield, all captured live on television. This dramatic finish is often credited with helping to propel NASCAR into the national spotlight.
Whether you’re a die-hard NASCAR follower or a casual viewer, be sure to tune in on Sunday, February 16, 2025, to witness the excitement of “The Great American Race” and see which driver will etch their name in the history books as the winner of the 67th running of the Daytona 500.
