The Great American Race. The “Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing.” The legendary Daytona 500. NASCAR’s biggest annual race – and undoubtedly one of the most famous motor sports events of all time – is back. Here’s your guide to catching every high-speed, heart-pumping, flag-waving moment. Find out how to watch or stream the Daytona 500 at home live and when to tune in right here.
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Daytona 500 Race Information
Racetrack: Daytona International Speedway
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Date & Time: Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, 2:30 p.m. ET
Laps/Distance: 200 laps/500 miles
How to watch: FOX (check local listings)
What is the Daytona 500?
The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile-long race in the NASCAR Cup Series that is held at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It’s the capstone event of NASCAR’s annual Speedweeks event and marks the official kickoff of the NASCAR season.
Of course, let’s not forget about the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, the unofficial start to the season. That race will be held on February 2, two weeks before Daytona. It’s also one of the longer NASCAR races of the season, coming in at 500 miles around the 2.5-mile track.
It’s the most-watched race of the year and boasts the highest payout of the season. Winning the Daytona 500 is considered one of the highest honors in the sport.
How Much Money Does the Winner of Daytona 500 Get?
How much, exactly, does the winning driver earn? NASCAR stopped releasing that figure publicly, but it’s believed to be somewhere in the ballpark of $1-2 million. This year, the total purse stands at around $28 million. The winner’s car is also put on display at the racetrack’s museum for one year.
2025 Daytona 500 & Speedweeks Full Schedule
The Daytona 500 is the marquee event of the Speedweeks schedule, but there’s plenty more rubber-to-road action to enjoy before the green flag drops.
So when is the Daytona 500? Here’s the full 2025 Speedweeks schedule, including the Daytona 500 start time:
Wednesday, Feb. 12
NASCAR Cup Series Practice 1 – 10:05 a.m. ET
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 8:15 p.m. ET (FS1)
Thursday, Feb. 13
Bluegreen Vacations Duel #1 – 7 p.m. ET (FS1, MRN, SiriusXM)
Bluegreen Vacations Duel #2 – 8:45 p.m. ET (FS1, MRN, SiriusXM)
Friday, Feb. 14
Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 3 p.m. ET (FS1)
Xfinity Series Practice – 4:35 p.m. ET (CW)
NASCAR Cup Series Practice 2 – 5:35 p.m. ET (FS1)
NASCAR Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250 – 7:30 p.m. ET (FS1)
Saturday, Feb. 15
Xfinity Series Qualifying – 10 a.m. ET (CW)
NASCAR Cup Series Practice 3 – 3:05 p.m. ET (FS2)
NASCAR Xfinity Series United Rentals 300 – 5 p.m. ET (CW)
Sunday, Feb. 16
NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 – 2:30 p.m. ET (FOX)
How does qualifying for the Daytona 500 work?
The Daytona 500 lineup is determined by a number of qualifying events prior to the race. The first two spots off the starting line will go to the fastest racers in the single car qualifying on Feb. 14. Each participating racer gets one shot to whip around the 2.5-mile racetrack as fast as possible.
The initial positions of the other 38 drivers in the starting lineup are determined by the two Bluegreen Vacations Duel races on Feb. 15. Each 60-lap race will determine the order of the inside and outside rows, respectively.
Thirty-six of those remaining spots are guaranteed to chartered teams, while any drivers from non-chartered teams will compete for one of the last two. That means one unlucky driver will head home before a single flag is waved at the main event.
Who is favored to win the Daytona 500 this year?
NASCAR can be an unpredictable sport, but the odds can shed some light on which drivers are expected to perform in the Daytona 500 this year. Here are some of the top picks:
The fourth entry on this list is notable: Joey Logano is the reigning NASCAR Champion for the 2024 season.
Watch the 2025 Daytona 500 on DIRECTV
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the race called the Daytona 500?
Like most NASCAR races, the name is based on the race’s location, Daytona International Speedway and length, 500 miles.
What channel is the 2025 Daytona 500 on?
FOX
When is the 2025 Daytona 500?
Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, 2:30 p.m. ET
Who has won the most Daytona 500s?
Richard Petty, one of the sport’s most iconic figures, claims the most Daytona 500 wins. He won seven times throughout his career, in 1964, 1966, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1979, and 1981. Petty’s family racing team, Petty Enterprises, also holds the record for most team wins with nine.
Who will perform at the Daytona 500?
The pre-race concert will feature Pitbull, who is also part owner of a NASCAR team, Trackhouse Racing.
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