The Daytona 500 is NASCAR’s most prestigious race, and it’s happening this coming Sunday, February 18th, 2024! It’s a 500-mile race held at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The race is known for its close racing, exciting draft packs, and dramatic finishes. The Daytona 500, held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in location Daytona Beach, Florida, is the most prestigious and iconic race in NASCAR. Nicknamed “The Great American Race,” it kicks off the NASCAR Cup Series season every February, drawing in massive crowds and generating immense excitement.
Daytona 500 (2024) Overview
Date: Sunday, February 18, 2024
Time: 2:30 PM ET
Location: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida
Distance: 500 miles (200 laps)
Track: 2.5-mile tri-oval
Broadcast: FOX
Stages: 3 (Stage 1: 65 laps, Stage 2: 65 laps, Stage 3: 70 laps)
Prize Money: $1 million for the winner, plus additional prize money for stage winners and top finishers
Significance:
- Considered the “Super Bowl of NASCAR” and the most prestigious race in the sport.
- Opens the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.
- Traditionally unpredictable due to drafting and pack racing at Daytona.
Key Information:
- Defending Champion: Ryan Blaney
- Grand Marshal: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
- Pre-Race Show: Pitbull
- Qualifying: Wednesday, February 14th (Busch Light Qualifying)
- Duels: Thursday, February 15th (determine starting grid)
- Tickets: Still available (website link above)
Current News and Predictions:
- Favorites: Denny Hamlin (3-time winner), Joey Logano (2-time winner), Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott
- Surprising picks: William Byron, Ross Chastain
- Predictions: Tight race, potential for overtime finish
What Makes it Special:
- Close racing: Due to the track’s design and restrictor plates, cars often run in tight packs, creating intense drafting battles and unpredictable outcomes.
- Exciting finishes: The close racing often leads to thrilling finishes, with the winner sometimes determined by mere inches.
- Historical significance: The Daytona 500 has been around since 1959, and its winners include some of the biggest legends in NASCAR history.
- Fan favorite: With its electric atmosphere, passionate fans, and unpredictable racing, the Daytona 500 is a must-watch event for any NASCAR fan.
Additional Information:
- Defending champion: Austin Cindric
- Number of drivers: 40
- Qualifying: February 15th and 16th
Daytona 500 (2024) Qualifying
the Daytona 500 qualifying races have not yet happened. Here’s a corrected overview:
Daytona 500 2024 Qualifying:
- When: Thursday, February 15th & Friday, February 16th, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM ET both days
- Where: Daytona International Speedway
- Format:
- 40 drivers split into two groups of 20
- Single-car qualifying laps for each group
- Fastest driver in each group secures front row spot
- Drivers 2nd-10th in each group advance to a knockout round for top 12 positions
- Remaining drivers participate in another round for remaining spots
- Where to watch: FOX Sports and FOX Sports App
- More information: Official NASCAR website: https://www.nascar.com/2024/daytona-500
Note:
- There were two events mistakenly referenced as qualifying earlier, the Duels, which happen after qualifying and determine starting positions behind the front row.
- Remember, I apologize for the earlier confusion and strive to provide accurate information.
Daytona 500 (2024) Winners
The Daytona 500 (2024) hasn’t happened yet. The race is scheduled for Sunday, February 18th, 2024, so it’s impossible to know the winner at this point.
However, I can share some information about the race and potential contenders:
- Date: February 18, 2024
- Time: 2:30 PM ET
- Location: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida
Current Favorites:
- Denny Hamlin (3-time winner)
- Joey Logano (2-time winner)
- Kyle Larson
- Chase Elliott
Others to Watch:
- William Byron
- Ross Chastain
- Defending champion: Ryan Blaney
Remember: The Daytona 500 is known for its unpredictable nature due to drafting and pack racing. Any driver in the field has a chance to win, making it an exciting event to watch!
Daytona 500 (2024) Broadcast TV Schedule:
Here’s the complete broadcast TV schedule for the Daytona 500 (2024) including pre-race, race, and post-race coverage:
Wednesday, February 14th:
- 2:00 PM ET: Busch Light Qualifying – FOX Sports 1
Thursday, February 15th:
- 1:45 PM ET: Duel Race 1 – FOX Sports 1
- 8:45 PM ET: Duel Race 2 – FOX Sports 1
Sunday, February 18th:
- 1:00 PM ET: Pre-Race Show with Pitbull, Grand Marshal Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and driver introductions – FOX
- 2:30 PM ET: Daytona 500 (race) – FOX
- Post-Race: Winner’s interview, highlights, and closing ceremonies – FOX
Please note:
- Broadcast times listed are Eastern Time (ET).
- Check your neighborhood listings for the right channel range.
- This schedule is subject to change and may vary depending on your location.
Additional Streaming Options:
- If you do not have satellite TV or cable, you can also stream the Daytona 500 online through services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV.
- The NASCAR app and website also offer live streaming for qualifying, practice sessions, and the race itself (may require a subscription).
Have a great time watching the Daytona 500!
Daytona 500 Lineup
The Daytona 500 (2024) lineup is still not yet finalized as the qualifying rounds haven’t happened yet. However, here’s what we know so far:
36 Chartered Teams:
These teams are automatically locked into the starting grid for the Daytona 500. Here’s the list:
- A. J. Allmendinger
- Alex Bowman
- Austin Cindric
- Austin Dillon
- Brad Keselowski
- Bubba Wallace
- Carson Hocevar
- Chase Briscoe
- Chase Elliott
- Chris Buescher
- Christopher Bell
- Corey LaJoie
- Daniel Hemric
- Daniel Suarez
- Denny Hamlin
- Erik Jones
- Harrison Burton
- Joey Logano
- John Hunter Nemechek
- Josh Berry
- Justin Haley
- Kyle Busch
- Kyle Larson
- Martin Truex Jr.
- Michael McDowell
- Noah Gragson
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
- Riley Herbst
- Ross Chastain
- Ryan Blaney
- Ryan Preece
- Todd Gilliland
- Ty Gibbs
- Tyler Reddick
- William Byron
- Zane Smith
Non-Chartered Teams:
These teams will need to qualify through the Duels races on February 15th to secure a spot in the Daytona 500. Here are some of the notable non-chartered teams:
- Jimmie Johnson
- Kaz Grala
- Mike Davis
- Timmy Hill
The beginning lineup for the Daytona 500 can be finalized after the qualifying rounds and Duels races. Stay tuned for updates!
Daytona 500 (2024) tickets
There are still tickets available for the Daytona 500 (2024), but they are going fast! Here are some options to consider:
Single-race tickets:
- Grandstand seating: These seats offer a good view of the entire track, and start at around $100.
- Turn seating: These seats offer a closer view of the action in Turns 1, 3, and 4, and start at around $200.
- Infield access: This gives you access to the infield area, which includes pre-race festivities, concerts, and merchandise vendors. Infield access starts at around $50, and grandstand or turn seating is required separately.
Ticket packages:
- Official Ticket Packages: These packages from On Location Experiences include tickets, hotel accommodations, and other perks like transportation and exclusive hospitality access. Prices start at around $900 per person.
- Ticket + Pre-Race Experience: Some ticket sellers offer packages that include a pre-race experience, such as a pit tour or driver autograph session.
Things to keep in mind when buying tickets:
- Prices will vary depending at the area of your seats, the amenities included, and when you purchase your tickets.
- Be sure to buy your tickets from a reputable source to avoid scams.
- If you’re not sure where to sit, ask the ticket seller for recommendations.
While grandstand seating for the Daytona 500 (2024) is officially sold out, there are still ways to experience the excitement of “The Great American Race” in person! Here’s a breakdown of your options:
Alternative Ticket Options:
Infield Admission & Hard Rock Bet Fanzone/Pre-Race Access Package: This package offers you get entry to the infield location, known for its lively atmosphere, pre-race festivities, concerts, merchandise vendors, and even a live performance by Pitbull! You’ll also gain entry to the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone, offering food, drinks, and entertainment.
UNITED RENTALS 300 and HARD ROCK BET 200 Doubleheader: Witness the fierce competition of NASCAR’s rising stars in the Saturday races before the main event. Your ticket to the UNITED RENTALS 300 also grants entry to the HARD ROCK BET 200 ARCA MENARDS SERIES race.
FRESH FROM FLORIDA 250: Kick off the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season by securing tickets to this Friday night race.
Additional Resources:
- Daytona International Speedway Website: (Official source for ticket information and packages)
- SeatGeek: (Official ticket marketplace of NASCAR)
- StubHub: (Resale marketplace with potential price fluctuations)
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