Daytona Speedweeks: The NASCAR Extravaganza
Prelude to the Daytona 500
Beginning Wednesday, Daytona International Speedway becomes the epicenter of motorsports as NASCAR’s Speedweeks ignite, kicking off the official season openers for the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series. This week-long extravaganza culminates in the iconic 67th annual Daytona 500, a race that has captivated racing enthusiasts for decades.
Wednesday’s Prelude: Pole Qualifying and Media Day
The action commences on Wednesday with qualifying for the Daytona 500 pole position. Each driver will complete a timed lap around the 2.5-mile oval, with the 10 fastest drivers advancing to the second round. The driver with the fastest time in this round earns the coveted pole position, while the second-fastest driver secures a spot on the front row of the starting grid for Sunday’s race.
Pole qualifying also determines the lineup for Thursday’s two Daytona Duel races, which set positions third to 40th on the starting grid for the Daytona 500.
Thursday’s Excitation: Duel Races
Thursday’s highlight is the two Daytona Duel races, each consisting of 60 laps and spanning 150 miles. The drivers who finished in odd-numbered positions in Wednesday’s pole qualifying compete in Duel 1, while those who finished in even-numbered positions race in Duel 2.
The finishing order of Duel 1 determines the inside lane lineup for the Daytona 500, beginning with position No. 3. The results of Duel 2 determine the outside lane lineup, with the winners of both races securing themselves on the second row of the Daytona 500 starting grid.
Friday’s Practice and Qualifying
Friday brings a full day of practice sessions and qualifying for the Craftsman Truck Series season opener. As the sun sets, the green flag drops for the first race of the weekend, marking the official start of the NASCAR Cup Series season.
Saturday’s Season Openers
Saturday features the season-opening races for the ARCA Menards Series and Xfinity Series. Additionally, Cup Series drivers participate in one final practice session in preparation for the pinnacle event on Sunday.
Sunday’s Crown Jewel: The Daytona 500
The Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in stock car racing, takes center stage on Sunday. Drivers face a grueling 500 miles, equivalent to 200 laps around the iconic oval. The winner of this legendary race secures their place in NASCAR history.
How to Witness the Speedweeks
For those unable to attend the races in person, live coverage is available through NBC Sports on television and the NBC Sports App on mobile devices.
Daytona 500 Driver Odds: Early Favorites
As the excitement builds, early betting odds predict several drivers as favorites to claim victory in the Daytona 500. Last year’s winner, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., is among the contenders, along with Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and Chase Elliott. However, in the unpredictable world of NASCAR, anything can happen, making the Daytona 500 a race that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Daytona Speedweeks Schedule
For a comprehensive schedule of Daytona events, including exact times and TV coverage, click here.
