The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile NASCAR Cup Series race held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It’s considered the most prestigious and important race in NASCAR, nicknamed “The Great American Race.”The roar of engines, the blur of colors, and the electrifying atmosphere – the Daytona 500 is back for another thrilling chapter in NASCAR history! Here’s your one-stop guide to gear up for the iconic race:
Date and Time
The 2024 Daytona 500 already took place today, February 18th, at 2:30 PM Eastern Time. However, this guide can still serve as a reference for future races or simply to relive the excitement!
Where to Watch
While you can’t tune in live anymore, here are some ways to relive the race or prepare for the next one:
- TV Replays: Check your local listings for replays on FOX Sports or FS1.
- Online Highlights: NASCAR’s official website and YouTube channel offer race highlights and analysis.
- Streaming Services: Services like Hulu+ with Live TV or fuboTV allow you to watch replays on demand.
Match Preview
- Defending Champion: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. takes home the 2024 win, aiming to repeat his dominance in future races.
- Contenders to Watch: Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, and Kyle Larson are among the top drivers to keep an eye on.
- Unpredictability Reigns: Daytona’s superspeedway fosters close racing, pack formations, and dramatic last-lap battles, making it impossible to predict a clear winner.
Schedule
- Practice Sessions: Two practice sessions are held on Friday and Saturday before the race.
- Qualifying: Qualifying determines the starting grid for the Duels, two qualifying races that set the final starting lineup for the 500.
- Duels: These 60-lap races offer another chance for drivers to secure their spot in the main event.
- Daytona 500: The 500-mile race, divided into three stages, tests drivers’ endurance and strategic skills.
TV Channel
The Daytona 500 airs live on FOX in the United States. FOX Sports 1 broadcasts qualifying and other preliminary events.
