The Daytona 500 – the “Great American Race” – is much more than just the NASCAR Cup Series season opener; it is a showcase of motorsport history, drama and unforgettable moments.
As the 2025 race approaches and the start of the NASCAR season, we celebrate its legacy with a 25-day countdown, reliving the best moments that defined this iconic event. From breathtaking final photos to trailblazers to breathtaking upsets to famous punches, these stories capture the essence of Daytona: where legends are formed, dreams come true and the thrill of competition reaches its peak. apogee.
Join us as we revisit the victories of legends like Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, as well as the heartbreaks, comebacks and acts of sportsmanship that etched this race in the annals of sports history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to NASCAR, each day promises a star-studded reminder of why the Daytona 500 is the pinnacle of speed and determination.
Buckle up and get ready to celebrate the magic of Daytona!
MORE: Daytona Speedweek 2025 Schedule | Complete calendar 2025 | Daytona 500 leaderboard, 64-1
25. The iconic return
Date: February 18, 2018 | Full race results
Remarks : With a stunning 30 victories at Daytona International Speedway across multiple NASCAR series and racing disciplines, Dale Earnhardt is synonymous with the famous 2.5-mile superspeedway despite having only one Daytona 500 victory over the course of 30 years. his legendary career. However, it had been almost 20 years to the day since Richard Childress Racing’s infamous No. 3 Chevrolet had found Victory Lane there in the Cup Series, with the exception of a Duel victory for “The Intimidator” in 1999, until Austin Dillon won the iconic finish line first in the 2018 “Great American Race.”
To give you even more chills: Dillon, the grandson of team owner Richard Childress, actually celebrated his victory with Earnhardt at Victory Lane. back in 1998, at the age of 7. And there was even another one”lucky penny» Going up in No. 3 for this one, as there was for Earnhardt’s as well.
RELATED: Dale Earnhardt’s 1998 victory in photos | Untold Stories: 1998 Daytona 500
“It’s so great to bring the No. 3 car back to Victory Lane. This one is for Dale Earnhardt Sr. and all those (Dale) Sr fans. I love you guys,” Dillon said after claiming the checkered flag. “We’re going to keep kicking butt the rest of the year!” » | Learn more
NASCAR Classics: Watch the 2018 Daytona 500 in full
MORE: Earnhardt’s victory shaped the path of the Dillon brothers | Dillon, the crew is ready after 500
