THE Daytona 500 arrives faster than one of the cars on the track.
The 500-mile race is held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach.
Considered as the NASCAR’s most prestigious and important raceThe Daytona 500 marks the season opener for the NASCAR Cup Series.
Here’s what you need to know about the Daytona 500, even if you’re starting out with no knowledge. NASCAR or car racing.
When will the Daytona 500 take place in 2025?
THE Daytona 500 will take place at 2:30 p.m. on February 16the Sunday after Valentine’s Day.
How many drivers are there in the Daytona 500?
There is 40 drivers in the Daytona 500, unless there are 41 this year under a new rule allowing an “outsider” to participate in a Cup race.
Daytona 500 tickets sold out
According to the Daytona International Speedway, Daytona 500 tickets for the the stands and campsites are full.
Hospitality and travel packages are still available:
When was the first Daytona 500?
The first Daytona 500 took place in 1959. Lee Petty was the first winner of the race.
What time does the Daytona 500 start?
THE The Daytona 500 starts at 2:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 16.
How to watch the Daytona 500 on TV, live
Fox and Fox Sports 1 to broadcast the Daytona 500with radio coverage from MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
➤ 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule: Tracks, Dates, Times, How to Watch Every Race
Fans can also watch the race on NBC, TNT, USA Network and CW.
Five races will be broadcast exclusively on Prime this season, including NASCAR’s longest race, the Coca-Cola 600, on May 25.
Pitbull to perform pre-race show at Daytona
Originally from Florida Armando Christian Pérez, known professionally as Pitbull, will host the pre-race show.
Pitbull played on the streets of Miami and published a album in 2004 entitled “MIAMI”, according to biography.com.
Also known as “Mr. 305” – for the Miami area code – and “Mr. Worldwide”, Pitbull started his own music label, Mr. 305 Inc., in 2009.
There’s an app for that: see what the NASCAR Tracks app can do
THE NASCAR Tracks App Features:
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Stream live and follow the driver’s on-board and fixed cameras during the race
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View live leaderboard and timeline.
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Listen to Scanner at Track for $2.99 to hear race audio live and in real time.
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Check in and earn points with NASCAR Fan Rewards
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View weekend schedules, maps, customer service information, and more.
You can find it at Apple App store Or Google Play.
Is there wifi at Daytona International Speedway?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available. Select #DAYTONA_GUESTWIFI.
How long is the Daytona 500?
THE Daytona 500 typically lasts between three and four hours.
Wrecks, rain and track conditions could extend the race, and often do.
Can you bring your own food to the Daytona 500?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks, including alcoholic drinks — but not in glass containers — with:
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Maximum of two bags per person, not exceeding 18x18x14
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Soft-sided coolers not larger than 14x14x14. One per person.
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Sunscreen, sunblock, hand sanitizer and insecticide
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Insulated mugs, 64 ounces maximum
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Hearing protection
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iPads, tablets and laptops
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Cameras, binoculars, scanners and headsets
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Seat cushions without metal components
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Cigarettes and lighters
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Strollers are permitted but are not permitted in seating areas
➤ See the full list of what’s allowed
What items are not allowed at the Daytona 500?
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Firearms
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Hard coolers
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Knives over 3 inches when closed or over 6 inches when open
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Confederate flag displays
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Fireworks
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Glass or ceramic of any kind
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Umbrellas
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Drones
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Obscene or indecent clothing
➤ See the full list of what’s not allowed
Do drivers do 500 laps in the Daytona 500?
No. Daytona International Speedway the track is 2.5 miles, so it takes drivers 200 laps to cover 500 miles.
Where is the Daytona International Speedway?
Daytona International Speedway is located immediately east of Interstate 95 in Daytona Beach.
Daytona Beach is located on the east coast of Florida in Volusia County. It is located about 50 miles northeast of Orlando and about 80 miles south of Jacksonville.
Who won the Daytona 500? View winners by year
NASCAR.com provided the list of all winners of the Daytona 500:
Richard Petty holds the record with 7 Daytona 500 victories
Richard Petty holds the record for the most Daytona 500 victories ever, with seven first-place finishes between 1964 and 1981.
When is the 2026 Daytona 500?
The 2026 Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 15. Some tickets are available now.
Contributors: CA Bridges, USA Today Network-Florida; Ken Willis, Daytona Beach News-Journal
This article originally appeared in the Daytona Beach News-Journal: When is the Daytona 500? How to watch. Can you still buy tickets?
