The Daytona 500 is coming up faster than one of the cars on the track.
The 500-mile-long race is held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach.
Considered the most prestigious and important race in NASCAR, the Daytona 500 marks the season opener for the NASCAR Cup series.
Here’s what to know about the Daytona 500, even if you’re starting with no knowledge about NASCAR or auto racing.
When is the Daytona 500 in 2025?
The Daytona 500 takes place at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 16, the Sunday after Valentine’s Day.
How many drivers are in the Daytona 500?
There are 40 drivers in the Daytona 500, unless there are 41 this year under a new rule allowing an “outsider” to enter a Cup race.
Daytona 500 tickets sold out
According the the Daytona International Speedway, tickets for the Daytona 500 for both the grandstands and camping sites are sold out.
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 race’s first winner.
What time does the Daytona 500 start?
The Daytona 500 starts at 2:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 16.
How to watch the Daytona 500 on TV, live stream
Fox and Fox Sports 1 will broadcast the Daytona 500, with radio coverage from MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
➤ NASCAR Cup Series 2025 schedule: Tracks, dates, times, how to watch every race
Fans also can watch the race on NBC, TNT, USA Network and CW.
Five races will be streamed exclusively on Prime this season, including NASCAR’s longest race, the Coca-Cola 600, on May 25.
Pitbull to perform Daytona pre-race show
Florida native Armando Christian Pérez, known professionally as Pitbull, will perform the pre-race show.
Pitbull performed on the streets of Miami and released an album in 2004 called “M.I.A.M.I.”, according to biography.com.
Also known as “Mr. 305” — for the Miami area code — and “Mr. Worldwide,” Pitbull formed his own music label, Mr. 305 Inc., in 2009.
There’s an app for that: See what NASCAR Tracks app can do
The NASCAR Tracks app features:
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Live stream and follow driver in-car cameras and stationary cams during the race
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See live leaderboard and timeline.
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Listen to Scanner at Track for $2.99 to hear live race audio in real-time.
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Check in and earn points with NASCAR Fan Rewards
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View weekend schedules, maps, guest service information, and more
You can find it at the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Is there wifi at Daytona International Speedway?
Yes. Free wifi is available. Select the #DAYTONA_GUESTWIFI.
How long does the Daytona 500 last?
The Daytona 500 usually lasts between three and four hours.
Wrecks, rain and track conditions could and often do cause the race to last longer.
Can you bring your own food to the Daytona 500?
Yes, you can bring your own food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages — but not in glass containers — along with:
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Maximum of two bags per person, no bigger than 18x18x14
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Soft-sided coolers no larger than 14x14x14. One per person.
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Sunscreen, sunblock, hand sanitizer, and bug spray
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Insulated cups, 64 ounces maximum
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Hearing protection
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iPads, tablets, and laptop computers
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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 admitted but are not allowed in seating areas
➤ See full list of what is allowed
What items are not allowed at Daytona 500?
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Firearms
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Hard-sided coolers
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Knives longer than 3 inches when closed or longer than 6 inches when open
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Displays of the Confederate flag
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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 full list of what is not allowed
Do drivers go 500 laps in the Daytona 500?
No. The Daytona International Speedway track is 2.5 miles, so it takes 200 laps for drivers to hit 500 miles.
Where is the Daytona International Speedway?
The Daytona International Speedway is located immediately east of Interstate 95 in Daytona Beach.
Daytona Beach is on the east coast of Florida, in Volusia County. It’s located about 50 miles northeast of Orlando and about 80 miles south of Jacksonville.
Who has won the Daytona 500? See winners by year
NASCAR.com provided the list of all winners of the Daytona 500:
Richard Petty holds record with 7 Daytona 500 wins
Richard Petty holds the record for the most all-time wins in the Daytona 500, with seven first-place finishes between 1964 and 1981.
When is the Daytona 500 2026?
The Daytona 500 in 2026 is scheduled for Feb. 15. Select tickets are available now.
Contributors: C.A. Bridges, USA Today Network-Florida; Ken Willis, Daytona Beach News-Journal
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: When is Daytona 500? How to watch. Can you still buy tickets?
Read the full article here
