The roar of the engines is about to echo through Daytona Beach, as the 67th running of the Daytona 500 is upon us. This isn’t just any race; it’s the Great American Race, the Super Bowl of NASCAR. Back in 1959, the first Daytona 500 provided an instant classic, with Lee Petty and Johnny Beauchamp battling to a photo finish. Beauchamp was initially declared the winner, but after three days of study, Petty received the nod. Now a days, the winner is chosen within minutes and the cars are a whole lot faster. But the thrill of competition, the roar of the crowd, and the sheer spectacle of 40 of the best stock car drivers on the planet battling it out for victory remains unmatched.

This year, we have a star-studded field ready to conquer the high banks. Legends like Kyle Busch and Helio Castroneves are chasing history, while a new generation of drivers are eager to make their mark.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know before the green flag drops: the key storylines to watch, the drivers to keep an eye on, and what to expect from the unpredictable world of superspeedway racing. So buckle up and get ready for a thrilling ride!

Big Names to Backup Cars After the Duels

The Duels always bring a mix of excitement and chaos, and this year was no exception. While some drivers celebrated victories and secured strong starting positions for the Daytona 500, others found themselves scrambling for backup cars after some unfortunate incidents. Here’s a rundown of the drivers who will be starting the Great American Race from the rear of the field:

Alex Bowman: Bowman’s No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro got caught up in a multi-car crash in Duel #2, forcing him to a backup car.

Ty Gibbs: Gibbs’ No. 54 Monster Energy Toyota Camry also suffered damage in Duel #1, requiring a backup car.

Justin Haley: Haley’s No. 7 AdventHealth Chevrolet Camaro was involved in a wreck in Duel #1, sending him to a backup.

Riley Herbst: Herbst’s No. 35 Monster Energy Toyota Camry got caught up in a late-race incident in Duel #2, necessitating a backup car.

Brad Keselowski: Keselowski’s No. 6 Kohler Generators Ford Mustang was involved in a crash in Duel #2, forcing him to a backup.

Kyle Larson: Larson’s No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro suffered damage in Duel #2, requiring a backup car.

Daniel Suárez: Suárez’s No. 99 Jockey Chevrolet Camaro was also involved in a wreck in Duel #2, sending him to a backup.

Shane van Gisbergen: van Gisbergen’s No. 88 WeatherTech Chevrolet Camaro got caught up in a late-race incident in Duel #2, necessitating a backup car.

These drivers will have their work cut out for them, starting at the back of the pack for the Daytona 500. However, as we’ve seen time and time again at Daytona, anything can happen, and a back-of-the-field starting position doesn’t necessarily mean a driver is out of contention.

Daytona 500 Starting Lineup:

Here’s the complete starting lineup for the 67th running of the Daytona 500:

1. Chase Briscoe (#19) – Row 1
2. Austin Cindric (#2) – Row 1
3. Bubba Wallace (#23) – Row 2
4. Erik Jones (#43) – Row 2
5. William Byron (#24) – Row 3
6. Chris Buescher (#17) – Row 3
7. Ty Dillon (#10) – Row 4
8. Denny Hamlin (#11) – Row 4
9. Ross Chastain (#1) – Row 5
10. Joey Logano (#22) – Row 5
11. Tyler Reddick (#45) – Row 6
12. Corey LaJoie (#01) – Row 6
13. A.J. Allmendinger (#16) – Row 7
14. Todd Gilliland (#34) – Row 7
15. Austin Dillon (#3) – Row 8
16. Ryan Blaney (#12) – Row 8
17. Chase Elliott (#9) – Row 9
18. John Hunter Nemechek (#42) – Row 9
19. Justin Allgaier (#40) – Row 10
20. Christopher Bell (#20) – Row 10
21. Kyle Busch (#8) – Row 11
22. Kyle Larson (#5) – Row 11
23. Ty Gibbs (#54) – Row 12
24. Riley Herbst (#35) – Row 12
25. Michael McDowell (#71) – Row 13
26. Shane van Gisbergen (#88) – Row 13
27. Ryan Preece (#60) – Row 14
28. Cody Ware (#51) – Row 14
29. Josh Berry (#21) – Row 15
30. Cole Custer (#41) – Row 15
31. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (#47) – Row 16
32. Noah Gragson (#4) – Row 16
33. Carson Hocevar (#77) – Row 17
34. Brad Keselowski (#6) – Row 17
35. Justin Haley (#7) – Row 18
36. Daniel Suarez (#99) – Row 18
37. Zane Smith (#38) – Row 19
38. Alex Bowman (#48) – Row 19
39. Martin Truex Jr. (#56) – Row 20
40. Jimmie Johnson (#84) – Row 20
41. Hélio Castroneves (#91) – Row 21

Drivers Who Failed to Qualify:

• Anthony Alfredo
• BJ McLeod
• Chandler Smith
• JJ Yeley

How to Watch the 2025 Daytona 500:

The 2025 Daytona 500 will be broadcast on FOX

Weather Implications

As any seasoned NASCAR fan knows, weather can play a huge role in the outcome of a race, especially at Daytona. A sudden downpour can turn the track into a slip-and-slide, while strong winds can make handling those high-speed stock cars a real challenge. So, what’s the forecast looking like for the 67th running of the Daytona 500?

Well, it’s not exactly sunshine and rainbows. The current forecast for Daytona Beach on Sunday calls for mostly cloudy skies with a high of 80°F and a low of 60°F. There’s a chance of strong thunderstorms, which could lead to delays or even a postponement. Bear Sports News predicts a 50% chance of a delay, so fans should be prepared for the possibility of some schedule adjustments.

But even if the rain holds off, the wind could still be a factor. The forecast calls for 15-25 mph winds blowing from the southwest, which means they’ll be heading towards Turns 3 and 4. This could create some handling challenges for the drivers, especially in those corners.

So, what does this mean for the race? Well, it’s hard to say for sure. But one thing’s for certain: the weather will add another layer of unpredictability to an already unpredictable race. Drivers will need to be adaptable and ready for anything Mother Nature throws their way. And fans will need to be patient and prepared for the possibility of delays or a rain-shortened race.

But hey, that’s part of the excitement of Daytona, right? You never know what’s going to happen, and the weather just adds to the drama. So, let’s hope for the best, but be prepared for anything.

BSN’s Picks to Win the Whole Thing

Who’s going to take home the Harley J. Earl Trophy and strap on that Rolex the following morning? It’s the question on everyone’s mind as we head into the Daytona 500. Here are a few drivers I think have a real shot at victory lane, along with their betting odds (courtesy of FanDuel):

• Chase Briscoe (+2500): Briscoe is starting his first season with Joe Gibbs Racing, and what better way to make a statement than by winning the Daytona 500? He’s got the equipment, the talent, and the motivation to get it done. With one top-five finish at Daytona already under his belt, and the power of those Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas behind him, Briscoe could be celebrating his first Daytona 500 victory on Sunday.
• Bubba Wallace (+2600): When it comes to superspeedways, Bubba Wallace is a name you can’t ignore. He’s consistently run well at Daytona and Talladega, and if he can avoid the “Big One,” he’s always a threat to be there at the end. With an average finish of 9.3 at Daytona, Wallace has the experience and the skill to navigate the draft and be in contention for the win.
• Kyle Busch (+1300): Kyle Busch has accomplished just about everything there is to accomplish in NASCAR, except for winning the Daytona 500. He’s come close several times, but the victory has always eluded him. Could this be the year he finally breaks through? With his talent, experience, and determination, Busch is a perennial contender at Daytona, and this year could be his year to finally claim that coveted Daytona win.
• Longshot Pick: Justin Allgaier (+5500): In JR Motorsports’ first Daytona 500, Justin Allgaier is a longshot pick with a potentially huge payoff. Allgaier has tons of experience in the Xfinity Series, and he’s proven he can run up front at Daytona. With Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s guidance and a car capable of winning, Allgaier could pull off a Cinderella story and make history for JR Motorsports.

These are just a few of the many drivers who could win the Daytona 500. With the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing, anyone could end up in victory lane. But these four drivers have the talent, experience, and motivation to make it happen. So, keep an eye on them as they battle for the checkered flag on Sunday!

Storylines to Watch Out For

The Daytona 500 is always a race full of surprises and drama, and this year is no exception. Here are a few storylines to keep an eye on as the green flag drops:

• Weather Watch: As we mentioned earlier, the weather forecast for Sunday is less than ideal, with a chance of thunderstorms and strong winds. NASCAR has already moved the start time up to try to avoid the worst of the weather, but there’s still a possibility of delays or a rain-shortened race. Keep an eye on the skies and be prepared for anything!
• Pitbull’s Farewell: In a surprising turn of events, Pitbull is ending his partnership with Trackhouse Racing. However, he’ll still be performing his pre-race concert on Sunday, adding another layer of intrigue to the Daytona 500. Will this be a celebratory farewell, or will there be some awkward moments? Stay tuned!
• Truck Series Drama: The Truck Series race on Friday night ended in controversy, with Corey Heim being declared the winner after Parker Kligerman’s truck was disqualified for failing post-race inspection. This comes after Kligerman’s previous DQ in another race, adding fuel to the fire. Henderson Motorsports has announced they will appeal the decision, so this story is far from over.
• Junior’s Dream: For Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports, this Daytona 500 is a dream come true. It’s the first time the team has qualified for the Great American Race, and it’s a testament to their hard work and dedication. Justin Allgaier will be piloting the No. 40 Chevrolet, and both he and Dale Jr. are hoping to make a statement on Sunday.
• Keselowski’s Quest: Brad Keselowski has been fast all week, topping the charts in final practice. He’s also been vocal about his desire to win the Daytona 500, the one “crown jewel” missing from his impressive resume. Will this be the year he finally adds it to his collection?
• Dixon’s Daytona Dream: Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon is considering a run in the 2026 Daytona 500. Dixon has expressed interest in NASCAR before, and it seems like he’s getting serious about making his stock car debut. Could we see another open-wheel star make the jump to NASCAR?

Fun Facts from Daytona 500 History:

• The Daytona 500 has been postponed due to weather six times in its history.
• The youngest driver to win the Daytona 500 was Trevor Bayne in 2011 at the age of 20.
• The oldest driver to win the Daytona 500 was Bobby Allison in 1988 at the age of 50.
• The closest margin of victory in the Daytona 500 was 0.02 seconds, between Kevin Harvick and Mark Martin in 2007.
• The first Daytona 500 was held in 1959 and was won by Lee Petty.
  
  

Conclusion

The Daytona 500 is more than just a race; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of speed, skill, and the enduring spirit of competition. It’s a chance for drivers to etch their names in NASCAR history and for fans to witness moments they’ll never forget. With a thrilling mix of veteran experience and young talent, a dash of off-track drama, and the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing, this year’s Daytona 500 promises to be one for the ages. So, tune in on Sunday, February 16th, at 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX and witness the spectacle that is the Great American Race. You won’t want to miss a single lap!