Daytona 500

Publication date: 14 Jan 2025

rDaytona 500 auto race is an annual event in the world of professional motor racing, held at the Daytona International Speedway. It is the premier and most prestigious Nascar race gathering some of the world’s best drivers. The Daytona 500 is called the great American race. The duration of this race is 500 miles (805 km).

Official Daytona 500 website

2026 Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 is one of the most prestigious and popular auto races in the world, which annually opens the NASCAR season. In 2025, the race will be held on February 16 at the legendary Daytona International Speedway track located in Daytona Beach, Florida. This event brings together not only motorsport professionals, but also thousands of fans from all over the world, ready to enjoy the speed and adrenaline.

The popularity of the Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 is called the “NASCAR Super Bowl” for a reason. This is not just a race, but a real show that attracts the attention of millions of viewers every year. Since its inception in 1959, the Daytona 500 has become a symbol of American motorsport culture. The race is broadcast live to dozens of countries, and the total prize fund of the event reaches millions of dollars, which only fuels the interest of both spectators and participants.

What is unique about the auto race?

The Daytona 500’s main uniqueness lies in its scale and significance. Winning this race is not only prestigious, but also an opportunity to make history in motorsports. Among its features:

High speeds: Racers reach incredible speeds on a 2.5-mile oval track.
Spectacular moments: The race is often accompanied by exciting overtaking, strategic decisions and unexpected turns of events.
Atmosphere: The Daytona International Speedway track can accommodate more than 100,000 spectators, which creates a unique atmosphere of support and excitement.

History of the auto race

The first Daytona 500 was held in 1959 at Daytona International Speedway. Lee Petty won the first Daytona 500, defeating Johnny Beauchamp.

The length of this motor race is 500 miles. Nevertheless, in some years the length of the race has been officially shortened due to weather conditions: 1965, 1966, 2003, 2009.

In 1979, the Daytona 500 was broadcast live on national television for the first time. From this point onwards, race car drivers began to be provided with cameras, which have become an important part in all kinds of motor racing broadcasts.

Since 1995, TV ratings for the Daytona 500 have surpassed those of the larger Indy 500 car race.

The 2020 race was the longest ever with a length of 522.5 miles.

Biggest Bet on This Event

The Daytona 500 has always attracted not only car enthusiasts but also professional bettors. One of the biggest bets in the history of this race was made in 2020. Then a fan bet $500,000 on Denny Hamlin to win. The bet paid off, because Hamlin won, and the lucky player received a multi-million dollar win.

The Daytona 500 is more than a race. It is an event that brings people together, gives unforgettable emotions and proves that speed and strategy are art. Don’t miss the Daytona 500 2025 and become a part of this exciting world of motorsports!

Previous auto race results

The year Venue Results
2023 Daytona International Speedway, Florida, USA William Byron (Hendrick Motorsports)
2022 Daytona International Speedway, Florida, USA Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (JTG Daugherty Racing)
2021 Daytona International Speedway, Florida, USA Austin Cindric (Team Penske)

2026 Daytona 500

There is no information yet on the dates for the 2026 Daytona 500.

Keep an eye out for car race dates and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.

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