Daytona 500 Qualifying Duels: Exciting Action Resumes After Weather Delay!

It’s been 14 weeks since Joey Logano triumphed in Phoenix, clinching his third NASCAR Cup Series championship. Now, the excitement builds as we gear up for the 2025 season opener: the Daytona 500.

The Daytona 500 is known as the “Super Bowl of motor racing.” It’s a huge event for fans and drivers alike. Ahead of the race, let’s catch up on some important updates and what to expect this week.

Daytona 500 Schedule:

• Wednesday (8-10 p.m.): Front-row qualifying (FS1, Fox Sports app)
• Thursday (7-8:45 p.m.): Duel 1 (FS1, Fox Sports app)
• Thursday (8:45-10:30 p.m.): Duel 2 (FS1, Fox Sports app)
• Friday (5:30-6:30 p.m.): Daytona 500 practice 2 (FS1, Fox Sports app)
• Saturday (10:30-11:30 a.m.): Final practice (FS1, Fox Sports app)
• Sunday (2:30-6 p.m.): Daytona 500 (Fox, Fox Sports app)

This year, the Daytona 500 will take place on the renowned Daytona International Speedway, a 2.5-mile track in Daytona Beach, Florida. The race features a unique format:

• Race Length: 200 laps, totaling 500 miles
• Stage Lengths:
  • Stage 1: 65 laps
  • Stage 2: 65 laps
  • Stage 3: 130 laps

Qualifying Format: Unlike other races, the Daytona 500 has a special qualifying procedure. On Wednesday, all cars will make a single fast lap, determined by a random draw. The top ten will then compete in a shootout, with the fastest two securing spots on the front row for the race. Others go into two qualifying duels to finalize the starting positions.

Top Drivers and Odds:

• Ryan Blaney: +1200
• Joey Logano: +1200
• Brad Keselowski: +1200
• Kyle Busch: +1400
• Denny Hamlin: +1500

As the big day approaches, fans are also talking about some notable drivers. Hélio Castroneves, a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner, is in the mix, thanks to a new rule allowing non-full-time drivers to join the Daytona 500 field. He’ll try to qualify this week, making for an exciting storyline.

Additionally, Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time series champion and two-time Daytona 500 winner, will also attempt to qualify. He has made a couple of appearances since his full-time retirement but seeks to make a strong showing this year.

With so much on the line, the 2025 Daytona 500 promises to be unforgettable. Buckle up, racing fans!