Last Updated on: 16th February 2025, 11:50 pm
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series roars to life this Sunday with the legendary Daytona 500 — a spectacle synonymous with speed, history, and American motorsport tradition.
Dubbed “The Great American Race,” the Daytona 500 has served as NASCAR’s electrifying season opener for over four decades, cementing its status as a February staple on the global sports calendar. This year marks the 67th running of the grueling 500-mile event, held, as always, at the high-banked Daytona International Speedway in Florida.
How to Watch the 2025 Daytona 500:
- TV: Tune in nationally on FOX for full coverage.
- Broadcast: Catch every lap via SteadyFlix
A star-studded field of drivers will battle for glory, including eight former Daytona 500 champions. Headlining the lineup are defending race winner William Byron (2024 champion), three-time victor Denny Hamlin, and Joey Logano, the reigning 2024 NASCAR Cup Series titleholder. With veteran expertise and rising talent colliding on Daytona’s famed asphalt, this year’s race promises high-octane drama from start to finish.
When is the 2025 Daytona 500?
Mark your calendars: The 2025 Daytona 500 roars to life on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 1:30 p.m. ET at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Organizers moved the start time up by one hour (originally 2:30 p.m.) to outrun looming weather threats.
Weather Forecast:
Buckle up for potential delays! The National Weather Service predicts a 60% chance of afternoon rain, with gusty winds up to 35 mph and temperatures hovering near 80°F. Skies will start mostly cloudy before turning stormy, adding a wildcard element to pit strategies.
Race Format & Laps:
The Daytona 500 spans 200 laps (500 miles) on Daytona’s iconic 2.5-mile tri-oval. The race is split into three stages:
- Stage 1: 65 laps
- Stage 2: 65 laps
- Stage 3: 70 laps
2025 Daytona 500 Odds to Win:
BetMGM’s latest odds (as of Sunday, Feb. 16) favor a tight battle:
- Ryan Blaney, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski: +1200 to +1500
- Dark Horses: William Byron, Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe (+2000 to +3000)
For betting details, explore top-rated sportsbook apps offering 2024 promos.
Pole Position & Starting Lineup:
Chase Briscoe (Joe Gibbs Racing) stunned fans by clinching his first Daytona 500 pole in Wednesday’s qualifying. He’ll lead the 40-car field alongside front-row starter Austin Cindric (Team Penske). Key starters:
- (19) Chase Briscoe, Toyota
- (2) Austin Cindric, Ford
- (23) Bubba Wallace, Toyota
- (43) Erik Jones, Toyota
Expert Pick to Win:
Austin Cindric (+2500) – The 2022 Daytona 500 champion has emerged as a superspeedway maestro. Despite bad luck in recent races (see: 2024 spin with Ross Chastain), Cindric’s Penske-powered Ford and tactical drafting prowess keep him in contention. His late-race aggression at Daytona and Talladega last season proves he’s overdue for redemption.
