Last Updated on: 17th February 2025, 12:10 am
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series roared to life on Sunday with the 67th running of the Daytona 500, a race etched into American motorsport lore as “The Great American Race.” Held at the iconic 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway in Florida, this year’s event promised chaos, drama, and history—and it delivered. Defending champion William Byron, three-time winner Denny Hamlin, and reigning Cup Series titlist Joey Logano headlined a field of 40 drivers vying for glory under unpredictable skies and fierce competition1912.
How to Watch the 2025 Daytona 500
TV & Streaming Details
- TV Channel: FOX (coverage began at 1:30 p.m. ET, with the green flag at 2 p.m. ET due to pre-race festivities)11214.
- Live Streams: FoxSports.com, the Fox Sports App, or streaming platforms like Fubo (free trial available), Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, and YouTube TV41214.
- Radio: SiriusXM Channel 90 or MRN912.
Broadcast Team: Legendary announcer Mike Joy led coverage alongside analysts Clint Bowyer and Kevin Harvick, with guest insights from Larry McReynolds112.
Weather Woes and Start Time Adjustments
Organizers moved the race start time up one hour to 1:30 p.m. ET in a bid to dodge forecasted storms. However, the National Weather Service still predicted a 60–70% chance of rain and gusty winds up to 35 mph, threatening delays and strategic pivots for teams1913. By race day, fans endured long security lines under overcast skies, while drivers braced for potential “Big One” wrecks—a hallmark of Daytona’s drafting chaos113.
Race Format & Stage Breakdown
The Daytona 500 spans 200 laps (500 miles) divided into three stages:
- Stage 1: 65 laps
- Stage 2: 65 laps
- Stage 3: 70 laps
Drivers earn playoff points for stage wins, incentivizing aggressive racing even before the final sprint112.
Odds, Favorites, and Dark Horses
BetMGM’s pre-race odds highlighted a tight field:
- Favorites: Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch (+1200)913.
- Dark Horses: William Byron (+2000), Christopher Bell (+2000), and Chase Briscoe (+2500)913.
Notably, Michael McDowell (+3000) emerged as a fan favorite for his superspeedway prowess, while experts touted Austin Cindric (+2500) as a strategic pick due to his Penske-powered consistency1314.
Pole Position & Starting Lineup
Chase Briscoe (Joe Gibbs Racing) stunned the field by clinching his first Daytona 500 pole with a blistering qualifying lap of 49.249 seconds. He led the grid alongside 2022 winner Austin Cindric (Team Penske), while 2024 champion William Byron started fifth1912.
Notable Starters:
- Chase Briscoe (#19 Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing)
- Austin Cindric (#2 Ford, Team Penske)
- Bubba Wallace (#23 Toyota, 23XI Racing)
- Erik Jones (#43 Toyota, Legacy Motor Club)
- William Byron (#24 Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports)112.
Ten drivers, including Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski, started at the rear due to backup cars or technical penalties1.
Live Race Updates & Standings
As of 2:30 p.m. ET (Lap 28/200)
- Brad Keselowski (#6 Ford, RFK Racing) led early, showcasing RFK’s superspeedway strength15.
- Alex Bowman (#48 Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports) trailed by 0.008 seconds in a nail-biting draft15.
- Cole Custer (#41 Ford, Haas Factory Team) and Justin Allgaier (#40 Chevrolet, JR Motorsports) rounded out the top five15.
Key Moments:
- Lap 12: A multi-car wreck involving Jimmie Johnson and Helio Castroneves (racing via a controversial provisional entry) brought out the first caution1315.
- Weather Watch: Light rain began at 2:45 p.m. ET, though officials opted to continue under caution113.
Controversies & Storylines
- Celebrity Provisional Rule: IndyCar legend Helio Castroneves’ inclusion via a new NASCAR rule sparked debate, with critics arguing it sidelined full-time drivers13.
- Toyota’s Superspeedway Strategy: With 11 Toyotas in the field, including Briscoe and Wallace, manufacturers battled for drafting dominance13.
- Joe Gibbs Racing’s Redemption: After a lackluster 2024, JGR’s revamped lineup (Briscoe, Bell, Ty Gibbs) aimed to reclaim glory13.
What’s Next?
With storms looming and tensions rising, the race’s second half promises fireworks. Fans can track live standings on Fox Sports or follow real-time analytics via The Athletic’s NASCAR team1315.
Final Lap
The 2025 Daytona 500 encapsulates NASCAR’s essence: speed, strategy, and unpredictability. Whether Brad Keselowski holds on or a dark horse surges ahead, one truth remains—Daytona never fails to deliver heart-stopping moments. Stay tuned for updates as the “Great American Race” crowns its newest champion.
FAQs
What time does the 2025 Daytona 500 start?
The race is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 16, 2025, after a one-hour adjustment from the traditional start time to avoid potential weather delays.
Which TV channel will broadcast the race live?
The 2025 Daytona 500 will be broadcast live on FOX, ensuring fans can catch every thrilling moment on their television screens.
Are there any streaming options available for watching the race?
Yes, in addition to live TV, the race will be streamed on SteadyFlix, making it easy to watch on various devices and enjoy high-definition coverage.
How is the race formatted?
The race consists of 200 laps (500 miles) on the 2.5-mile tri-oval and is divided into three stages: 65 laps for Stage 1, 65 laps for Stage 2, and 70 laps for Stage 3. Each stage presents its own challenges and strategic opportunities.
Who are some of the key drivers to watch in the 2025 race?
Veteran drivers like William Byron and Denny Hamlin, along with rising talents such as Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe, are among the top contenders. Expert predictions also highlight Austin Cindric as a strong contender, given his past successes and current form.
