Daytona 500 2024

Daytona Speedweeks Presented By AdventHealth kicks off the 2024 NASCAR season on February 14 and concludes on February 18 with the Daytona 500.

The Daytona 500 is the jewel in the crown of NASCAR racing and one of the biggest racing events at the Daytona International Speedway alongside the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA.

The 500 refers to the number of miles (805 km), some 200 laps of the 2.5 mile oval circuit. The Daytona 500 is the first race in the NASCAR Cup Series calendar and carries the largest prize money. It is often referred to as “The Great American Race”.

Daytona Speedweeks Presented By AdventHealth

Speedweeks effectively starts on Friday, February 10 when the campgrounds open.

The main action starts on Wednesday, February 14 when the UNOH Fanzone opens with Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light in the evening. This decides the two front row positions.

On Thursday, February 15 there are two rounds of the Bluegreen Vacations Duel At Daytona followed on Friday, February 16 by NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying, NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice, NASCAR Cup Series Practice and NextEra Energy 250 | NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

The Bluegreen Vacations Duels split the field into two races to battle for the remaining positions on the grid for the Daytona 500.

On Saturday, February 18, there are two races, the 300 mile “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. 300” (NASCAR Infinity Series) and 200 mile “Brandt 200” (ARCA Menards Series).

Speedweeks ends with the Daytona 500 race on Sunday, February 18.

Daytona 500 Event Schedule

There are around 42 cars taking part each year. Richard Petty is the leading overall winner with seven wins between 1964 and 1981. The fastest average lap speed during qualifying of 210.364 miles per hour (338.548 km/h) was recorded by Bill Elliot in 1987.

In 2024 the 66th Daytona 500 race itself starts at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 18 but the day starts at around 7:00 a.m. in the morning when the garages open. On average the race runs for about three and a half hours.

On race day, the UNOH Fanzone and garages open at 7:00 a.m. with the grandstands opening at 8:00 a.m. Guided garage tours in the UNOH Fanzone are available from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

There is also a midway carnival, live music, food and drink concessions.

Preceding the race, each year the United States Air Force Thunderbirds display team make a flyover of the track.

Daytona 500 Tickets

Daytona International Speedway has recently undergone some major redevelopment work to the grandstands with 101,500 permanent grandstand seats.

Single day ticket prices depend upon where on the circuit you want to watch the race from. They start at $99 but sell out quickly. You can also buy multi-day packages.

If you want to get closer to the pre-race action, you can get a Daytona 500 UNOH Fanzone / Pre race wristband that allows you to watch the garage activity and take part in the fan forums on the main stage. You can also get access onto the track surface of Daytona International Speedway, watch the driver introductions, have great photo opportunities on the start/finish line and along the pit road.

Children 12 and under are free but must be accompanied by an adult. Note wristbands do not include a race day admission ticket.