Get Ready for the 2024 Daytona 500
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season is just around the corner, starting in about a month. The action kicks off at the famous Daytona International Speedway with the Daytona 500 race.
Competitors:
Look out for 40 drivers gearing up to tackle the 2.5-mile superspeedway. Their goal? Complete all 200 laps and possibly clinch a spot in the Cup playoffs.
When to Watch:
Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 18th at 2:30 p.m. ET. Tune into Fox for live coverage, featuring commentators Mike Joy, Clint Bowyer, and Kevin Harvick.
Teams and Drivers:
In addition to the 36 teams with secured spots, several non-chartered teams are vying to join the 40-car lineup. Some notable drivers include David Ragan in the No. 60 Ford Mustang, Anthony Alfredo in the No. 62 Chevrolet Camaro, Jimmie Johnson in the No. 84 Toyota Camry, and BJ McLeod in the No. 78 Chevrolet Camaro.
Qualifying Rounds:
The Daytona 500 has a unique qualifying process spread over multiple days. It starts with single-car qualifying on Wednesday, February 14th. The top performers from this round and the Bluegreen Vacation Duel races on Thursday, February 15th, will determine the final starting lineup.
More Than Just the Main Event:
The weekend is jam-packed with racing events, including the Craftsman Truck Series, the ARCA Menards Series, and the Xfinity Series.
Special Appearances:
Expect a thrilling flyover by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, a tradition at Daytona for over a decade. Plus, NASCAR will soon announce the grand marshal, honorary starter, and pace car driver.
Champions Returning:
Keep an eye on past Daytona 500 winners like Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Joey Logano, Austin Dillon, Michael McDowell, Austin Cindric, Denny Hamlin, and Jimmie Johnson. They’re all gearing up for another chance at victory.
