Blaney and his Ford should have won this race a year ago and in 2018, when he led 118 laps. The seven-time Cup champion has been in victory lane at Daytona seven times, including a pair of Daytona 500 victories (2006 and 2013). ET on FS1). Denny Hamlin can make history!" But in 2021, one of the season's biggest events will have the crowd those drivers so desperately craved -- to a certain degree, at least. Perhaps you are one of those people. Obviously, the track authorities will try everything in their power to ensure a safe environment for all. Daytona track president said yesterday no capacity limits the protocols will be same as they were in August must wear a mask if indoors. Admittedly, we are going into this race blind. The speedway has stopped selling grandstand tickets, but said that a limited number of premium-seating options remain available for purchase. We hope to share another update later this weekend.. Michael McDowell enters the race as defending winner after the fiery last lap crash in 2021. The 2022 Daytona 500 kicks off the new NASCAR Cup season, but how many fans are at the superspeedway? While we wont be able to have a capacity crowd here in February, we are excited that we can host the DAYTONA 500 with those in attendance, as well as for the millions who will tune in live on FOX. Stenhouse's Daytona win shows the 500 is 'crazier' than ever, Marco Andretti to defend SRX all-star series title, McLaren braced for slow start to F1 season, Haas save $250,000 with slimmed-down pitwall, IndyCar to use sustainable tires made of shrub, Verstappen pips Alonso to open F1 testing, Wolff: 2023 Mercedes car 'has no bouncing issue', Ferrari move head of strategy Rueda out of role, Hamilton says Mercedes a long way off pace, Alonso pumps brakes on Aston Martin hype train, Russell: Red Bull in a league of their own, How to watch the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix on ESPN, ESPN+, Hamilton permitted to race with nose stud, 'Fighter' Hamilton quashes Mercedes exit talk, Hamilton: F1 duty-bound to raise human rights concerns, McLaren to run rotating digital sponsor panels, Stroll to race in Bahrain with pins in broken wrist. #DAYTONA500 | @NASCAR pic.twitter.com/c0yrKB7ptt, Daytona International Speedway (@DISupdates) December 2, 2020. We are so thankful to the fans who have reserved their place in what will be yet another history-making event at The World Center of Racing. 2023 www.news-journalonline.com. The DAYTONA 500 will be at 2:30 PM ET What channel is the DAYTONA 500 on? No matter how much you do or don't know about NASCAR, the following Daytona 500 preview is for everyone. Many NASCAR Hall of Famers have been unable to take home the trophy at the fabled Daytona 500 in Florida. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Best finish: 3rd, 2014 (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). The Emmy winner will climb atop the flag stand and wave the green flag over the start of the race. It is one of two Cup Series races held yearly at Daytona, with the second - a 400-mile event - as the regular-season finale in 2021. He isn't racing in the 500 but in Saturday's ARCA (think Class AA baseball) event. Earlier this week, Daytona International Speedway announced the 2022 Daytona 500 was a sell-out. Elsewhere, the 1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve will start his first Daytona 500. Elliotts streak of consecutive Cup starts ends at 254 races. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Of course, there is risk. Market data provided by Factset. The only real indication will come after the Busch Clash race at the LA Coliseum. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Las Vegas Xfinity starting lineup: Chandler Smith wins pole, announced that the 2021 Daytona 500 will be run with a limited crowd, 1:35 2:20 p.m. Cup practice (FS2, switches to FS1 at 2 p.m.), 4:30 p.m. Xfinity race (200 laps, 300 miles; FS1, Performance Racing Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Austin Hill won at Daytona. The Daytona 500 is officially sold out a week before the Great American Race is scheduled to take place. In the 2021 Daytona 500, he ran inside the top 15 for 99.5% of the laps run and nearly snuck by Michael McDowell for the win when chaos erupted on the last lap. A simple math equation would suggest the race should take 2.5 hours of straight driving, but with pitstops, cautions and possible weather . 84 Chevy of Legacy MC (Motor Club), after purchasing Richard Petty's team. Tickets are on sale for the Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where seating was last estimated at fewer than 80,000 seats. Gary Gastelu is Fox News Digital's automotive editor. Who had a bad race:John Hunter Nemechek and Hailie Deegan were involved in a crash on the final lap of the second stage. From the middle! The 2021 Daytona 500 was run under health and safety rules that limited attendance to 30,000. . All Rights Reserved. The 2021 event was held with capacity restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic and only had about 30,000 fans in attendance, while this year's number will be well over 100,000. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. That amounts to just over 21,000 people at a. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Kyle Busch (180.156) qualified 11th. Going for the win at Daytona nearly ended the careers of Ryan Newman, Kyle Busch and countless others as well. Daytona already revealed last month that the 101,000-seat grandstand was sold out, in what many in the industry said . The all-new seventh generation NASCAR Cup Series car was tested at Daytona International Speedway this week. Larson has won Cup races on every type of track except for "plate races" at Daytona and Talladega, places that he has openly admitted he can't stand and simply tolerates. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to empty stadiums and arenas throughout the sports world, while the 2020 NASCAR season featured many races without fans. Sports, the event is the third most-attended sporting event in the country, trailing just the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400. daytona beach, fla. The Daytona International Speedway announced on Wednesday that the 2021 Daytona 500 will be held with a limited number of fans in attendance. Ty Majeski placed fifth, giving him finishes of sixth or better in the first two races of the season. The all-new seventh generation NASCAR Cup Series car was tested at Daytona International Speedway this week. Yes, Malcolm! While the International Speedway Corporation does not release the official attendance figures, an estimated 250,000 fans attend the Daytona 500 each February. Brad Keselowski is behind the wheel of a Ford, a widely accepted advantage, and finished fourth in his Duel 150. After the race at the LA Coliseum, there is the official season-opening race, the iconic Daytona 500. The 2021 Daytona 500 had just 30,000 in attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time. Finally, McDowells 2021 win also proved that some other teams could be dark horses for the win. Fans will have their temperatures takenand watch the race from pods separated by at least 6 feet. The track also announced that tickets remained on sale for other events during Speedweeks. -- Scott Symmes, Jimmie Johnson to win (+4000): We can't make superspeedway predictions without at least one long shot. Attendance at the 2021 Daytona 500 won by Michael McDowell was limited to 30%. Elliott suffered an injury to his left leg while snowboarding Friday in Colorado, the team stated. The Kaulig Racing driver earned the pole with a lap of 183.119 mph. -- Symmes, Daytona 500 cheat sheet: Everything you need to know. Jonathan Ferrey/Stringer/Getty Images. DAYTONA SPEEDWEEKS: NASCAR motors on with one eye on road, another on the radar. Cup Series drivers will practice and qualify Saturday before the Xfinity Series races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Stroll to race in Bahrain after missing F1 testing, AlphaTauri denies talk of sale by Red Bull, Everything you need to know about F1's 2023 season, Bahrain rights group urges F1 drivers to speak up, Dale vs. Dale: A Daytona 500 the Jarretts, NASCAR won't forget, NASCAR's 2023 season will be a year of change, Harvick will leave incomparable legacy that goes beyond rookie year, his Hail Melon move at Martinsville Speedway last fall, announcing a big contract extension with Trackhouse Racing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Senior writer for ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com. -- McGee, Aric Almirola to win (+3500): Almirola probably feels overdue. More:Dale Earnhardt, 20 years later: Share your memories, photos, videos of 'The Intimidator'. or redistributed. 9 car this weekend. The 2.5-mile superspeedway is always packed to capacity for the Great American Race with the exception of the COVID limited 2021 race. Johnson is back after retiring from full-time NASCAR racing in 2020, having spent the past two seasons in the IndyCar paddock. "It's going to be the largest sporting event that happens in the United States since COVID hit . It will also be interesting to see who will draw first blood in the 2022 season and challenge for the title. Who had a good race: Reigning series champion Zane Smith, who is the points leader this season, has opened the season with a win and a runner-up finish. Ron DeSantis, if you plan to attend, this applies to you. The next Cup race is scheduled for March 14. The Daytona 500 attendance in 2021 will be limited to just 21 percent of maximum capacity. From the pageantry of our pre-race festivities to the rumble of 40 engines roaring around the high banks, its the biggest stage in motorsports.. Michael McDowell enters the race as defending winner after the fiery last lap crash in 2021. Attendance at the 2021 Daytona 500 won by Michael McDowell was limited to 30%. ", The Daytona 500 will be the first official race to feature the Next Gen Cup Series cars that debuted at the exhibition Clash at the Coliseum. In other news, Costco's March 2023 coupon book contains deals on clothing, food, and more. Legal Statement. From the pageantry of our pre-race festivities to the rumble of 40 engines roaring around the high banks, it's the biggest stage in motorsports.". Virus or no, the racing will be every bit as good, a dazzling display of skill, speed and no small amount of luck, with dramatic lead changes and big questions: Which contenders will make it to the finish line, and how many multi-car pileups will there be? Fans will be screened before entering the venue and required to wear face coverings and observe at least 6 feet of social distancing. They're gonna have to pack it up!" GREEN FLAG IN THE #NextEra250 but immediately were under caution @NASCAR_Trucks | #SpeedweeksbyAdventHealth pic.twitter.com/tjFytThWKH. That amounts to just over 21,000 people at a facility that can seat over 101,500. Bristol Motor Speedway announced that the track had reached its socially-distanced grandstand capacity for its dirt race on March 28. Jimmie Johnson returned to the Cup Series for Legacy Motor Club in this race. The Speedway is maintaining its pandemic safety protocols for upcoming events by requiring visitors to wear masks, undergo a health screening and temperature check, maintain social distancing and utilize cashless transactions for limited concessions. Elliott has finished in the top 10 in four of the past five races at the track, including a pair of runner-ups, and he's been a staple at the front of the field. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Christian Eckes finished third, giving him finishes of sixth or better in the first two races of the season. All rights reserved. NASCARs most famous race takes place today as the Daytona 500 opens the 2022 Cup Series season. ET and can also be watched on the Fox Sports app. That race will be the first racing scenario that the Next Gen cars face, so the pecking order will probably be determined around that time. The 2020 Daytona 500 was the last held without capacity restrictions. Legal Statement. Dhruv George is a senior Motorsports author for EssentiallySports, having It's easily the most curious inclusion. Much like Sunday's Super Bowl, though, we are well aware that many people will tune into this weekend's Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing who won't watch another race this year. "It's going to be the largest sporting event that happens in the United States since COVID hit,"DaytonaInternational Speedway President Chip Wile said, per Zach Dean of the Daytona Beach News-Journal. The track seats 55,000 people total in the grandstand. On Sunday, he should have the equipment -- and the motivation -- to capture his biggest win yet. More:DAYTONA SPEEDWEEKS: NASCAR motors on with one eye on road, another on the radar. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Deegan could not continue and finished 32nd. Coliseum in 2022. Where are F1 2023 absentees Vettel, Ricciardo and Schumacher? Tom Gatto. Tickets are still available for events taking place earlier in the week, which include qualifying, practice and Xfinity Series, Truck Series and ARCA series races. In August 2021, he led 36 laps en route to an eighth-place finish. All rights reserved. The 1979 Daytona 500 saw Cale Yarborough and Bobby Allison fight tooth-and-nail on the final lap, only to lose it to Petty after the two took each other out. 2023 www.news-journalonline.com. Are there any limits on the number of fans allowed to attend? All rights reserved. Nemechek finished 31st. The forecast is uncertain, and everyone (including the recent former president of the United States) remembers the deluge that shut down last years race. This was the longest Daytona 500 in history going 530 miles. Date, start time, TV schedule for race & qualifying. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The race to open the 2021 NASCAR season is scheduled for Feb. 14. Chase Elliott (leg) to miss Las Vegas Cup Series race, Top NASCAR experts reveal 2023 Pennzoil 400 picks, 2023 Pennzoil 400 predictions, odds, sims, picks, Legendary NASCAR expert reveals Pennzoil 400 picks, NASCAR Cup Series at Las Vegas: How to watch, picks, NASCAR changes package for short tracks, road courses. (The 1960 race, the second 500, had an official attendance of 38,775.) He ran two races for Spire Motorsports in 2021. "Hey, I think these new Chevy noses are really working!" Some reconfiguring of NASCAR's original schedule last month moved the Daytona Road Course race to second in the order and bumped Auto Club Speedway from the lineup completely. I agree to receive the "CBS Sports HQ Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. Face coverings are required no excuses, though enforcement will be problematic in the infield. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- It is time for the 65th running of the Daytona 500, NASCAR's biggest event on its biggest stage, kicking off what many believe could be one of the sport's biggest seasons. It's Tiffany Haddish!" According to the wise guys in the desert, the consensus top picks are three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin (+1100 via Caesars), followed by a five-pack of drivers at +1200, including Ryan Blaney, who should have won this race a year ago, Joey Logano, who won the first of Thursday night's Duel 150s, Kyle Busch and Elliott. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nascar | pageType: stories | "What an incredible way to begin Speedweeks Presented By AdventHealth by announcing that we have completely sold out of the NASCAR Cup Series season-opening DAYTONA 500," Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher said in a release. Earlier this week, Daytona International Speedway announced the 2022 Daytona 500 was a sell-out. The victory is Buschs 63rd in the Truck Series and his fourth series win at his hometown track. Next: The series is back in action March 18 at Atlanta Motor Speedway (2 p.m. Daytona 500 to be held with 'limited' fans in 2021 because of COVID-19 pandemic, Dale Earnhardt, 20 years later: Share your memories, photos, videos of 'The Intimidator', Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Tickets for the 63rd Annual DAYTONA 500, the biggest and most prestigious event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, are on sale now. Daytona International Speedway announced in December that attendance would be limited for NASCAR's main event on Feb. 14 and all Speedweeks races that precede the 500, including the Clash,. The 63rd running of the Daytona 500 is scheduled for Feb. 14. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images), "Our sport is as captivating as ever and we are riding some great momentum from the 2021 season, and the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum. To be precise, all spectators have to wear a mask if indoors. Race day traffic will still be race day traffic. Are there any restrictions on the crowd numbers? This year's edition of the Daytona 500 is of particular interest to NASCAR fans as it marks the official competitive debut of the all-new Next Gen Cup Series car, which was first used in the exhibition Clash at the Coliseum in the L.A. Memorial Coliseum on Feb. 6 that was won by Joey Logano. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Tennis, NFL, and eSports. Speedway, NASCAR find ways to boost Daytona economy during COVID pandemic, Fact check: Image does not show Tampa mayor violating Super Bowl mask mandate, How to watch the 2021 Daytona 500 on TV, live stream, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. CHARLOTTE, N.C. Almost all of NASCAR's earliest races in 2021 will run with limited fans. Here's what it means for Volusia tourism. "Hey! It means the Floridian oval is at capacity which is about 123,500 seats in the grandstand on the front-stretch. When the Next Gen car was rolled out one year ago, the real character in each different make -- Chevy, Toyota and Ford -- was found in their nose piece designs. Daytona International Speedway announced that the 2021 Daytona 500 will be run with a limited crowd because of the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, Michael McDowell denied him a hat-trick in 2021. Also, Frankie Muniz is at the World Center of Racing. Entry times for #NextEra250 race day Know what to bring with you for #SpeedweeksbyAdventHealth https://t.co/Xr2Z9LoFV3 pic.twitter.com/H5SGC3s7Ws. Although the Speedway doesn't release official attendance figures, the event was on track to outpace the 2021 edition that unfolded with restrictions tied to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as pre . The 2021 Daytona 500 is expected to have about 30,000 fans in attendance at the Feb. 14 race. While some NASCAR events have struggled in recent years to attract fans, the Daytona 500 is not among them. driver Pierre Gasly and Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino. The Daytona 500 will be broadcast on FOX Sunday, Feb. 20 starting at 2:30 p.m. In its statement, the track did not specify how many fans will be allowed to attend the race, which is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 14. Josh Berry will drive the No. The fans at track and at home create the energy of The Great American Race. . The sport began allowing limited fans as the year progressed, withan estimated 25,000 fans at the Coke Zero Sugar 400, which also takes place at Daytona. More:Daytona 500 attendance is limited. Its all in the name of social distancing, something Speedway officials say they intend to enforce. Their low-register rumble is still audible miles from Daytona International Speedway. The cars of Custer, Berry, Sheldon Creed, Busch, Brandon Jones and Gray Gaulding will go to the rear for using backup cars. The Daytona stands hold 101,500 spectators, per the Speedway website, but a specific capacity cap was not provided. https://t.co/1q6T8SL1Zv, Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 13, 2022. Market data provided by Factset. We feel as though we have the perfect dates for both of our NASCAR Cup Series events.". an estimated 25,000 fans at the Coke Zero Sugar 400, which also takes place at Daytona. The superspeedway can hold over 101,000 people, which sets up the race to be the second-highest attended oval track racing event of the pandemic era behind last year's Indianapolis 500, which ran at 40% capacity with approximately 135,000 tickets sold. Information on ticketing and health and safety protocols can be found on the speedway website. The 2021 Daytona 500 had just 30,000 in attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time. Tyler Reddick (179.683) qualified 15th. Brad Keselowski: 35 career wins, 0-for-13 in Daytona 500. Daytona 500 Weekend Schedule Released Find Out the Practice, Qualifying and From 1995-2020, U.S. television ratings for the Daytona 500 have been the highest for any auto race of the year, surpassing the traditional leader, the Indianapolis 500 which in turn greatly surpasses the Daytona 500 in in-track attendance and international viewing; however, in 2021 the Indianapolis 500 surpassed the Daytona 500 in TV ratings . Hendrick Motorsports has had lots of speed in the Daytona 500, but hasn't had a winner since 2014. The fundamentals havent changed: The drivers are every bit as daring; the cars are just as fast. They may not know the difference between a lug nut and a walnut. Atlanta Motor Speedway has not released an official update on limited seating, but General Manager Brandon Hutchison said in a video released in December that the track expects to host fans in a "limited, socially distanced capacity" for the Cup race on March 21. Of course, he has our full support, and well provide any resources he needs. "It's going to be the largest sporting event that happens in the United States since COVID hit,", Fans at the Daytona 500 will mostly stay spread out in the grandstand, while all in attendance would also require. Have something to tell us about this article? or redistributed. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images). Policies can be found in the track's "Notice of Risk and Policies" document. Here's what we know about which tracks are hosting fans: Daytona International Speedway announced in December that attendance would be limited for NASCAR's main event Feb. 14 and all Speedweeks races that precede the 500, including the Clash, Duels and the Trucks and Xfinity races. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). The exhibition race features around 20 of the top drivers. While he was still spinning, Rowdy radioed to his new RCR team, "That was a Daytona 500-winning car.". Winds 20-30 mph. Johnson has been coaching his pal Travis Pastrana -- yes, the X Games and Nitro Circus demigod, who made it into his first Daytona 500. The new design includes composite bodywork that better resembles the production models the cars represent, plus larger wheels and tires, a fully independent suspension system and five-speed sequential transmission. While we unfortunately won't be able to have everyone here with us in 2021, your support and passion will still be felt in February. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). It's his only career victory, and he backed that up with a seventh-place finish one year ago. Xavier Institute of Communications. The Daytona 500 attendance in 2021 will be limited to just 21 percent of maximum capacity. However, fan attendance is still limited for the Cup race Feb 21. The speedway holds101,500 spectators, but officials announced in December there would be limited fans. 6-keys: media/spln/nascar/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. The NASCAR season-opening Clash race will be held on a temporary track built in the L.A. Of course, the COVID-19 virus is still lingering around like a stubborn blemish that refuses to go away. Bowman was in first grade. Sorry, NASCAR fans, if you don't have a ticket for this year's Daytona 500, you weren't quick enough. "It's better for our fans, partners and everyone involved with our event to have a little separation from the Daytona 500. NASCAR today is announcing that Daytona Int'l Speedway is completely sold out for this weekend's Daytona 500, which could see as many as 150,000 people on site. But how many fans are in attendance at the superspeedway in 2022 for the Daytona 500? Now its up tothe fans: They must follow the rules and do what they can to keep everyone safe. Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass reported that this year's precautions will include masks required for indoor spaces. As part of NASCAR's schedule realignment, the race at Homestead was pushed back one week to Feb. 28, and the track announced that it would host a limited number of fans.