The highly anticipated NASCAR season’s premier race is finally here. This afternoon, 40 drivers will take to the track at Daytona 500, each believing they have what it takes to emerge as the champion. However, only one will have their name forever etched in Daytona history. Daytona 500 is a race unlike any other, and despite the rain, the excitement and pressure surrounding the event remain tangible.
Daytona attracts a diverse range of fans, from casual to diehard, and it’s important to note that the field is filled with talented drivers. This sets the stage for what could be one of the most fiercely competitive Daytona 500 races in recent memory.
Let’s delve into the competitors, row by row, as they prepare for the 4:30 p.m. ET green flag.
ROW 1
Driver: Joey Logano
Winner of the 2015 Daytona 500
Car: No. 22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: Team Penske
What you should know: Logano is a skilled racer on superspeedways and isn’t afraid to make bold moves. He has exceptional control over his car and can dominate from the front or provide valuable assistance to others.
Driver: Michael McDowell
Winner of the 2021 Daytona 500
Car: No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: Front Row Motorsports
What you should know: McDowell has displayed impressive speed and comfort in his Ford Mustang this week. With his experience, he is aware of his surroundings and makes strategic moves to improve his chances of a strong finish.
ROW 2
Driver: Tyler Reddick
Car: No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE
Team: 23XI Racing
What you should know: Reddick showcased his skills by winning his Duel race on Thursday night. Although he hasn’t secured a superspeedway win in the Cup Series yet, it’s more a matter of circumstance than a lack of ability.
Driver: Christopher Bell
Car: No. 20 Toyota Camry XSE
Team: Joe Gibbs Racing
What you should know: Bell outperformed his teammate, Denny Hamlin, in his Duel race. With a fast car and a confident team, Bell has the potential to surprise many and secure a victory.
ROW 3
Driver: Chase Elliott
Car: No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
What you should know: Elliott has come close to winning the Daytona 500 in the past but has faced obstacles preventing him from sealing the deal. Despite this, he consistently performs well in the race and remains a strong contender.
Driver: Austin Cindric
Winner of the 2022 Daytona 500
Car: No. 2 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: Team Penske
What you should know: Cindric is a fearless driver who excels in drafting. He has the speed and confidence to make a significant impact in the race.
ROW 4
Driver: Alex Bowman
Car: No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
What you should know: Bowman has shown promise but struggles to finish strongly. However, he has the potential to turn things around and secure a top-10 finish.
Driver: Denny Hamlin
Winner of the 2016, 2019, and 2020 Daytona 500
Car: No. 11 Toyota Camry XSE
Team: Joe Gibbs Racing
What you should know: Hamlin is a favorite to win the Daytona 500. He is skilled in utilizing drafting and positioning himself for success. His strong performance in his Duel race only reinforces his chances of victory.
ROW 5
Driver: Carson Hocevar
Daytona 500 rookie
Car: No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: Spire Motorsports
What you should know: As a rookie, Hocevar faces no expectations. However, he has already shown promise in his short time in the Cup Series and has adapted well to the challenges. Hocevar has maintained a clean record throughout the week at Daytona.
Driver: John Hunter Nemechek
Car: No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE
Team: Legacy Motor Club
What you should know: Nemechek is getting a second chance in the Cup Series and is better prepared for the challenge. He works well with his Toyota teammates and is more likely to rely on teamwork rather than making bold moves on his own.
ROW 6
Driver: Erik Jones
Car: No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE
Team: Legacy Motor Club
What you should know: Jones is a former Daytona winner but has yet to secure a victory in the Daytona 500. He has shown great performance in his Duel and practice sessions, and his experience makes him a smart superspeedway racer.
Driver: Harrison Burton
Car: No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: Wood Brothers Racing
What you should know: Burton is a cautious driver who avoids trouble. If he manages to reach the end with his Ford teammates, he could be a dark horse contender for a solid start to the season.
ROW 7
Driver: Daniel Suarez
Car: No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: Trackhouse Racing
What you should know: Suarez has struggled in the Daytona 500, but he remains determined to improve his performance. While luck plays a significant role in the race, Suarez has the skills to excel in drafting.
Driver: Zane Smith
Car: No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: Spire Motorsports
What you should know: Smith possesses immense talent and has the potential for a successful rookie year in the Cup Series. As a former Daytona winner in the Truck Series, he understands the importance of clean and strategic racing.
ROW 8
Driver: Ty Gibbs
Car: No. 54 Toyota Camry XSE
Team: Joe Gibbs Racing
What you should know: Gibbs has the talent and speed to compete at the front of the pack. He is comfortable leading the race and working alongside his teammates in drafting.
Driver: Brad Keselowski
Car: No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: RFK Racing
What you should know: Keselowski has come close to winning the Daytona 500 but has yet to secure a victory. His speed and skill are unquestionable, and he enters the race with confidence and determination.
ROW 9
Driver: Kyle Larson
Car: No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
What you should know: Larson lacks a superspeedway win on his resume but continues to refine his skills. With a fast car, his decision-making will be crucial in positioning himself for success.
Driver: William Byron
Car: No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
What you should know: Byron hopes for better luck in the Daytona 500. Although his previous finishes have been less than ideal, he remains optimistic and eager for a breakthrough.
ROW 10
Driver: Chris Buescher
Car: No. 17 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: RFK Racing
What you should know: Buescher’s recent victory at Daytona in August boosts his confidence. With a fast car and a strategic mindset, he is a strong contender.
Driver: Chase Briscoe
Car: No. 14 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: Stewart-Haas Racing
What you should know: Briscoe has had mixed results in the Daytona 500, but he has shown promise with a top-five finish. While his race outcome remains uncertain, his Ford car gives him an advantage on the superspeedway.
ROW 11
Driver: Ross Chastain
Car: No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: Trackhouse Racing
What you should know: Chastain’s career is on an upward trajectory, and he continues to improve. He excels in drafting and consistently finishes within the top 10.
Driver: Justin Haley
Car: No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: Rick Ware Racing
What you should know: Haley’s switch to a Ford car for the Daytona 500 presents new opportunities. He is a skilled superspeedway drafter and has achieved success at Daytona in the Xfinity Series.
ROW 12
Driver: Jimmie Johnson
Winner of the 2006 and 2013 Daytona 500
Car: No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE
Team: Legacy Motor Club
What you should know: Johnson, though no longer a regular competitor, still possesses the skills to win. With a fast car and strategic teamwork, he could contend for victory.
Driver: Bubba Wallace
Car: No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE
Team: 23XI Racing
What you should know: Wallace has established himself as a strong superspeedway racer and has finished second in the Daytona 500 twice. A victory from him would not be surprising.
ROW 13
Driver: Ryan Preece
Car: No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: Stewart-Haas Racing
What you should know: Preece returns to Daytona after a harrowing experience in the summer race. Unfazed by the incident, he enters the race ready to put up a fight.
Driver: Kaz Grala
Car: No. 36 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: Front Row Motorsports
What you should know: Grala thrives in high-pressure situations and has built a career on determination. If given the opportunity, he will strike with precision.
ROW 14
Driver: Martin Truex Jr.
Car: No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE
Team: Joe Gibbs Racing
What you should know: Truex has experienced all the ups and downs of the Daytona 500 throughout his career. With his 20th attempt at victory, a win from him would be well-received.
Driver: A.J. Allmendinger
Car: No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: Kaulig Racing
What you should know: Allmendinger might not favor this style of racing, but his love for the Daytona 500 drives him. He possesses the skills to navigate the strategic aspects of a superspeedway race, as evidenced by his strong performance last year.
ROW 15
Driver: Corey LaJoie
Car: No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: Spire Motorsports
What you should know: LaJoie sees Daytona as an opportunity to showcase his abilities. He fearlessly maneuvers his fast car and isn’t afraid to take risks.
Driver: Josh Berry
Daytona 500 rookie
Car: No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: Stewart-Haas Racing
What you should know: Berry’s rookie season begins at the Daytona 500. While he possesses talent, the team’s recent struggles may affect his results. Nonetheless, Berry has the potential to surprise.
ROW 16
Driver: Todd Gilliland
Car: No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: Front Row Motorsports
What you should know: Gilliland has experienced unfortunate crashes in his two previous Daytona 500 races. While speed isn’t an issue, luck will play a significant role for him.
Driver: Ryan Blaney
Car: No. 12 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: Team Penske
What you should know: Blaney has found success at Talladega but has yet to secure a Daytona victory. With a fast car and three top-three finishes in the Daytona 500, he remains a favorite.
ROW 17
Driver: Austin Dillon
Winner of the 2018 Daytona 500
Car: No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: Richard Childress Racing
What you should know: Dillon’s Daytona results have been inconsistent, but his performance remains strong. He excels in speed and drafting, resulting in varied finishes.
Driver: Kyle Busch
Car: No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: Richard Childress Racing
What you should know: Busch is a sentimental favorite, having accomplished everything in NASCAR except winning the Daytona 500. It’s now up to fate to choose him as the winner.
ROW 18
Driver: Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Winner of the 2023 Daytona 500
Car: No. 47 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: JTG Daugherty Racing
What you should know: Stenhouse is known for his aggressive driving style on superspeedways, which has both helped and hindered him. However, if he manages to stay in the race till the end, he is likely to be in contention for a top-10 finish.
Driver: Riley Herbst
Car: No. 15 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: Rick Ware Racing
What you should know: Herbst enters the Daytona 500 with the momentum from a strong finish in the Xfinity Series. He consistently performs well and doesn’t push beyond his limits.
ROW 19
Driver: Daniel Hemric
Car: No. 31 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: Kaulig Racing
What you should know: Hemric’s performance in superspeedway races has been inconsistent. While he may not draw much attention, he could capitalize on the misfortune of others.
Driver: Noah Gragson
Car: No. 10 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: Stewart-Haas Racing
What you should know: Gragson returns to the Cup Series, eager to prove himself once again. With a fast car and a bit of luck, he could find himself in contention at the end of the race.
ROW 20
Driver: Anthony Alfredo
Car: No. 62 Chevrolet Camaro
Team: Beard Motorsports
What you should know: Alfredo and his team have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Despite the uphill battle, Alfredo’s talent and the performance of his ECR engine could make a difference.
Driver: David Ragan
Car: No. 60 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Team: RFK Racing
What you should know: Ragan came close to winning the Daytona 500 in 2011 and understands the intricacies of superspeedway racing. With a fast car and strong teamwork, he has the potential to make a significant impact.
2024 ©
In the year 2024, a significant event occurred in the world of sports. This event captivated the attention of sports enthusiasts and left a lasting impact on the industry. The details of this event are still fresh in the minds of those who witnessed it, as it showcased the true essence of competition and athleticism.
The event took place on a grand stage, drawing in a massive crowd of spectators from all corners of the globe. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and excitement. Fans eagerly awaited the start of the event, knowing that they were about to witness history in the making.
The participants in this event were some of the most talented athletes in their respective fields. They had dedicated countless hours to perfecting their skills and honing their craft. Each one brought their unique style and technique to the competition, making it a truly exhilarating experience for both the athletes and the audience.
As the event unfolded, spectators were treated to a display of extraordinary athleticism and sportsmanship. The athletes pushed themselves to their limits, showcasing their strength, agility, and mental fortitude. Every move and every decision made during the event had the potential to make or break their chances of success.
Throughout the event, there were moments of triumph and moments of defeat. Athletes celebrated their victories with jubilation, while others experienced the heartbreak of coming up short. However, regardless of the outcome, every participant demonstrated unwavering determination and a true passion for their sport.
The event concluded with a sense of awe and admiration from the audience. The memories created during this event will be etched in the minds of those who witnessed it for years to come. It served as a reminder of the power of sports to unite people and inspire greatness.
In conclusion, the year 2024 brought forth an unforgettable event in the world of sports. It showcased the incredible talent and dedication of athletes from around the world. This event will forever be remembered as a testament to the indomitable spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence.
