The Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 is the biggest race in NASCAR. Stock cars zoom around a huge oval track in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is called the "Great American Race" and is watched by millions of fans every year.

The Race

The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile race on the Daytona International Speedway. The track is 2.5 miles around, so the cars drive 200 laps. Drivers can reach speeds of over 200 miles per hour.

Forty cars start the race. They drive very close together in groups called packs. Drafting is when a car follows closely behind another to go faster. Strategy and skill are just as important as speed. The race usually takes about three hours.

History of the Race

The first Daytona 500 was held in 1959. The finish was so close that it took three days to figure out who won! Since then, the race has had many exciting finishes and famous moments.

Legendary drivers like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon have all won the Daytona 500. The race is held every February and is the first big race of the NASCAR season.

Fun Facts

• Richard Petty has won the Daytona 500 seven times, more than anyone else.
• Cars in the Daytona 500 can go over 200 miles per hour.
• The first Daytona 500 in 1959 had a photo finish so close it took days to decide the winner.

Did You Know?

The Daytona International Speedway is so big that the entire infield could fit several football fields inside it!