Daytona 500 Start Time, Schedule, Lineup and How to Watch
What Time Does the Daytona 500 Start
The Daytona 500 usually begins at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Pre race coverage often starts hours earlier on race day.
If weather threatens Daytona Beach, officials adjust the green flag time. Always confirm the latest update before race start.
When Is the Daytona 500
The race takes place in mid February each year. NASCAR schedules the event as the opening race of the Cup Series season.
Fans treat the Daytona 500 as the sport’s biggest single day event. Attendance often exceeds 100,000 at Daytona International Speedway.
Daytona 500 Schedule
- Practice sessions during race week
- Qualifying rounds to set the front row
- Duel races to finalize the field
- Main event on Sunday afternoon
You should review the full NASCAR weekend schedule if you plan to watch multiple sessions.
Daytona 500 Starting Lineup
The starting lineup forms through single car qualifying and Duel races. The two fastest drivers lock in the front row. Remaining spots depend on Duel race finishes and owner points.
Check the official NASCAR site on race day for the complete grid with car numbers and team details.
Daytona Weather Forecast
Daytona Beach weather plays a major role. Rain causes delays. Lightning triggers safety holds. Wind affects drafting strategy.
Typical February conditions:
- High temperatures in the 60s or 70s Fahrenheit
- Chance of passing showers
- Variable coastal winds
Track drying takes time. A weather delay often pushes the finish into the evening.
Where to Watch the Daytona 500
Television coverage in the United States airs on FOX.
If you stream:
- Sling TV offers FOX in select markets
- Other live TV streaming services carry FOX depending on your location
- NASCAR apps provide live timing and radio coverage
Before subscribing to Sling, confirm FOX appears in your local channel lineup.
What You Should Do Before Race Start
- Confirm start time in your time zone
- Check for start time changes due to weather
- Review the starting lineup
- Verify your streaming access
- Monitor Daytona weather updates
Preparation avoids missing the green flag.
About Daytona
Daytona International Speedway is a 2.5 mile tri oval in Daytona Beach, Florida. The track features steep banking in the turns. Drafting defines race strategy. Multi car packs run inches apart at high speed.
The Daytona 500 spans 200 laps. Total distance reaches 500 miles. Stage breaks add strategy shifts and pit stop pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Daytona 500 today
The green flag usually drops at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Check official updates for changes.
Has the Daytona 500 start time changed
Weather delays shift the schedule. NASCAR announces adjustments on race day.
Where can you watch the Daytona 500
FOX broadcasts the race in the United States. Sling offers access if FOX appears in your local package.
How is the starting lineup decided
Qualifying sets the front row. Duel races finalize the remaining positions.
Where is the Daytona 500 held
The event takes place at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.