DAYTONA 500

NASCAR Talladega Auto Racing NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) sits on the pole for the Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, Saturday, April 23, 2022, in Talladega, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) (Butch Dill)TALLADEGA, Ala. — (AP) — Christopher Bell won the pole at Talladega Superspeedway by turning the fastest lap as the final driver to qualify on Saturday. Bell bumped his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Martin Truex Jr. from the top spot with a lap at 180.928 mph in his Toyota. Truex qualified second at 180.652 mph to give JGR the front row for Sunday's race. Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI but driver for JGR, qualified seventh as Toyota grabbed four of the top seven starting spots. For Bell, it was the second pole of his Cup career and gave JGR its first lockout of the front row at Talladega.

Richard Childress to donate ammunition DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18; Team owner Richard Childress speaks to the media during a press conference after the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images/Getty Images)NASCAR Hall of Fame owner Richard Childress announced Wednesday that he will donate 1 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine to help people in that country with their fight against Russia. “I need ammunition, not a ride,” he is said to have responded. They need ammunition,’” Childress said in an interview on Wednesday morning. 1 priority.”Childress said that he will be working with a private company to get the ammunition to Ukraine as quickly as possible.

IMAGESPassersby gather at the site of an Iranian fighter jet crash in a residential area of the northwestern city of Tabriz. The jet smashed into a school, killing two crew members and a passerby, according to authorities.

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Austin Cindric drove his brand new NASCAR ride to victory in the Daytona 500 on team owner Roger Penske’s 85th birthday.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — Austin Cindric drove his brand new NASCAR ride to victory in the Daytona 500 to celebrate team owner Roger Penske’s 85th birthday. WATCH: More than 100K race fans pack into sold out Daytona 500Cindric drove a masterful race at Daytona International Speedway and the Ford drivers synched their strategy all week, then executed their plan to perfection Sunday night. The blue oval drivers pushed each other over 500 miles and were bunched together for the final restart in overtime. WATCH: Sold out Daytona 500 set to bring an economic overdrive to Daytona Beach businessesA crash behind them brought out the caution and Cindric was ruled the leader and the winner. Wallace finished second for the second time in his career in the Daytona 500 and was followed by a trio of Ford drivers in Chase Briscoe, Blaney and Aric Almirola.

Austin Cindric drove his brand new NASCAR ride to victory in the Daytona 500 on team owner Roger Penske’s 85th birthday.

It was only the eighth Cup Series start for Cindric.

Kaz Grala and Justin Haley both lost tires within about 10 minutes early in the 2022 Daytona 500. Fans weren't happy.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The green flag is set to drop on the Daytona 500 on Sunday. WATCH: Sold out Daytona 500 set to bring an economic overdrive to Daytona Beach businessesForty drivers are looking to score the trophy for the 500-mile race. More than 100,000 people will be at this year’s sold-out Daytona 500. Photos: More than 100K race fans pack into sold out Daytona 500Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 More then 100K race fans pack into sold out Daytona 500Daytona International Speedway president Frank Kelleher said the race sold out a month early for the first time in 14 years. READ: NASCAR revs up at Daytona with new car, new teams, new lookDenny Hamlin is one of the favorites to win Sunday’s race.

NASCAR revs up at Daytona with new car, new teams, new lookDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — Brad Keselowski knew his father was losing his battle with cancer when he promised him he’d win last year’s Daytona 500. I said, ‘Dad, we’re going to win the Daytona 500,’” Keselowski said. After a Hendrick Motorsports rout in the Daytona 500 time trials, the Ford fleet has shown to be race ready. — Jacques Villeneuve, the former Formula One champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, will make his first Daytona 500 start for European startup Team Hezeberg. FanDuel lists both three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and reigning NASCAR champion Kyle Larson as the 19-2 race favorites.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Tens of thousands of people are heading into Daytona Beach for this year’s sold-out Daytona 500. The race this Sunday is expected to bring more than 100,000 people to Volusia County. Photos: Sold out Daytona 500 set to bring an economic overdrive to Daytona Beach businessesExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Sold out Daytona 500 set to bring an economic overdrive to Daytona Beach businessesThe Daytona International Speedway has also been hosting its Speedweeks events all week long in the lead-up to the “Great American Race.”READ Speedweek races into Daytona Beach starting Tuesday, police offer tips to avoid trafficSome local hotel owners said they have been sold out almost all week. Daytona International Speedway president Frank Kelleher said the race sold out a month early for the first time in 14 years. Gibbs gets top ride on grandfather’s teamAnd more people will be coming to Daytona Beach in the coming weeks as Bike Week, Spring Break, Rockville and summer vacations are all just around the corner.

Over 101,000 people are pouring into Daytona Beach this week for the sold-out Daytona 500 Sunday.

ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando man has claimed the top prize of $1 million in the Florida lottery’s “The Fastest Road to $1,000,000″ scratch-off game. Officials said Rodriquez purchased his winning ticket from the 7-Eleven store in the 5600 block of Hansel Avenue in Edgewood. READ: Mother finds child left behind in locked Florida daycare centerThe retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning ticket. “The Fastest Road to $1,000,000″ is a $30 game that launched in February 2020. It features 155 top prizes of $1,000,000 and over $948 million in cash prizes, officials said.

I said, ‘Dad, we’re going to win the Daytona 500,’” Keselowski said. And, after a Hendrick Motorsports rout in Daytona 500 time trials, the Ford fleet has shown to be race ready. — Jacques Villeneuve, the former Formula One champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, will make his first Daytona 500 start for European startup Team Hezeberg. And, on Sunday, Jusan Hamilton will become the first Black race director to call the Daytona 500 in its 64th running. FanDuel lists both three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and reigning NASCAR champion Kyle Larson as the 19-2 race favorites.

The NASCAR season opens with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, where more than 120,000 spectators are expected to watch reigning Cup champion Kyle Larson lead the field to green.

Get ready to break the ice: SeaWorld’s Ice Breaker coaster is opening this weekend! Otronicon will take place at the Orlando Science Center through Monday. The city will host its 8th Annual Sanford Mardi Gras from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. To learn more about the event, click hereThe Orlando Solar Bears will take on the Indy Fuel at the Amway Center on Saturday. If you’re interested in learning more about the event, click here.

The team is now Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, and Keselowski drives its flagship No. But the win in the first of two 150-mile qualifying races means Keselowski has a fast Daytona 500 car. Then Buescher won the second duel, a victory earned after Joey Logano wrecked on the final lap as he attempted to block a Buescher move for the win. Floyd Mayweather Jr. will make his NASCAR debut Sunday when The Money Team Racing starts the Daytona 500. Roush had won a Daytona qualifier only once before, in 2012 when Matt Kenseth won both the short race and then the 500.

NASCAR Daytona 500 Auto Racing Brad Keselowski celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the first of two NASCAR Daytona 500 qualifying auto races at Daytona International Speedway, Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — Brad Keselowski drove his new team to victory lane Thursday night in a Daytona 500 qualifying race. The team has been rebranded Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing and Keselowski now drives its flagship No. But the win in the first of two 150-mile qualifying races means Keselowski has a fast Daytona 500 car. Floyd Mayweather Jr. will make his NASCAR debut on Sunday when The Money Team Racing starts the Daytona 500. Grala had to be the highest finisher among the “open” teams and got Mayweather into the Daytona 500 with an 18th-place finish.

Brad Keselowski has won his first race as owner of his team.

His Ford had needed three tries to pass NASCAR inspection and just hours before Wednesday night's time trials, Villeneuve had written off his chances in the first round of qualifying. But everyone knew the Hendrick cars were going to lock down the front row in time trials; Hendrick had the three fastest cars and four of the fastest five. Villeneuve was in one of the six cars vying for those one of the spots and locked himself into his first Daytona 500 by beating the other five open teams. Villeneuve just last week explained why a 50-year-old world champion would show up at Daytona with a brand new team. But after earning a spot in the Daytona 500 — Villeneuve missed the race 14 years ago in his only other attempt to run “The Great American Race” — he didn't particularly think he'd done anything special.

Jacques Villeneuve has qualified for the Daytona 500.

If you’re heading to Daytona Beach for the Daytona 500, why not make a stay of it and get out and explore the area.

Country music star Trace Adkins will sing the national anthem and Hall of Fame cornerback Charles Woodson is the grand marshal for Sunday’s sold-out Daytona 500.

The Daytona 500’s green flag that will wave in front a sold-out crowd on Sunday. There are no longer any options for reserved frontstretch seating,...

The Daytona International Speedway will see a sold-out crowd this weekend for the 64th annual Daytona 500.

Villeneuve will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 this week for a new European start-up team. Villeneuve tried to make the Daytona 500 in 2008 but failed to qualify. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File) (Darron Cummings)Jacques Villeneuve tried 14 years ago to race the Daytona 500 to add to his storied racing resume. “The Daytona 500 is one of the three big races on the planet,” Villeneuve said. He drives for the team in Europe alongside the younger Hezemans and agreed to help with the Daytona 500 effort.

Jacques Villeneuve will attempt to make the Daytona 500 through qualifying next week.

Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Martha Earnhardt NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Sr. kisses his mother, Martha Earnhardt, before the start of the 1981 Daytona 500 stock car race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images, File)Family members said Sunday that Martha Earnhardt, the matriarch of the famed Earnhardt racing family, died the evening of Christmas, WSOC-TV reported. >> Read more trending newsShe was 91, according to NASCAR.com. “She was not just the matriarch to our family, but she was the matriarch to multiple generations of race fans.”>> Read more on WSOCTV.comHer death came weeks after the passing of her youngest son, Danny Earnhardt Sr., WSOC reported. Martha Earnhardt is survived by her daughters, Kaye and Cathy, according to WSOC.

NASCAR 23XI Kurt Busch Auto Racing FILE - In this July 18, 2021, file photo, Kurt Busch smiles at a NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Loudon, N.H. Busch will drive next season for 23XI Racing, the NASCAR team owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, in a long expected expansion move for the first-year organization. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) (Charles Krupa)CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (AP) — Kurt Busch will drive next season for 23XI Racing, the NASCAR team owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, in a long expected expansion move for the first-year organization. Seeing the number compete again, under the 23XI Racing banner, with Kurt behind the wheel, is exciting for us. Both Hamlin and Busch are qualified for the 10-race playoffs, while Hamlin is racing for the regular season title Saturday night. Ganassi in July announced he was selling his two-car NASCAR team to Trackhouse Racing, and Trackhouse kept Ross Chastain for its second seat.

Kurt Busch will drive next season for 23XI Racing, the NASCAR team owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan.

The Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and the Daytona 500 each made the USA Today “10Best Readers’ Choice” list of best races in North America.

IndyCar Road America Ware Auto Racing FILE - Cody Ware gets ready for a NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race practice session at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., in this Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, file photo. Ware will make his IndyCar debut at Road America this weekend driving a car for Dale Coyne Racing that has an association with Ware's father. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) (John Raoux)ELKHART LAKE, Wis. — (AP) — Josef Newgarden has earned the pole position for Sunday’s IndyCar race at Road America as he attempts to help Team Penske earn its first win of the season. Newgarden had a fastest lap of 1 minute, 46.0186 seconds on a road course that extends just over 4 miles and features 14 turns. Magnussen is a replacement for Felix Rosenqvist, who won at Road America last year but was injured in a crash last week at Detroit.

Josef Newgarden has earned the pole position for Sunday’s IndyCar race at Road America as he attempts to help Team Penske earn its first win of the season.

Tickets for the 64th Annual Daytona 500 taking place Presidents Day weekend in 2022 are now on sale.

The Daytona International Speedway announced plans to return to full capacity in time for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on August 28. The night-time race,...

Roger Penske doesn’t want a repeat of the Daytona 500, when teammates Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski took each other out racing for the win on the final lap.

Larson wasn't sure he'd race in NASCAR again until Rick Hendrick took a chance on a him. Last weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Larson raced to his first NASCAR victory since he was reinstated from a nearly yearlong suspension. He was hired by Hendrick Motorsports when NASCAR said the suspension would lift at the start of this year. KEEP IT COOLLast year's spring race in Phoenix was a hot one, with temperatures pushing close to 90 degrees. ... Jason Biggs, host of “Cherries Wild” on NASCAR broadcast partner Fox, is the grand marshal.

Allmendinger will run his first Cup race since the 2018 season finale in Kaulig's first Cup race not at a superspeedway. The longshot Daytona 500 win earned McDowell his first playoff berth and FRM now is positioned to build a once unthinkable cushion. This road course race was added to NASCAR's schedule in December because COVID-19 restrictions would not allow a stop at Fontana, California. AdThe Daytona road course was wedged into the open slot, creating two weekends of very different racing that very much suits Furniture Row. Dillon missed the Cup race in August because he'd received a positive COVID-19 test.

(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A truce has yet to be called in the Team Penske camp amid friction following the last lap Daytona 500 crash between teammates Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski. To me, the biggest heartbreak of this whole thing is that there are 400 people at Team Penske asking where their Daytona 500 bonus is and it’s up in a ball of flames up in turn three.”Three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin bristled at Logano's deflection. The Daytona crash belied Roger Penske's edict that his drivers are permitted to race one another hard so long as they don't wreck. That’s a great problem to have.”It remains to be seen how Keselowski chooses to work with Logano going forward. Logano, also a Cup champion and the 2015 Daytona 500 winner, doesn't have the same job security concerns.

Michael McDowell, driver of the #34 Love's Travel Stops Ford, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2021 in Daytona Beach,The rain just keeps hurting NASCAR's top event. Sunday's 2021 Daytona 500, impacted by a nearly six-hour rain delay, attracted an average of 4.83 million viewers, Fox Sports has confirmed to CNBC. It marks the lowest-viewed Daytona 500 in the history of the race. Last year's Daytona 500 also suffered through a rain delay, which moved the event to a second day. The 2019 and 2018 races averaged roughly 9 million viewers, but that was down from over 11 million viewers the race averaged in 2017 and 2016.

Daytona Beach, Florida — Somebody had to make a move to win the Daytona 500, and maybe Michael McDowell would have pulled out of traffic to take his shot at a monster upset. It was the journeyman's first career NASCAR Cup Series win in his 14th season, notes CBS Sports. "Such a great way to get a first victory - a Daytona 500. Denny Hamlin was trying for a record third-consecutive Daytona 500 victory, and the team he started with Michael Jordan was debuting with driver Bubba Wallace. "I wanted to make the pass to win the Daytona 500 and it ended up really bad," Keselowski said.

Daytona Beach, Florida — Somebody had to make a move to win the Daytona 500, and maybe Michael McDowell would have pulled out of traffic to take his shot at a monster upset. It was the journeyman's first career NASCAR Cup Series win in his 14th season, notes CBS Sports. "Such a great way to get a first victory - a Daytona 500. Denny Hamlin was trying for a record third-consecutive Daytona 500 victory, and the team he started with Michael Jordan was debuting with driver Bubba Wallace. "I wanted to make the pass to win the Daytona 500 and it ended up really bad," Keselowski said.

Bubba Wallace checks his helmet before the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bubba Wallace ran into trouble early and late in his first Daytona 500 driving for Michael Jordan. He still came out of NASCAR's marquee race with another milestone, becoming the first Black driver to lead a lap in the Daytona 500. Wallace dipped to the low line late in the second stage to grab the lead on lap 129 in the No. Wallace got caught up in a fiery, chaotic last lap and finished 17th in a race won by Michael McDowell. Wallace had a solid first two-thirds of the rain-delayed race at Daytona International Speedway after a tumultuous start in Jordan's debut race.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Michael McDowell was glued to Brad Keselowski’s bumper, watching and waiting for his chance to win the Daytona 500. Denny Hamlin was trying for a record third-consecutive Daytona 500 victory, and the team he started with Michael Jordan was debuting with driver Bubba Wallace. Kyle Larson was back after nearly a year in exile for using a racial slur, and reigning Cup champion Chase Elliott was going for his first Daytona 500 win. And all the way at the back of the field, 1990 Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope made what he said would be his final NASCAR start. “I wanted to make the pass to win the Daytona 500 and it ended up really bad,” Keselowski said.

Racers crash during the last lap in the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Latest on the Daytona 500 (all times local):12:35 a.m.Brad Keselowski has no regrets about the way he handled the final lap of the Daytona 500. ___12:15 a.m.Michael McDowell won the Daytona 500 after Penske Racing teammates Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski wrecked on the final lap. ___3:25 p.m.Derrike Cope was knocked out after only three laps, an ignominious end for the 62-year-old driver who won the 1990 Daytona 500. ___2 p.m.Bubba Wallace’s car failed inspection twice for the Daytona 500 and will have to start at the back of the field. AdWallace drives a new entry owned by NBA great Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin.

Heavy rain soaked the track early, though, prompting officials to shift gears before the Xfinity Series opener later Saturday. An ARCA series race also was scheduled for the middle of the day. According to News 6 meteorologists, there will be a chance for a stray showers leading up to the start of the race Sunday. AdThat front pushes south by 4 or 5 p.m. and storms will be possible again for the end of the race. According to the National Weather Service in Daytona, weather has only impacted the Daytona 500 three times in the last decade.

“Whether there’s 100 people or just the four of us, we’re still going to have fun.”The diehard Browns fans brought the party to them. In the middle of a pandemic that has killed more than 480,000 people in the U.S., the carousing was more casual than crazy this week at Daytona as race day approached. NASCAR went down this road last season when Bristol had about 22,000 fans for its All-Star race last July. The mood is in stark contrast to last year when NASCAR fans were revved for then-President Donald Trump’s visit. The majority had never been to a NASCAR race.

Austin Cindric celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Austin Cindric launched his bid for a second consecutive Xfinity Series title with a victory in Saturday night's season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Cindric makes his Cup Series debut Sunday in the Daytona 500. “What a way to start the season,” Cindric said. Cindric won the Xfinity Series debut on Daytona’s road course last August as well as a rallycross event early in his career. The 22-year-old has this final season in Xfinity before moving next year to Cup to drive for Penske-supported Wood Brothers Racing.

Heavy rain soaked the track early, though, prompting officials to shift gears before the Xfinity Series opener later Saturday. An ARCA series race also was scheduled for the middle of the day. “I'm fine without it,” said 2017 Daytona 500 winner Kurt Busch. Ad“I’m still confident in the backup car the guys brought us," said Byron, adding that it's the car he drove to victory lane at Daytona last August to slip into the playoffs. ..."Obviously, we didn’t want to go to a backup car, but I think we’re still in a really good place for the 500.

“If you’re asking me if this is a retirement video, I’m leaving it open for interpretation,” Busch told The Associated Press on Saturday. Ad“Who gets to go and take a NASCAR car to Key West at 200 mph,” Busch asked. Gronkowski partied in victory lane when Busch won the 2017 Daytona 500 and the fellow Monster athlete says: “Don’t do it, man! Don’t retire!” Busch lives in South Florida near Vanilla Ice, the “Ice, Ice, Baby” rapper who pulls up next to the Chevy and gets caught up in smoke from a burnout. Whether this was a true retirement video, simply a marketing ploy for the energy drink or even a negotiating tactic for another contract remained unclear.

“I think we proved as an industry last year that track time was a little overrated," said David Wilson, head of Toyota Racing Development. Heavy rain soaked the track early, though, prompting officials to shift gears before the Xfinity Series opener later Saturday. An ARCA series race also was scheduled for the middle of the day. “I'm fine without it,” said 2017 Daytona 500 winner Kurt Busch. ..."Obviously, we didn’t want to go to a backup car, but I think we’re still in a really good place for the 500.

Even so, officials think this will be the largest in-person sporting event since the start of the pandemic. Hotel rooms usually sell out quickly during race week, giving a huge boost to local mom and pop resorts, like Perry’s Ocean Edge. She said the shop poured several thousand dollars into merchandise to stock up for this weekend, usually their busiest sales weekend of the year. She said customers have told her this week they’re making a point to visit the smaller shops this year, too. “A lot of the small local businesses in town, we’ve provided them some assets for them to put out in their restaurants and bars,” he said.

ORLANDO, Fla. – An unsettled weather pattern will bring the chance for rain and storms back to Central Florida for the weekend. Weekend setupSaturday stormsBehind the storms Saturday morning, most of the rest of the day will be on the drier side with just a few exceptions. AdFuture radar Saturday eveningSunday stormsAnother round of storms, a few potentially strong, will come back into the picture Sunday. A round of rain looks to move through Central Florida early Sunday morning. The unsettled weather with the potential for a few stronger storms continues Monday.

Austin Dillon (3) takes the checkered flag to win the second NASCAR Daytona 500 duel qualifying auto race Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The 40 drivers competing in the 2021 Daytona 500, in order of starting position:___No. This is his 20th Daytona 500; he was hired days after Earnhardt's death. Son of two-time Daytona 500 champion and Hall of Fame driver Bill Elliott. Finished a career-best seventh in the 2017 Daytona 500, but has been 27th, 28th and 19th since. McLeodBORN: Nov. 17, 1983AdHOMETOWN: Wauchula, FloridaCREW CHIEF: Frank KerrSPONSOR: NASCAR HeatsTWITTER: @bjmcleod78NOTEWORTHY: Owner-driver racing in his third Daytona 500.

Drivers and crew members seek shelter under umbrellas as rain falls before the second of two qualifying NASCAR auto races for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)Orlando, FLA. – With rain expected this race weekend, some might think “it always rains on the Daytona 500.” But is that truly the case? According to the National Weather Service in Daytona, records show weather impacted the race only three times in the past decade. This will usher in unsettled weather with the chance for off and on rain both Saturday and Sunday. Daytona 500 ForecastThe race is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Sunday. This weather could mean a few rounds of rain delays throughout the race.

48 team will ideally use Saturday's final two practice sessions to determine if the engine can make it 500 miles on Sunday. “We think the engine is OK, but we're undecided just yet,” said Knaus, who won the NASCAR title seven times as a crew chief. AdHendrick Motorsports suffered another blow when William Byron was involved in a crash in his qualifying race that destroyed his Chevrolet. Hendrick will now have only one car at the front of the Daytona 500 field — maybe none if Bowman's engine is deemed too risky not to change. The pole-sitter has not closed out a Daytona 500 victory since Dale Jarrett in 2000.

Start your engines: NASCAR readies for Daytona 500, new season As NASCAR prepares for Sunday’s Daytona 500 – its biggest race of the year – they are transitioning from a challenging season that saw the rise of COVID-19 and the confrontation of racial inequity. Mark Strassmann reports.

Alex Bowman and William Byron were slated to lead the Daytona 500 field to green but that's in danger following Thursday night's qualifying races. Byron was collected in a crash in the second Duel and it ruined his Chevrolet. AdAustin Cindric and Kaz Grala both earned their first berths into the Daytona 500 by claiming the two available transfer positions in the Duels. He was the leader on the final lap of the second Duel until Dillon crossed to Wallace’s inside and inched ahead. “We’ve got an incredible race car and I can’t wait for the Daytona 500.”

“I guess someone got into Dale because Dale got into me and then we went up,” Schrader said. We’ve lost Dale Earnhardt,” Helton said. The death of Earnhardt left NASCAR reeling in the wake of a 2000 season in which three of its young stars were killed in separate accidents. All three died of the same type of head injuries that apparently killed Earnhardt. “The only reason I won this race is Dale Earnhardt,” Waltrip said.

Alex Bowman and William Byron swept the front row Wednesday night in qualifying for the Daytona 500, giving Hendrick its 14th pole and sixth in the last seven years. “Here it really just comes down to who built the fastest race car. It’s the fourth consecutive year Bowman will start from the front row, but he's got a completely new look this time. Only the front row was set Wednesday, the first time Daytona 500 qualifying has been held at night under a condensed Speedweeks schedule. “My motto is, ‘No more excuses.’”Hamlin, who is trying to become the first driver to win three consecutive Daytona 500s, was 12th.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bubba Wallace sent Michael Jordan to the top of scoring pylon in the first Daytona 500 practice session for their new team and the first overall for NASCAR in more than 300 days. Wallace was selected as the driver in the first season of a new team that brought Jordan into NASCAR as a team owner. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing, perhaps a promising sign he could be a force in the Daytona 500. NASCAR sets the front row for the Daytona 500 in Wednesday night’s qualifying session. His runner-up finish in the 2018 Daytona 500 was the best finish by a Black driver in the race.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona 500 Speedweeks starts this week and in 2021, the races and events will look different because of the coronavirus pandemic but many hope it will still drive a boost for the local economy. This year’s Daytona 500 won’t fill the stands with 101,000 people like normal. However, it’s not just Daytona Beach seeing a boost. “Volusia County accommodations throughout see a bit of a bump from all the events at the speedway,” said Lori Campbell Baker, executive director at the Daytona Beach Area Visitors Bureau. Baker said the 500 is the best free advertising and could help get visitors back in Volusia even in a pandemic.

New NASCAR team Trackhouse Racing has brought entertainer Pitbull on as an ownership partner for an organization making its debut next month at the Daytona 500. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso, File)VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – From Mr. Worldwide to the Daytona 500 Grand Marshal, Pitbull says he’s ready to bring energy to the racetrack. It’s an honor to be named the Grand Marshal for the 63rd DAYTONA 500. @NASCAR https://t.co/zmphbAdhK4 — Pitbull (@pitbull) February 1, 2021“Unity at its finest,” he wrote. Embracing the excitement of NASCAR, as Grand Marshal Pitbull will give the command for drivers to prepare to race.

NASCAR will attempt some normalcy at the season-opening Daytona 500 with a live pre-race concert featuring country music star Luke Combs. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)CHARLOTTE, N.C. – NASCAR will attempt some normalcy at the season-opening Daytona 500 with a live pre-race concert — the first big performance at a track during the pandemic — featuring country music star Luke Combs. Born in Charlotte but raised in Asheville, Combs made NASCAR races a weekly viewing staple alongside his grandfather. “If you would’ve told me back then that I’d be performing at the Daytona 500 one day, I wouldn’t have believed you,” said Combs, a longtime fan of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Live music is a way for us to be able to disconnect from everything else, and just be there in the moment,” Combs said.

New NASCAR team Trackhouse Racing has brought entertainer Pitbull on as an ownership partner for an organization making its debut next month at the Daytona 500. Mr. Worldwide joins NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan as celebrity owners entering NASCAR this year. Pitbull has become an ownership partner in new NASCAR team Trackhouse Racing, set to make its debut next month at the Daytona 500. “NASCAR racing is about pushing boundaries; for the Trackhouse Racing team, that means more than just winning on the race track,” Marks said. “Pitbull is an iconic talent in the music industry and has tremendous passion for NASCAR racing.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – In preparation for the Daytona 500 in 2021, the Daytona International Speedway is hiring for a variety of positions to work at the major racing event. The speedway is hiring guest services positions, including ushers, ticket takers, information booths and tram drivers. [TRENDING: Animal nearly severs woman’s arm at Carole Baskin’s rescue | CDC: Avoid travel to Mexico | Brightline targets 2022 for OIA station]To increase its workforce during Daytona Speedweeks events, including the 59th Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 63rd annual Daytona 500, the speedway will host hiring events at the facility. Below is a list of dates and times:Thursday, Dec. 3, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 5, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Tuesday, Jan. 5, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.Saturday, Jan. 9, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Tuesday, Jan. 12, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.mInterested applicants can enter Speedway property at the intersection of NASCAR Drive and International Speedway Boulevard and park in front of the Axalta Injector. Officials earlier this week said there will be limited fans at the Daytona 500 due to the coronavirus.

Daytona International Speedway announced Wednesday it will be limiting the number of fans allowed in the stands for The Great American Race next year. 📰: https://t.co/9cEIKinY8Y pic.twitter.com/ZSTM13Jra3 — Daytona International Speedway (@DISupdates) December 2, 2020The speedway did not make it clear how many spectators will be allowed in the stadium. Fans who plan to still attend events don’t have to take any further action, according to Daytona International Speedway. “The fans at (the) track and at home create the energy of The Great American Race. 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, " Daytona International Speedway said on Twitter.

FILE - In this Feb. 14, 2020, file photo, Kyle Larson gets ready to climb into his car to practice for the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. NASCAR on Monday, Oct. 29, 2020, cleared Larson to return in 2021, ending his long suspension for using a racial slur while playing a video racing game. Larson was suspended in April after he used the n-word while playing an online racing game in which viewers could follow along. (AP Photo/Terry Renna, File)

FILE - In this Feb. 16, 2020 file photo Jimmie Johnson climbs intp his car before the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. NASCAR seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson will test an Indy car next week on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Hes long said he is open to racing in the series but did not want to compete on ovals out of safety concerns. On Friday, July 3, 2020, he indicated recent safety improvements have softened his stance and the Indianapolis 500 is not entirely out of the picture. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)NASCAR driver Ryan Newman has been cleared to return to racing. Back in February, he was involved in a fiery crash in the last lap of the Daytona 500. He was hospitalized for two days with non-life threatening injuries. Newman says he plans to return to the racetrack and will be back in the seat of his No.

6 Ford Mustang while recovering from what he described as basically like a bruised brain.[READ MORE: Daytona 500: Ryan Newman suffered head injury, no internal injuries in crash][READ MORE: Ryan Newman in serious condition after horrific Daytona 500 crash]Takes time for it to heal, he said. I was knocked out, there was a point where I dont remember a part of the race. If you look at the crash, its spectacular in a bad way, right? If you look at the car afterwards, you think about all the things that happened right for me to sit here.As for his eventual return to racing, Newman could offer no timetable. As soon as I possibly can.And why would a racer get back in the cockpit after such a death-defying accident?

In his first official interview since his Feb. 17 crash in the Daytona 500, Ryan Newman told NBCs Today Show that his amazing survival was "just a miracle on so many levels." "Thankful to so many people for prayers, for all the things that went into me being safer in that situation." Newman walked out of Daytona Beachs Halifax Hospital just two days after his horrific crash on the 500s final lap. [READ MORE: Daytona 500: Ryan Newman suffered head injury, no internal injuries in crash][READ MORE: Ryan Newman in serious condition after horrific Daytona 500 crash]"Takes time for it to heal," he said. As for his eventual return to racing, Newman could offer no timetable.

This radical departure from Speedweeks past can be viewed as a harbinger for the remaining 2021 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, which is expected to be released in April. NASCAR officials have suggested big swings with the schedule beginning next season as competitors move to the seventh generation ("Gen-7") of a NASCAR stock car. The recent popularity of NASCAR road-course racing among race fans was a key ingredient to changing the Clash format. "The interest in road-course racing across our fan base is something we are all paying attention to," Wile said. "We know how passionate our viewers are about both Daytona International Speedway and road-course racing," said Brad Zager, who is Fox Sports executive producer.

News 6/360: President Trump’s historic Daytona 500 lap; SpaceX’s journey to launching humansPublished: February 28, 2020, 10:52 amFrom a historic lap around the Daytona International Speedway to one company’s plan to launch humans to space from U.S. soil, this week’s episode of News 6/360 covers a few topics every Central Floridian should know about.

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Ryan Newman says he suffered a head injury in his crash on the last lap of the Daytona 500 but did not disclose details. [RELATED: Ryan Newman released from hospital days after fiery crash at Daytona 500 | Safety improvements likely saved Ryan Newman’s life at Daytona 500]“We do not have a timetable for Ryan’s return. I can tell you that his timetable is that he wants to be back as soon as possible,” Newmark said. Newman released a statement read by Newmark. "I did sustain a head injury for which I’m currently being treated.”Newman said he was grateful for the support of people around the country after the crash.

LAS VEGAS Ryan Newman said he suffered a head injury in his crash on the last lap of the Daytona 500 but did not disclose details in a statement from the driver read before Sunday's race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I did sustain a head injury for which I'm currently being treated," Newman wrote in a statement. Newman walked out of the Daytona Beach hospital roughly 42 hours later appearing unscathed and holding hands with his two young daughters. Newmark opened the news conference by reading Newman's lengthy statement, which began with an apology from the driver for not being in Las Vegas. 6 Ford on Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as Newman's streak of 649 consecutive starts dating to the 2002 season opener comes to an end.

Ryan Newman said he suffered a head injury in his crash on the last lap of the Daytona 500, but did not disclose further details in a statement from the driver read before Sunday's race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I did sustain a head injury for which I'm currently being treated," Newman wrote in a statement. Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, and Corey LaJoie, driver of the #32 RagingBull.com Ford, crash during the last lap of the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Newman walked out of the Daytona Beach hospital roughly 42 hours later appearing unscathed and holding hands with his two young daughters. Newmark said NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton arrived at the hospital Monday night moments after the Roush representatives did.

LAS VEGAS Ryan Newman said he suffered a head injury in his crash on the last lap of the Daytona 500 but did not disclose details in a statement from the driver read before Sunday's race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I did sustain a head injury for which I'm currently being treated," Newman wrote in a statement. Newman walked out of the Daytona Beach hospital roughly 42 hours later appearing unscathed and holding hands with his two young daughters. Newmark opened the news conference by reading Newman's lengthy statement, which began with an apology from the driver for not being in Las Vegas. 6 Ford on Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as Newman's streak of 649 consecutive starts dating to the 2002 season opener comes to an end.

LAS VEGAS Ryan Newman said he suffered a head injury in his crash on the last lap of the Daytona 500 but did not disclose details in a statement from the driver read before Sunday's race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I did sustain a head injury for which I'm currently being treated," Newman wrote in a statement. Newman walked out of the Daytona Beach hospital roughly 42 hours later appearing unscathed and holding hands with his two young daughters. Newmark opened the news conference by reading Newman's lengthy statement, which began with an apology from the driver for not being in Las Vegas. 6 Ford on Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as Newman's streak of 649 consecutive starts dating to the 2002 season opener comes to an end.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Ryan Newman was released from the hospital Wednesday with his two daughters by his side, days after he was involved in a fiery crash at the Daytona 500. On Wednesday, Roush Fenway Racing tweeted out the photo of Newman leaving Halifax Health Medical Center shortly before 2 p.m.[RELATED: Ryan Newman in serious condition after fiery Daytona 500 crash | Ryan Newman not only driver to end Daytona 500 with upside-down wreck]Hours earlier, the stock car organization posted an update showing Newman in his hospital gown beaming with his two girls. [RELATED: Ryan Newman awake, speaking with family after fiery crash at Daytona 500 | Safety improvements likely saved Ryan Newman’s life at Daytona 500]Newman’s Ford went airborne Monday night in the final moments of the Daytona 500, flipping several times before it skidded upside down on the track with bright orange sparks and flames trailing behind it. Halifax Health's Trauma Services Medical Director, Dr. Danny Jazarevic said that whether or not the Daytona 500 was taking place up the street, their trauma facility is always prepared. “Just like Mr. Newman, and we wish him all the best and I can hardly wait to see him on the circuit again!

NASCAR driver Ryan Newman has been released Wednesday from the hospital days after a terrifying crash during the final lap of Daytona 500. Ryan Newman Continues Great Improvement pic.twitter.com/xIZRiaRApi Roush Fenway (@roushfenway) February 19, 2020Newman was leading Monday's race when he was hit from behind by Ryan Blaney. The impact sent Newman's Ford into the outer wall, causing it to flip over and skid along the track on its roof for some distance. Here is the final lap of the Daytona 500 in which Ryan Newman's car was flipped at the line. This is Hamlin's second Daytona 500 win in a row and third overall.

Then Newman's car angled back into traffic, creating the most violent and frightening wreck at Daytona since the death of Dale Earnhardt in 2001. Here's what we know:Race-winner Denny Hamlin gave Blaney a huge shove that pushed him toward leader Newman and caused Blaney's car to wobble. "We pushed Newman there to the lead and then we got a push from (Hamlin). The impact caused Newman's car to flip onto its roof and then its side. Newman's car again landed on its roof and skidded past the finish line to a stop, spewing sparks and fuel that caused a fire.

Then Newman's car angled back into traffic, creating the most violent and frightening wreck at Daytona since the death of Dale Earnhardt in 2001. Here's what we know:Race-winner Denny Hamlin gave Blaney a huge shove that pushed him toward leader Newman and caused Blaney's car to wobble. "We pushed Newman there to the lead and then we got a push from (Hamlin). The impact caused Newman's car to flip onto its roof and then its side. Newman's car again landed on its roof and skidded past the finish line to a stop, spewing sparks and fuel that caused a fire.

Ryan Newman was involved in a crash during the final lap of the Daytona 500 on Monday, sending his car flipping into the air. Here is the final lap of the Daytona 500 in which Ryan Newman's car was flipped at the line. Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, flips over as he crashes during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Monday, February 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Safety crews respond to a wreck involving Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, after the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Monday, February 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Florida. This is Hamlin's second Daytona 500 win in a row and third overall.

Then Newman's car angled back into traffic, creating the most violent and frightening wreck at Daytona since the death of Dale Earnhardt in 2001. Here's what we know:Race-winner Denny Hamlin gave Blaney a huge shove that pushed him toward leader Newman and caused Blaney's car to wobble. "We pushed Newman there to the lead and then we got a push from (Hamlin). The impact caused Newman's car to flip onto its roof and then its side. Newman's car again landed on its roof and skidded past the finish line to a stop, spewing sparks and fuel that caused a fire.

DAYTONA BEACH President Donald Trumps turn around the tri-oval of Daytona International Speedway on Sunday was, for many fans and supporters, a highlight of a day theyll long remember. [TIMELINE: Trump at the Daytona 500]Congressman Michael Waltz, who officially invited Trump to the Daytona 500, experienced the event from a unique vantage point. Also aboard the flight: Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner and Brian France, former CEO of NASCAR, who had endorsed Trump in 2016. "I saw (President Trump) inside the car and I saw Melania as she got outside the car," Costello said. Waltz also got a few minutes to speak with Trump on Air Force One after departing Daytona Beach.

The Daytona 500 was scheduled to resume Monday after "The Great American Race" was postponed for just the second time in 62 years. Rain halted the event at just 20 laps, with pole-sitter Ricky Stenhouse Jr. out front the entire way at Daytona International Speedway. Trump was just the second sitting president to attend the Daytona 500, and first to be given a pre-race role. The last postponement was in 2012, and that was the first time in Daytona 500 history the race was not completed as scheduled. Monday marks the third time the Daytona 500 will be run on Presidents Day, the other two in 1959 and 1970.

Ryan Newman was involved in a crash during the final lap of the Daytona 500 on Monday, sending his car flipping into the air. Here is the final lap of the Daytona 500 in which Ryan Newman's car was flipped at the line. Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, flips over as he crashes during the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Monday, February 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Safety crews respond to a wreck involving Ryan Newman, driver of the #6 Koch Industries Ford, after the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Monday, February 17, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Florida. This is Hamlin's second Daytona 500 win in a row and third overall.

The Daytona 500 was scheduled to resume Monday after "The Great American Race" was postponed for just the second time in 62 years. Rain halted the event at just 20 laps, with pole-sitter Ricky Stenhouse Jr. out front the entire way at Daytona International Speedway. Trump was just the second sitting president to attend the Daytona 500, and first to be given a pre-race role. The last postponement was in 2012, and that was the first time in Daytona 500 history the race was not completed as scheduled. Monday marks the third time the Daytona 500 will be run on Presidents Day, the other two in 1959 and 1970.

The Daytona 500 was scheduled to resume Monday after "The Great American Race" was postponed for just the second time in 62 years. Rain halted the event at just 20 laps, with pole-sitter Ricky Stenhouse Jr. out front the entire way at Daytona International Speedway. Trump was just the second sitting president to attend the Daytona 500, and first to be given a pre-race role. The last postponement was in 2012, and that was the first time in Daytona 500 history the race was not completed as scheduled. Monday marks the third time the Daytona 500 will be run on Presidents Day, the other two in 1959 and 1970.

Feb 16, 2020; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; President Donald Trump the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY SportsWASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump attended the wedding on Sunday of one of his top aides, immigration hardliner Stephen Miller, to Vice President Mike Pences spokeswoman, Katie Waldman. The wedding took place at the Trump International Hotel, a few blocks from the White House. Miller has largely led Trumps efforts to crack down on legal and illegal immigration to the United States. Miller has largely taken the lead in advocating for those and other efforts to tighten U.S. immigration policies during Trumps tenure.

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump ride in a presidential limousine as they take a pace lap ahead of the start of the Daytona 500 NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, February 16, 2020. Saul Loeb/Pool via REUTERSDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Reuters) - President Donald Trump took a loop around the Daytona 500 racetrack on Sunday in the presidential limousine known as The Beast, drawing cheers from fans at NASCARS most prestigious race. After his motorcade made its way around part of the track, Trump took a break to take pictures with supporters. After being driven a full lap in the limo before the race began, Trump delivered the opening line: Gentlemen, start your engines at the Daytona International Speedway before a crowd of 100,000. Trump plans a fundraising swing and political rallies in Western states this week.

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump exit Air Force One as they arrive to the NASCAR Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S., February 16, 2020. REUTERS/Erin ScottDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Reuters) - President Donald Trump made a showy entrance at the Daytona 500 on Sunday, riding in his limousine on the speedway track after flying over the cheering crowd aboard Air Force One ahead of NASCARS most prestigious race. After his motorcade made its way round part of the track, Trump took a break to take pictures with supporters. Previous presidents who have attended NASCAR events at the speedway include Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Trump plans a fundraising swing and political rallies in western states later this week.

President Donald Trump is at the pre-race festivitiets at the Daytona 500. 4:10 p.mAir Force One with President Donald Trump, the first lady and others aboard took off from Daytona Beach International Speedway about 11 minutes before a rain delayed Daytona 500 got the green flag. 3:16 p.m.President Donald Trumps limousine leaves the track after a lap leading the Daytona 500 field before the 62nd running of the race at Daytona International Speedway. 3:07 p.m.President Donald Trump give the starting command for the Daytona 500: "Gentlemen start your engines!" [READ MORE: President Trump to give command to start engines at Daytona 500]1 p.m.Air Force One majestically circled Daytona International Speedway to cheers from fans.

Thousands of NASCAR fans are arriving at Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 500 that starts at 3:18 p.m. today. 2:35 p.m. Update DAYTONA BEACH -- President Donald Trump spoke to Daytona 500 fans at Daytona International Speedway. 2:30 p.m. Update President Donald Trump flew by Daytona International Speedway then landed at Daytona Beach International Airport today just before 1 pm. Lines formed early and long at Daytona International Speedway as the Speedway prepares for the arrival of President Donald Trump. Earnhardt credited Speedway President Chip Wile for bringing him to the Speedway in new and different roles each year since he retired.

Thousands of NASCAR fans are arriving at Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 500 that starts at 3:18 p.m. today. 3:35 p.m. Update The 62nd Daytona 500 has been red-flagged at Daytona International Speedway before a sellout crowd. 2:35 p.m. Update President Donald Trump spoke to Daytona 500 fans at Daytona International Speedway. 2:30 p.m. Update President Donald Trump flew by Daytona International Speedway then landed at Daytona Beach International Airport today just before 1 pm. Lines formed early and long at Daytona International Speedway as the Speedway prepares for the arrival of President Donald Trump.