DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

AdventHealth's Palm Coast area facilities host a career expo for job seekers at the Daytona International Speedway Sept. 7 and 8.

Washington Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. was shot during an attempted robbery or carjacking, the NFL team said Sunday night. The 23-year-old was taken to a hospital with what the team called non-life-threatening injuries. (Aug. 29)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — Austin Dillon avoided a massive wreck in the rain to win at Daytona International Speedway and snag a playoff spot in the Cup Series’ regular-season finale Sunday. Blaney finished seven spots behind Truex in the race but three points ahead in the standings. That allowed Austin Dillon, who started the day 19th in points, to essentially steal a playoff spot. Blaney started the day third in points and had the best chance of landing one of the two postseason spots up for grabs. That created a second open spot at Daytona, where 15 guys entered the day with postseason hopes.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Fans revved up for Sunday’s rescheduled NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero 400 regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway saw a new look at the ticket office -- a special tribute to a longtime employee. >> Read more trending newsOn Thursday, speedway officials named the ticket office after Juanita “Lightnin’” Epton, according to a news release. Welcome to the Lightnin’ Epton Ticket Office 🌟Having worked here for every #DAYTONA500 since the Speedway opened, we’re happy to celebrate and honor our favorite co-worker, Juanita “Lightnin” Epton! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/fhv5raoQtN — Daytona International Speedway (@DAYTONA) August 25, 2022“I have no intention of retiring,” Epton told WFTV when she turned 101 last year. Daytona International Speedway’s “Lightnin’ Epton Ticket Office” Unveiled, Honoring 102-Year-Old Legendary, Inspirational and Beloved Staff Member Juanita “Lightnin’” Epton https://t.co/4ZUXppoVuv — NASCAR News from Speedway Digest (@sdraceupdates) August 26, 2022“Lightnin’” was born on July 15, 1920, in Mississippi, according to online records.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — The NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway was rained out Saturday night and rescheduled for Sunday. The 400-mile race, the regular-season finale that will decide the last two playoff spots, will now begin at 10 a.m. EDT. If there’s another new winner Sunday, whoever ends the race with more points between Blaney and Truex would advance. This will be the third summer race at Daytona in recent years delayed a day. NASCAR officials moved the Daytona summer race from July to August in 2020 partly in hopes of avoid summer thunderstorms.

The NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway was rained out Saturday night and rescheduled for Sunday.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — Jeremy Clements won a crash-filled Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway early Saturday for his second career victory and first since 2017. His win came after two multicar melees in overtime and gave Clements an automatic — and unexpected — berth in the postseason. Hill looked poised to sweep both Xfinity races at Daytona, but his car seemed to have fuel and electrical issues during the final caution. Clements' first win in 164 races was about being in the right place at the right time. Sheldon Creed, vying to make the postseason, was involved in a multicar accident on lap 83 and knocked out of the race.

Jeremy Clements won a crash-filled Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway early Saturday for his second career victory and first since 2017.

It’s going to be a busy and action-packed weekend for Central Florida’s coast.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Afternoon storms are forecast to stick around this weekend, but don’t let that spoil your plans. If you’re still looking to make plans, here are nine things to do this weekend in Central Florida:• 1) Races in Daytona BeachThousands of race fans will pack Daytona International Speedway starting Friday. Watch: Daytona prepares for thousands of race fans ahead of Coke Zero-Sugar 400From on-track to off, we’ve got a big #CokeZeroSugar400 weekend planned for y’all 👍➡️ https://t.co/IVpo24Y6Ks pic.twitter.com/8XVRixnrOx — Daytona International Speedway (@DAYTONA) August 25, 2022• 2) Orlando’s Magical Dining returnsVisit Orlando’s Magical Dining is returning for its 17th year. For 2022, Magical Dining will feature 102 restaurants. • 5) Orlando Literary ExpoThis literature event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Keselowski has crashed eight times in his last 11 starts at the superspeedway and finished worse than 30th six times. So maybe Keselowski should feel confident heading into Saturday night’s regular-season finale, where the 2012 Cup Series champion and 14 others are vying for the final two playoff spots. We just need everything to align to make it happen.”In his first year as a driver/owner at Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, Keselowski needs a victory to make the postseason for the 10th consecutive year. Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. are the only drivers who haven't yet locked up playoff spots and can make it without winning at Daytona. It’d be quite a story.”Blaney needs 31 points to clinch a playoff spot and could do it during the race.

Brad Keselowski likes his chances at Daytona International Speedway.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Thousands of race fans will pack Daytona International Speedway starting Friday. Read: Florida residents plead guilty in scheme to sell Biden’s daughter’s diaryThe speedway will host the Wawa 250 race Friday night, and Saturday night’s Coke Zero-Sugar 400. The speedway grandstand can hold more than 100,000 fans. Photos: Daytona prepares for thousands of race fans ahead of Coke Zero-Sugar 400Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Daytona prepares for thousands of race fans ahead of Coke Zero-Sugar 400Track officials haven’t said how many tickets they’ve sold so far. Watch: Orange and Volusia counties to recount primary votes FridayThey said the suites at the speedway are sold out, and in-field camping sales are up from last year.

23XI Racing on Thursday withdrew the medical waiver that was holding Busch's spot in the playoffs. "In addition to not being cleared to return to racing, I know that I am not ready to be back in the car." Ty Gibbs, the 19-year-old grandson of Joe Gibbs, has replaced Busch since he was injured. Busch earned his spot in the playoffs with a win at Kansas Speedway in May and, had he not been injured, NASCAR's 2004 champion would have participated in the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season. “Toyota’s priority for Kurt Busch since the moment the accident took place at Pocono has been his health and recovery.

Heavy metal monsters Gwar will be making a stop in Orlando on their Black Death Rager world tour.

The Florida Department of Transportation is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies this week to crack down on speeding.

NASCAR Noah Gragson Auto Racing FILE - Noah Gragson prepares on pit road for the NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. The star Xfinity Series driver for JR Motorsports is in the spotlight again for all the wrong reasons: the poor choices he’s making on track that are slowing Gragson’s career progression. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) (John Raoux)NASCAR on Wednesday penalized Noah Gragson for a deliberate and dangerous crash he caused in the Xfinity Series race at Road America. The NASCAR Hall of Famer and co-owner of the JR Motorsports team Gragson has represented since 2019 was surprised NASCAR didn't immediately penalize his driver. "I think that NASCAR doesn’t want to over-officiate the races, but I think in some situations there’s some things that do cross over a line.

VIDEO: Daytona International Speedway getting ready to kick off first-ever Soccer Fest Daytona International Speedway getting ready to kick off first-ever Soccer FestVOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Thousands of people are expected to pack into the Daytona International Speedway this weekend for the first-ever Daytona Soccer Fest. Crews are fast at work to transform the infield of the speedway into a legitimate soccer field. READ: Red Hot & Boom celebrating 25 years this weekend after pandemic hiatusThe fest is expected to draw more than 10,000 fans each day. Daytona Soccer Fest is one component of a busy weekend for hotels in Daytona as they manage fans for Soccer Fest, a dance competition and the Fourth of July weekend. Gates for Soccer Fest open at noon Saturday.

DAYTONA Soccer Fest is coming to Daytona International Speedway for Independence Day weekend.

SONOMA, Calif. — (AP) — NASCAR's preseason Clash race is rolling back to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2023. NASCAR said Sunday it will return the exhibition race to the Southern California sports landmark next season. The Clash took place on a temporary 0.25-mile track inside the venerable Coliseum. The upcoming race likely will take place shortly after the 100th birthday of the Coliseum, which opened in January 1923. The Coliseum, which has hosted two Olympics and the first Super Bowl, is still the home of the USC Trojans football team.

Runners carrying the torch for the Special Olympics made a pit stop at the world famous Daytona International Speedway.

Are you ready to rock ‘n’ roll?

Welcome to Rockville (Welcome to Rockville)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — It’s almost time to rock. Welcome to Rockville starts Thursday at Daytona International Speedway. The music festival spans four days, from May 19 to 22, and includes more than 80 music acts. READ: Orlando Fringe festival kicks off this week with new partnership announcementThe event is America’s largest rock festival. To see the full lineup and purchase tickets to the festival, click here.

This memorial day weekend, tens of thousands of veterans will be honored at Daytona International Speedway during the Heroes Honor Festival.

News 6 has five pairs of tickets to give away to its Insiders.

The Daytona International Speedway will be hosting the 32nd Spring Daytona Turkey Run starting Friday through Sunday.

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.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The national staffing shortage crisis is affecting airline travel and causing ticket prices to climb. One projection shows the U.S will need 34,000 more pilots over the next three years. “It is noticeable when we have our career days and all of the companies come and talk to us,” Hallem said. WATCH: Confusion, misinformation abound over new trucker training rulesAcross the country, airlines are facing a pilot shortage. Even still, the supply of new pilots isn’t keeping up with demand.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — (AP) — Zane Smith came inches away from winning the Truck Series opener in regulation. Forced to try again in overtime, Smith held on in a two-lap sprint to win at Daytona International Speedway. The race would have been over had Smith crossed under the white flag before the caution lights flashed; instead the field was frozen for nearly 20 minutes to clean the mess off the track before overtime. His timing was again impeccable as Smith reclaimed the lead and make it past the white flag. John Hunter Nemechek was racing Smith for the win when his Toyota was damaged.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bubba Wallace revisits his role in the national racial reckoning in an upcoming Netflix documentary.

Michael McDowell opened the first Daytona 500 practice session with a top speed of 192.736 mph.

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.

Busch Light Clash features numerous firsts in made-for-TV event in unlikely venue: the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum.

LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Joey Logano won the exhibition Busch Light Clash on a temporary quarter-mile track built inside Memorial Coliseum for a made-for-TV spectacular intended to hype NASCAR's upcoming season. NASCAR moved the Clash to Los Angeles from Daytona International Speedway, its only home since its 1979 inception, as part of a focused effort to break from its dated traditions via innovative big ideas. A handful of Los Angeles sporting greats served as the grand marshals, and Jeff Gordon lit the cauldron built for the 1932 Summer Olympics before the race began. The name of the race was the same, but everything else about the 42nd running of The Clash was different. Nothing learned in Los Angeles will transfer into the Feb. 21 season-opening Daytona 500, but the race was the first for NASCAR's new car.

Castroneves climbed the fence for the third time this calendar year Sunday after earning another crown jewel victory, this time a second consecutive win in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The Brazilian closed out the race for Meyer Shank Racing, the team that helped him win a record-tying fourth Indianapolis 500 last May. Castroneves denied Wayne Taylor Racing a fourth consecutive win at Daytona International Speedway, where he of course climbed the fence with his team in celebration. The win for Michael Shank came on the 10th anniversary of Shank's first victory in North America’s most prestigious sports car race. Shank grabbed both Castroneves and Pagenaud to help his fulltime IMSA sports car drivers Olivier Jarvis and Tom Blomqvist win the 60th running of the Rolex.

Among those still in contention were Wayne Taylor Racing, seeking a record fourth consecutive Rolex win, and Meyer Shank Racing on the 10th anniversary of its victory. The two Chip Ganassi Racing “star cars” both had mechanical issues that eliminated the Cadillacs from racing for the win. The 60th running of North America's most prestigious sports car race featured 12 drivers from the IndyCar Series and several in contention for victory. Herta helped the DragonSpeed entry come from four laps down back into contention for class victory. Jarett Andretti started from the pole and was hoping to score the class win on the two-year anniversary of his father's death from colon cancer.

“With temperatures being so low, I assume there's a chance that maybe we can have some ice on the track,” said Derani of Action Express Racing. Kamui Kobayashi, a two-time Rolex winner and reigning World Endurance Champion, charged to an early lead in the No. 48 Cadillac that is fielded by Action Express in partnership with Hendrick Motorsports. 02 car and right behind Dixon eight hours into the race, with Conway and Action Express running third. “You think endurance racing you should get a ton of laps and ton of time in the car, but you don't," said Johnson.

Helio Castroneves scored his third crown jewel victory in a calendar year when he closed out the Rolex 24 at Daytona to give team owner Michael Shank his second win in North America's most prestigious sports car race.

Testing sites across Central Florida are seeing long lines as the holidays wrap up and the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues surging throughout the state.

The percent positivity rate through Dec. 25 was 11.77%. Hospitalizations and deaths remain low.

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.

Welcome to Rockville, a four-day hard rock and heavy metal music festival, announced on Wednesday some of the acts for its 2022 event.

Her band apologized on her behalf. But now Sophia Urista is coming clean.

As the old saying goes, when you gotta go, you gotta go. But does it have to go down on stage during a concert?

Welcome to Rockville, a four-day rock festival, kicks off its 10th edition at a new home in Daytona Beach from Nov. 11-14.

Coca-Cola announced Monday it has bought full control of sports drink maker Bodyarmor for $5.6 billion, making it the company's largest acquisition to date.

Daytona International Speedway is joining the race to end COVID-19 at its new testing site, according to a press release.

Daytona Beach police are gearing up for the city’s 29th annual Biketoberfest.

Police in Georgia say former NASCAR driver John Wes Townley was shot to death in a dispute that involved a hatchet after showing up at a house occupied by his estranged wife and another man.

It was a busy Tuesday morning inside the Daytona International Speedway, though there were no races.

Tyler Reddick finished fifth in the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale Saturday night and secured the final spot in the 16-car postseason field.

Ryan Blaney won for the second consecutive week when the race Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway ended under caution in overtime with a typical fiery finish.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Thousands of race fans packed into the Daytona International Speedway for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 race on Saturday. It was the first time since the beginning of the pandemic that the capacity at the speedway was not capped. Races at the speedway had been limited to just 25% capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “They’re selling full capacity, but I waited until a couple days ago to buy the seats,” said Reggie Osenton. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Office Raynor honored at Daytona Fallen Daytona Beach police officer Jason Raynor will be honored during race weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Officer Jason Raynor’s memorial was moved earlier this week from the Daytona Beach police headquarters to One Daytona in Victory Circle near the Jantzen Girl, the police department said. READ: Daytona Beach police officer Jason Raynor dies after being shot in the headThe vehicle will be on display throughout the entire weekend of races at Daytona International Speedway. See video below:READ: Community pays respects to Daytona Beach Officer Jason Raynor during funeral processionJD Motorsports racers will also honor Raynor at this weekend’s races by having his name displayed on four race cars. READ: ‘Heart of gold’: Who is Jason Raynor, the Daytona Beach police officer shot in the head?

Daytona Beach police have moved the memorial for a fallen officer to One Daytona near Daytona International Speedway ahead of this weekend's race.

Speedway leaders said they’ve been monitoring the COVID-surge and been in touch with the local health department.

Nothing says Florida like NASCAR and an American alligator.

A dump truck hit several vehicles near the Daytona International Speedway, causing traffic delays, according to the Daytona Beach Fire Department.

The Daytona International Speedway is hosting one of five hiring events starting Thursday for the Wawa 250 and Coke Zero Sugar 400 races at the end of August.

A man was killed and a woman was hurt when a motorcycle crashed into a car near the Daytona International Speedway, police say.

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.

Flagler Palm Coast High School and Matanzas High School return to the Ocean Center for their graduation ceremonies, as before the pandemic.

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,...

The Coke Zero Sugar 400 will be held at the Daytona International Speedway with 100% capacity.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Daytona International Speedway is ready to welcome fans back in a big way. It announced Friday there would be no capacity restrictions for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 this August. It’s a big change from last year, when only 25% of those seats were filled because of COVID-19 restrictions. READ: Florida reports nearly 2,300 COVID-19 cases as Fauci discusses timeline for normalcy“We are ready to welcome fans back,” said Frank Kelleher, president of Daytona International Speedway. He said they still have not decided if masks or temperature checks will be required.

Former NASCAR driver Eric McClure died Sunday at the age of 42.

From intern to president, Frank Kelleher has climbed to one of the highest rungs on the Daytona International Speedway ladder.

Christopher Bell celebrates at the finish line after winning the NASCAR Cup Series road course auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)HOMESTEAD, Fla. – NASCAR’s postseason landscape has been altered after just two Cup Series races. “The number of unique winners is really going to change how many cars get in on points, right? Although Bell drives for powerhouse Joe Gibbs Racing, he was a rookie for that top team and in his second full season in the Cup series. The Cup Series opened on a superspeedway, then raced on a road course, and now heads to an intermediate track. Whether that’s different markets, different racetracks, it has to be different from year to year.

It was the very first NASCAR national series race for Ty Gibbs, who jumped two steps from ARCA to Xfinity for his debut. Ty Gibbs is the second-youngest winner in Xfinity Series history. But as his grandson crossed the finish line, his glasses fogged and he hugged a Joe Gibbs Racing team member. JGR has yet to announce a full 2021 schedule for Ty Gibbs, but his grandfather said the details are decided by Coy Gibbs. They picked the Daytona road course for his debut because Ty Gibbs finished second here in last year's ARCA race.

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.

Toni Breidinger made history as the first Arab-American female driver to compete in a NASCAR national series after she made her debut at Daytona International Speedway over the weekend. "As soon as I got into a go-kart for my first time, I was like, 'I want to be a race car driver,'" she said. In 2020, she finished fourth in the Carolina Pro Late Model Series with racing team DLP Motorsports. Throughout the season, Breidinger – who joined the Young's Motorsports racing team earlier this month – will compete in the ARCA Menards Series stock car competition and NASCAR's pickup truck competition, the Camping World Truck Series. She'll be driving a Chevrolet SS car for the ARCA Mernards Series and a Chevrolet Silverado for the Camping World Truck Series.

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.

“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.

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.

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.”

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.

Blaney had chased down Elliott on the road course at Daytona International Speedway to take the lead with two laps remaining in Tuesday night's 35-lap Speedweeks opener. Elliott, winner of NASCAR's last four road course races dating to 2019, didn't let Blaney pull away and set himself up for one final chance at the win. This year's running was the first time on Daytona's road course, a plan announced before the 2020 season began. Elliott won the inaugural Daytona road course race. NASCAR will run the road course again on Feb. 21 in a points-paying event.

AdventHealth's drive-thru coronavirus testing site at Daytona International Speedway will close Thursday, less than a month after opening, according to hospital officials. AdventHealth will phase out drive-thru testing sites over the next two weeks in Central Florida as the state and local businesses reopen, according to a press release. Coronavirus testing will continue to be available with a doctor's order at CentraCare locations and for patients at AdventHealth hospitals, according to the release. Since opening the first drive-up testing location at Daytona International Speedway on April 9, AdventHealth tested more than 18,000 people. AdventHealth will cover the cost of those who are uninsured at the community drive-up testing sites.

The adapted ceremony will take place at the Daytona International Speedway on May 31, for seniors at both Flagler-Palm Coast and Matanzas high schools. Instead of walking across the stage this year to receive their diplomas, high school graduates in the Flagler County school district will be driving across the finish line at the Daytona International Speedway in May an adjustment forced by the coronavirus pandemic. [CORONAVIRUS: Florida high school seniors might miss graduation farewells]The district announced Friday that both Flagler high schools will have ceremonies on May 31. "When presented with the offer from Daytona International Speedway, the soon-to-be graduates were excited at the prospect of taking a victory lap as they end this chapter of their lives." This story originally published to news-journalonline.com, and was shared to other Florida newspapers in the USA TODAY Network - Florida.

Flagler Palm Coast High School and Matanzas High School seniorsthe Class of 2020, battered by three hurricanes and the coronavirus emergencywill have their graduation ceremonies after all, in person, on time, and in the most unique ways imaginable. The event will be restricted to one car per graduate, with the graduates family in that car, so additional visitors will not be permitted. But utilizing the Speedway, well never have that opportunity again, and were just over the moon that the International Speedway stepped up reached out and offered their facility. Graduating at Daytona International Speedway is beyond anything I ever could have imagined when we started talking about alternate graduations, Perez said. Thats happening across the country in colleges and high schools.

AdventHealth coronavirus drive-thru testing sites in Flagler and Volusia counties will now be open from 9 a.m. to noon. Starting Monday, AdventHealths drive-thru coronavirus testing sites at the Daytona International Speedway and Daytona State Colleges Palm Coast campus will operate from 9 a.m. to noon, according to a press release. To date, more than 15,000 people have been tested at AdventHealth drive-up testing sites in Central Florida, according to the release. On April 9, AdventHealth opened the first coronavirus testing site in Volusia County at the Daytona International Speedway. Last weekend, the Palm Coast site closed to make improvements and expand testing in partnership with AdventHealth.

As usual, for information about the coronavirus, call the Florida Coronavirus Hotline at 866-779-6121 or visit floridahealthcovid19.gov. The drive-through process takes about 3 minutes and test results are taking at least 4-5 days on average. Tests results are communicated back to the patients primary care doctor, who notifies the patient of the results. Flagler Health+ is also offering a reduced rate of $25 for people to see a doctor online who may not have a primary care doctor. Collection is being treated as an urgent care doctors visit and clients must bring a photo ID and insurance card.

In an effort to increase availability of Covid-19 testing in Florida, AdventHealth will offer 500 or more drive-up tests at Daytona International Speedway starting at 9 a.m. Friday, the company announced today in a release. The effort has been led by the health care system and AdventHealth Centra Care with partners such as Daytona International Speedway. The drive-up testing location is accessed through Daytona International Speedways NASCAR Drive entrance at the intersection with One Daytona. We are proud to partner with AdventHealth on this important community initiative, Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile said. We are very grateful for the efforts of the Daytona International Speedway and AdventHealth in this endeavor.

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.

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.

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.

All tickets for the Daytona 500, NASCARs premiere race, will be honored Monday at Daytona International Speedway. 4:45 p.m. UpdateHeavy rain has caused NASCAR to throw the first yellow flag and second red flag of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. 4:20 p.m. UpdateThe Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway has gone green after a short rain delay. 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.

President Donald Trump is at the pre-race festivitiets at the Daytona 500. 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!" He says Daytona 500 drivers are competing for "Pure American glory." [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.