The 2025 NASCAR Daytona Schedule

The 2025 NASCAR Daytona Schedule

Posted on by Max Clark

The 2025 NASCAR Daytona schedule is set to ignite the season with high-speed action, legendary races, and an atmosphere that captures the essence of motorsports. The schedule kicks off the NASCAR season with a blend of thrilling races, fan engagement, and the biggest race of them all—the Daytona 500. Here’s an overview of the 2025 NASCAR Daytona schedule and what to expect from this exhilarating week of racing.

Key Events of the 2025 Daytona Schedule

The 2025 Daytona schedule features a lineup of must-watch events that set the stage for the NASCAR season. Here are a few of the key dates and races that will dominate Speedweeks at Daytona:

Pre-Season Thunder (January 7-9, 2025): The season kicks off with Pre-Season Thunder, a series of test sessions where teams take their cars onto the track to prepare for the challenges ahead. These sessions are crucial for teams to fine-tune their setups, experiment with new car configurations, and gather data that will be vital for the Daytona 500.

Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum (February 9, 2025): While not held at Daytona, the Clash marks the first competitive race of the NASCAR season. This unique exhibition race takes place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and features a select field of top drivers. It’s a short, fast-paced event that often serves as a prelude to the intense racing that will unfold at Daytona.

Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth (February 13-22, 2025): Speedweeks is the heart of Daytona’s schedule, featuring a packed lineup of races, practice sessions, and qualifying events that lead up to the Daytona 500. During Speedweeks, fans are treated to nearly two weeks of nonstop racing action.

The Daytona 500 (February 23, 2025): The centerpiece of the NASCAR season, the Daytona 500 is more than just a race—it’s a cultural phenomenon and the most prestigious event in stock car racing. This 500-mile spectacle is the season opener for the NASCAR Cup Series and draws millions of viewers from around the world.

Drivers to Watch in 2025

The 2025 Daytona series schedule will feature NASCAR’s biggest names, along with emerging talents eager to make their mark in the standings. Here are some key drivers to watch:

  • Kyle Larson: Known for his aggressive driving and versatility, Larson is always a threat at Daytona. His ability to maneuver through traffic and make daring moves positions him as one of the top contenders for the Daytona 500.
  • Tyler Reddick: Reddick is known for his aggressive driving style and versatility on a variety of tracks, including superspeedways, road courses, and short tracks. A two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, he has made a significant impact in the NASCAR Cup Series, earning multiple wins and establishing himself as a fierce competitor among the sport’s rising stars.
  • Ryan Blaney: Driving the No. 12 car for Team Penske, Blaney is known for his speed and adaptability on a wide range of tracks. He has secured multiple wins and is recognized as one of the sport’s prominent young talents with a strong fan following.
  • Denny Hamlin: A three-time Daytona 500 winner, Hamlin’s prowess at Daytona is unmatched. His experience and knack for positioning himself at the front in the closing laps make him a perennial favorite.
  • Chris Buescher: Buescher is known for his strategic racing and ability to capitalize on challenging conditions. Driving the No. 17 car for RFK Racing, Buescher has earned several victories and continues to be a formidable presence on the track.
  • Bubba Wallace: Wallace has shown impressive performances at Daytona, including a runner-up finish in the 2018 Daytona 500. As a skilled superspeedway racer, he’s a driver to watch as he aims for a breakthrough victory.
  • William Byron: Byron, driver of the No. 24 car for Hendrick Motorsports, has quickly risen to prominence. Known for his consistency and skill on a variety of tracks, Byron has secured multiple wins and is regarded as one of the top contenders in the sport’s next generation of stars.
  • Ross Chastain: Chastain is a dynamic driver known for his aggressive racing style and willingness to take risks. Driving the No. 1 car for Trackhouse Racing, he has quickly become a standout, capturing wins and thrilling fans with his bold moves on the track.

About the Daytona 500

The Daytona 500, first held in 1959 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, USA, quickly established itself as NASCAR’s premier event and a cornerstone of American motorsports. Now fondly known as the “Great American Race,” it continues to captivate fans and set the tone for the Cup Series season each February.

About the Daytona International Speedway

Built in 1959, Daytona International Speedway is renowned for its unique 2.5-mile tri-oval layout and steep banking. It is a key venue in the NASCAR schedule: it marks the start of the regular season (with the Daytona 500) and plays a pivotal role in the playoff race with the Coke Zero Sugar 400 — the final regular-season event. Alongside other notable tracks like Charlotte Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway, Michigan International Speedway, Phoenix Raceway, Watkins Glen International, and Atlanta Motor Speedway, Daytona sets the stage for intense competition among skilled drivers. Beyond NASCAR, Daytona also hosts the ARCA Menards Series, showcasing rising stars on the same storied track where champions are made.

How to Watch NASCAR

To watch NASCAR races, including the iconic Daytona events, the All-Star Race, and other cup series races, you have several options:

  1. Fox Sports: Fox Sports broadcasts the first half of the NASCAR Cup Series season, including major races like the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Indianapolis 500. Depending on the specific event, you can watch live races on Fox or Fox Sports 1 (FS1). Fox Sports also offers streaming through its app and website, allowing viewers to watch races live or on demand.
  2. NBC Sports: NBC Sports covers the second half of the NASCAR season, starting with races in mid-July and continuing through the Southern 500, the Bristol Night Race, the Talladega 500, the playoffs, and the season finale. Races are broadcast on NBC or NBC Sports Network (NBCSN), with live streaming available through the NBC Sports app and website.
  3. NASCAR’s Official Streaming Service: For comprehensive coverage, including practice sessions and qualifying, NASCAR offers its own streaming service, NASCAR TrackPass, which provides additional content beyond the live broadcasts.

These platforms offer a range of options for following the NASCAR TV schedule throughout the season, ensuring fans don’t miss any of the high-speed action.