The Daytona 500 is the most prestigious race on the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit and this year the stakes are even higher as the race celebrates its golden anniversary with its 50th running. With all eyes focused on the birthplace of stock car racing, Daytona Beach, Fla., NASCAR and the Daytona International Speedway (DIS) are pulling out all the stops to commemorate this historic moment in the sport's history.
For those lucky enough to hold in their possession a ticket to the sold-out Daytona 500, the best bet is to arrive early as the entertainment will start before the green flag drops. The Sprint sponsored Daytona 500 pre-race show is expected to be one of the largest of its kind at any sporting event, featuring music headliners from different eras as tribute is paid to the many winners of "The Great American Race."
Country artists Brooks & Dunn will headline the pre-race show and will be joined by legendary acts including Chubby Checker, Michael McDonald and Kool & the Gang as fans will experience a retrospective look at popular music since the inaugural running of the Daytona 500. In addition, over 4,000 cast members will join the musical talent on the five acre tri-oval grass on Daytona's front stretch.
The true stars of the pre-race event will be the 24 Daytona 500 champions as every living driver is returning to serve as Grand Marshals for the historic race. Each former champion will be introduced to the crowd of over 200,000 fans and will be on stage during the pre-race concert before delivering the most famous words in all of motorsports, "Gentleman, Start Your Engines."
Of course, the main focus of the day is the Daytona 500 and determining which driver will add their name to the short list of drivers to win the "Super Bowl of NASCAR." Once the race is underway, fans at DIS will see the 'Car of Today' debut in a points race at the 2.5-mile superspeedway. The new body style for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will be standard at all 36 championship points races during the season as well as exhibition races including the Sprint All-Star Race. This current car has only been in competition at one previous restrictor plate event, debuting at last year's fall race at Talladega Superspeedway.
FOX is scheduled to broadcast live television coverage of the 50th Running of the Daytona 500 as it goes live with its pre-race show at 2 p.m. EST. The green flag is scheduled to fall at 3:40 p.m.
The Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway Quick Facts
Qualifying Record: Bill Elliott (210.364 mph, 42.783 seconds), February 9, 1987
Race Record: Buddy Baker (177.602 mph, 2 hours, 48 minutes, 55 seconds), February 17, 1980
2007 Winner: Kevin Harvick
Total Purse: $18,386,023
