What Time Does the Daytona 500 Begin? Everything You Need to Know

The Daytona 500, or "The Great American Race," is the largest race on the NASCAR schedule and the opening event of the motor racing season. It is a fast-paced, action-packed event that takes place at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

For the 2025 season, NASCAR enthusiasts all over the world are asking: When does the Daytona 500 begin?

Daytona 500 2025 Start Time and Race Schedule

The 2025 Daytona 500 will be held on Sunday, February 16. The race initially was set to begin at 3:11 p.m. ET, but weather conditions led NASCAR officials to push the start an hour later.

• New Race Schedule
• Race Start Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
• TV Coverage Begins: 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX
• Green Flag Anticipated: Approximately 2:00 p.m. ET

In this way, the race can start earlier if weather poses a problem in subsequent portions of the day.

Where to Stream and Watch the Daytona 500

There are a number of ways that the Daytona 500 live can be viewed by fans either on TV or through streaming sites.

TV Broadcast

The Daytona 500 will be live on FOX. If you have cable or a digital antenna, you can watch the whole event on FOX.

Streaming Options

If you don't have cable, there are a number of streaming options that enable you to watch the race, including:

1. FuboTV – Has a free trial and FOX in most packages.
2. Hulu + Live TV – Includes FOX and other sports networks.
3. YouTube TV – One of the more popular options with FOX included.
4. Sling TV – Carries FOX on certain plans but the area of coverage is location-dependent.
5. DIRECTV Stream – Carries FOX and has multiple plans to choose from.

All of them offer convenience to viewers who'd love watching the race on their smartphones, laptops, or smart TVs.

Who's Racing in the 2025 Daytona 500?

The Daytona 500 field boasts some of NASCAR's biggest names, all vying for the most coveted victory of the season. Some of the best drivers to keep an eye on are:

1. Joey Logano – The reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, seeking a second big win.
2. William Byron – Last season's Daytona 500 champion, back to try to repeat.
3. Denny Hamlin – A three-time Daytona 500 winner seeking a fourth win.
4. Kyle Larson – A past Cup Series champion seeking his first Daytona 500 victory.
5. Chase Elliott – One of the most well-liked drivers in NASCAR seeking his first Daytona 500 victory.

The 2025 race also brings a new rule known as the Open Exemption Provisional (OEP), which has more than 40 drivers. But these extra drivers will not be receiving playoff points and prize money, so the competition between full-time NASCAR drivers is fiercer than ever.

Weather Issues and Why the Start Time Was Changed

Weather always had its say in the Daytona 500, and the events before were postponed or cancelled because of rain. Weathermen in 2025 predict a possibility of showers later in the afternoon and get NASCAR to advance the start time to 2:00 p.m. ET.

This proactive measure is to make sure that the race is run without any interference. But the spectators who go to the race personally or watch it at home should remain informed in case there are any more changes in the schedule.

The History and Importance of the Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 is the largest event in NASCAR, taking place annually since 1959. In contrast to most sports whose largest event occurs at the conclusion of their season, NASCAR begins its year with its largest race.

To win the Daytona 500 is a career highlight, previous champions being legends like:

• Richard Petty (7-time champion)
• Jeff Gordon (3-time champion)
• Dale Earnhardt Sr. (Won his first in 1998 after attempting 20 times)
• Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2-time champion)

Due to its pack racing at high velocities and edge-of-your-seat entertainment finishes, the Daytona 500 is frequently one of the highest-rated sporting events of the year.

What to Watch for at the 2025 Daytona 500

Storylines to Follow:

Can William Byron repeat? It is not often that someone wins two Daytona 500s in succession, but Byron can make it happen.

William Denny Hamlin equal the record? A fourth win at the Daytona 500 would place him among the all-time class.

What impact will the Open Exemption Provisional rule have on the race? With more drivers involved, there are opportunities for upsets.

For track-side fans, the Daytona International Speedway will be buzzing with electricity, from pre-race concerts to the iconic command, "Drivers, start your engines!"

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Daytona 500 promises to be another electrifying edition of NASCAR's premier event. With its revised start time of 2:00 p.m. ET, spectators won't be able to miss a single lap of the excitement.

Whether you’re watching on FOX, streaming online, or lucky enough to be at Daytona International Speedway, this race promises high-speed drama, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments.

So put your reminders, fill up on your snack of choice, and prepare for the most exciting race of the NASCAR season!