The 2025 NASCAR offseason has featured lawsuits, driver swaps, and plenty of wistfulness. On Sunday, it will come to a merciful close. In its stead? One of American racing’s most prestigious events.
The 2025 Daytona 500 figures to be a compelling — and chaotic — joust between the Cup Series’ finest thoroughbreds. The race has provided more spills than usual in the Next Gen era — just last year, 22 chariots turned into scrap metal after a late-race collision.
It’s hard to imagine things getting all that much cleaner in 2025, either. The Great American Race once represented a culmination of sorts for NASCAR’s greatest drivers. It took Dale Earnhardt Sr. 20 years to capture one of the Cup Series’ crown jewels, after all.
Now, the joust is as unpredictable as ever — in recent seasons, Austin Dillon, Michael McDowell, Austin Cindric, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. have hoisted the famous hardware.
MORE: Latest weather updates for Daytona 500
Perhaps that’s a good thing. Parity tends to sell in sports, especially when it’s coated in burning rubber and twisted metal.
Regardless, the jockeys who descend upon the sun-scorched thoroughfares of Daytona on Sunday afternoon must be wary of one thing: The Big One. Recent history suggests the wicked sorceress could resurface before the white flag billows.
The Sporting News is tracking live updates from the 2025 Daytona 500. Follow below for highlights, analysis and more as 40 of NASCAR’s most talented drivers attempt to capture glory at Daytona International Speedway.
STREAM: Watch NASCAR’s Daytona 500 race live with Fubo (free trial)
Daytona 500 live updates, results, highlights from 2025 race
(All times Eastern)
8:55 p.m.: Sounds like Busch is being tasked with saving fuel. That’s probably not what you want to hear with 27 laps left in the Daytona 500. He’s currently in third.
8:51 p.m.: We’ve got three-wide racing as the Daytona 500 dwindles in length. Cindric and Blaney form a formidable pairing atop the the track, placing in P1 and P2 at present. Busch and Austin Dillon are offering a similar presence in third- and fourth-place. Just 30 laps to go from the Great American Race!
8:45 p.m.: Cindric picks up a few spots on pit road. He’ll lead things off as we get back to green from Daytona. Just 35 laps to go!
8:40 p.m.: CAUTION! Another canary leaps out the sky, this one due to debris. At the front of the pack is Blaney and Bubba Wallace.
8:20 p.m.: Blaney takes notches the prize during the second stage, emerging through the chaos with a stage win — and 10 additional points. Blaney’s performance ensures that the Daytona 500 features a Team Penkse sweep during stages in 2025.
7:51 p.m.: Logano is making his way across the yellow brick road. After falling down the totem pole, he’s up 16 spots on his restart position.
7:45 p.m.: Alex Bowman showcasing a strong bit of race craft, bumping shoulders with Cindric and Preece in the hopes to securing his top spot — and a first Daytona 500 prize.
7:34 p.m.: We’re green to the good here at Daytona. Cindric and Chase Elliott lead the way.
7:27 p.m.: CAUTION! Debris spills out over the track. We’ll have a temporary pause as cars circle about the bend, some flowing into pit road, most opting to stay out.
7:25 p.m.: Logano enjoyed a fruitful opening stage. The second stage hasn’t been nearly as gratifying. He fell down the field in a major way earlier. Now, he’s headed to pit road – he’s currently running 20 miles per hour below the race pace.
7:21 p.m.: The green flag billows off in the distance. There’s a Team Penske pairing atop the ladder, with Cindric and Ryan Blaney leading the way. Ryan Preece and Michael McDowell are crowding them out in third- and fourth-place, respectively.
7:11 p.m.: CAUTION! Not quite the Big One. But Stage 2 of the race started with a bang after Ross Chastain and Castroneves collided with one another. Sparked a multi-car pile-up with a number of notable drivers, including Busch and Briscoe, sustaining damage.
Things get stacked up. Lots of trouble. #NASCAR #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/zuLmY5Mh20
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 17, 2025
7:08 p.m.: Pit road proved a wicked witch for some drivers. Busch and Haley were handed a lap-through penalty after members of their respective pit crews climbed over the wall.
6:54 p.m.: CAUTION! Denny Hamlin went spinning with three laps left in the opening stage. Cindric, Zane Smith and Josh Berry were dealt a similar fate, losing their grip and making contact with the wall. Looks like Berry suffered the most damage. With the stage coming to a close under caution, Logano takes home the green flag, the first of his epic Daytona career.
Stage 1 ends under caution. Here’s what happened. #NASCAR #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/Txgc9sZO3h
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2025
6:45 p.m.: Logano has been impressive at the front, holding off all challengers, including Byron and Busch. He’ll have to have his head on swivel during the final 13 laps of Stage 1, however; he’s got Brad Keselowski on his bumper, one of the most aggressive drivers in the field.
6:40 p.m.: Some strong pushes by Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Justin Allgaier have the No. 47 and No. 40 cars just outside the top-ten. The pair have climbed 20 and 19 spots, respectively, since the race restart.
6:30 p.m.: We’ve got three-wide racing here at the Great American Race. Byron and Joey Logano have held firm atop the grid. But it’s Corey LaJoie currently leading through 35 laps, taking advantage of one of Logano’s patented pushes. Byron and Logano aren’t far behind. Neither is Kyle Busch, who is seeking his first Daytona 500 in 20 attempts.
6:25 p.m.: Drivers should have enough fuel in the tank to get to the end of the stage. So, don’t expect too many stoppages — save for wrecks and the like, of course.
6:20 p.m.: Mercifully, we have returned to green. Daytona 500 under the lights. Who doesn’t like the sound of that?
6:10 p.m.: Engines are re-fired. We should be back in action soon.
6:00 p.m.: Another red flag has swept over the track, this one taking place while drivers maneuvered around the track under caution. This delay isn’t expected to linger for as long as its predecessor — at least not at the moment.
5:44 p.m.: After a lengthy delay, it seems we’re on the precipice of returning to action from Daytona International Speedway. Still a few wet marks here and there. But by in large, the track is dry and ready for racing.
2:15 p.m.: CAUTION! Sprinkling in Turn 2 brings the action to a halt, with the caution flag coming out 10 laps into the Stage 1.
2:14 p.m.: Through nine laps, defending Daytona 500 champion William Byron sits in front, a few nanoseconds in front of second-place Cindric.
2:07 p.m.: And we’re off! Chase Briscoe and Austin Cindric lead the field to start the 67th Daytona 500!
1:51 p.m.: The presidential limousine is making its way around the track. What a strange country we live in.
1:47 p.m.: Anthony Mackie fires off the driver instructors. Away we go!
Captain America @AnthonyMackie gets the engines fired for the 2025 #DAYTONA500 on FOX! pic.twitter.com/wSdayk080O
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2025
1:37 p.m.: Drivers have taken to their mount, readying for the biggest race of the NASCAR calendar. We’re a few moments away from the start of the 2025 Daytona 500.
1:14 p.m.: We’re still awaiting green flag from Daytona. At present, drivers are pooled around the track, fraternizing with team members, family, friends and sponsors. Things are officially slated to ramp up around 1:30 p.m. ET.
1:03 p.m.: Air Force One has landed. Seems the president is making an appearance at this year’s Daytona 500 after all.
President Trump is wheels up to the @Daytona 500… pic.twitter.com/MPHl8RkiAr
— Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) February 16, 2025
12:35 p.m.: Daytona is as unpredictable a track as it comes. No better statistic captures the disarray that unfolds on the surface than this one: only two Speedweeks races have ended under the green since 2022.
Since 2022, only TWO races of Speedweeks (Cup-Xfinity-Trucks only) have ended under green: the 2022 Daytona 500 and the 2024 Xfinity race.
Eight of the races ended under caution, while the 2023 Truck race was shortened by rain.
The last triple green-flag finish was 2019. pic.twitter.com/vL4JPMPc3w
— Stephen Stumpf (@stephen_stumpf) February 16, 2025
12:25 p.m.: Ten drivers are headed to the rear for factors ranging from using backup cars (Kyle Larson, Brad Keselowski, Justin Haley, Riley Herbst, Alex Bowman, Shane van Gisbergen, Daniel Suarez), engine issues (Helio Castroneves), and tech foibles (Ricky Stenhouse Jr.).
12:10 p.m.: Weather is looking like a potential impediment for today’s race. At present, it looks like rain is staying north of the track. Things could change swiftly, however.
Weather staying north … less than two hours before green flag 2p ET. pic.twitter.com/8wS2rmHQo6
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 16, 2025
10:33 a.m. — There’s a potential for yet another rain delay for Sunday’s race, just as we had last year. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move in right around race time:
Good morning! We are expecting showers and storms this afternoon! With the earlier start to the Daytona 500 we could get in the start of the race BEFORE the storms arrive. But rain could cause a delay later in the race as this line moves over DAB around 3pm.#wesh #weather pic.twitter.com/iZitxvG1Et
— Cam Tran WESH (@CamTranTV) February 16, 2025
The rain is expected to clear out in the afternoon though.
Daytona 500. Timing is tricky. Looks like strong frontal line approaches just after green flag. High winds. Lightning likely. Fast moving. Should be able to finish under the lights under the stars. https://t.co/W7KmGIeLi8 pic.twitter.com/50ldJwPID7
— Mike’s Weather Page (@tropicalupdate) February 16, 2025
10:30 a.m. — Good morning race fans! Can’t wait to get this one started.
Good morning. #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/ghDTRkhsht
— Daytona International Speedway (@DAYTONA) February 16, 2025
Daytona 500 start time
- Start time: 1:30 p.m. ET
The Daytona 500 has a 1:30 p.m. ET listed start time after NASCAR moved to race up due to fears of inclement weather in Daytona. However, given the number of festivities expected to take place on Sunday, the green flag is slated to be waved at 2 p.m. ET.
MORE DAYTONA 500 NEWS:
What channel is the Daytona 500 on?
- TV channel: Fox
- Live stream: FoxSports.com, Fubo
Fox will handle broadcasting duties for the 2025 Daytona 500, per usual. The booth will be filled with racing luminaries, both in the form of longtime duo Mike Joy (lap-by-lap), Clint Bowyer (analyst), and Kevin Harvick (analyst), as well as guest commentator Larry McReynolds.
The race will also be live-streamed on FoxSports.com, as well as Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Daytona 500 starting lineup
| Starting pos. | Driver | Car No. | Team |
| 1. | Chase Briscoe | 19 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 2. | Austin Cindric | 2 | Team Penske |
| 3. | Bubba Wallace | 23 | 23XI Racing |
| 4. | Erik Jones | 43 | Legacy Motor Club |
| 5. | William Byron | 24 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 6. | Chris Buescher | 17 | RFK Racing |
| 7. | Ty Dillon | 10 | Kaulig Racing |
| 8. | Denny Hamlin | 11 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 9. | Ross Chastain | 1 | Trackhouse Racing |
| 10. | Joey Logano | 22 | Team Penske |
| 11. | Tyler Reddick | 45 | 23XI Racing |
| 12. | Corey LaJoie | 01 | Rick Ware Racing |
| 13 | AJ Allmendinger | 16 | Kaulig Racing |
| 14. | Todd Gilliland | 34 | Front Row Motorsports |
| 15. | Austin Dillon | 3 | Richard Childress Racing |
| 16. | Ryan Blaney | 12 | Team Penske |
| 17. | Chase Elliott | 9 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 18. | John Hunter Nemechek | 42 | Legacy Motor Club |
| 19. | Justin Allgaier | 40 | JR Motorsports |
| 20. | Christopher Bell | 20 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 21. | Kyle Busch | 8 | Richard Childress Racing |
| 22. | Kyle Larson | 5 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 23. | Ty Gibbs | 54 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 24. | Riley Herbst | 35 | 23XI Racing |
| 25. | Michael McDowell | 71 | Spire Motorsports |
| 26. | Shane van Gisbergen | 88 | Trackhouse Racing |
| 27. | Ryan Preece | 60 | RFK Racing |
| 28. | Cody Ware | 51 | Rick Ware Racing |
| 29. | Josh Berry | 21 | Wood Brothers Racing |
| 30. | Cole Custer | 41 | Haas Factory Team |
| 31. | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 47 | JTG Daugherty Racing |
| 32. | Noah Gragson | 4 | Front Row Motorsports |
| 33. | Carson Hocevar | 77 | Spire Motorsports |
| 34. | Brad Keselowski | 6 | RFK Racing |
| 35. | Justin Haley | 7 | Spire Motorsports |
| 36. | Daniel Suarez | 99 | Trackhouse Racing |
| 37. | Zane Smith | 38 | Front Row Motorsports |
| 38. | Alex Bowman | 48 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 39. | Martin Truex Jr. | 56 | Tricon Garage |
| 40. | Jimmie Johnson | 84 | Legacy Motor Club |
| 41. | Helio Castroneves | 91 | Trackhouse Racing |
NASCAR schedule 2025
(All times Eastern)
| Date | Race | Track | Time | TV/Winner |
| Feb. 2 | Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray | Bowman Gray Stadium | 8 p.m. | Chase Elliott |
| Feb. 13 | Duel 1 at Daytona | Daytona International Speedway | 7 p.m. | Bubba Wallace |
| Feb. 13 | Duel 2 at Daytona | Daytona International Speedway | 8:45 p.m. | Austin Cindric |
| Feb. 16 | Daytona 500 | Daytona International Speedway | 1:30 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| Feb. 23 | Ambetter Health 400 | Atlanta Motor Speedway | 3 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| March 2 | EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix | Circuit of the Americas | 3:30 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| March 9 | Shriners Children’s 500 | Phoenix Raceway | 3:30 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| March 16 | Pennzoil 400 | Las Vegas Motor Speedway | 3:30 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| March 23 | Straight Talk Wireless 400 | Homestead-Miami Speedway | 3 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| March 30 | Cook Out 400 | Martinsville Speedway | 3 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| April 6 | Goodyear 400 | Darlington Raceway | 3 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| April 13 | Food City 500 | Bristol Motor Speedway | 3 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| April 27 | Jack Link’s 500 | Talladega Superspeedway | 3 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| May 4 | Wurth 400 | Texas Motor Speedway | 3:30 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| May 11 | AdventHealth 400 | Kansas Speedway | 3 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| May 18 | NASCAR All-Star Open | North Wilkesboro Speedway | 5:30 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| May 18 | NASCAR All-Star Race | North Wilkesboro Speedway | 8 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| May 25 | Coca-Cola 600 | Charlotte Motor Speedway | 6 p.m. | Prime |
| June 1 | NASCAR Cup Series Race at Nashville | Nashville Superspeedway | 7 p.m. | Prime |
| June 8 | Firekeepers Casino 400 | Michigan International Speedway | 2 p.m. | Prime |
| June 15 | NASCAR Cup Series Race at Mexico City | Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez | 3 p.m. | Prime |
| June 22 | NASCAR Cup Series Race at Pocono | Pocono Raceway | 2 p.m. | Prime |
| June 28 | Quaker State 400 | Atlanta Motor Speedway | 7 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| July 6 | Grant Park 165 | Chicago Street Race | 2 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| July 13 | Toyota/Save Mart 350 | Sonoma Raceway | 3:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| July 20 | Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 | Dover Motor Speedway | 2 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| July 27 | Brickyard 400 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | 2 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| Aug. 3 | Iowa Corn 350 | Iowa Speedway | 3:30 p.m. | USA, Fubo |
| Aug. 10 | Go Bowling at The Glen | Watkins Glen International | 2 p.m. | USA, Fubo |
| Aug. 16 | Cook Out 400 | Richmond Raceway | 7:30 p.m. | USA, Fubo |
| Aug. 23 | Coke Zero Sugar 400 | Daytona International Speedway | 7:30 p.m. | NBC, Fubo |