Fast Facts: Daytona Speedweeks

Daytona Speedweeks are the season-opening kickoff to stock car racing, taking place annually at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida.

• Speedweeks run from Thursday, February 10th through Sunday, February 20th – 11 days of racing to get fans pumped for the new season.


• Early activities during Speedweeks include the ARCA Racing Series Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Budweiser Shootout, both held on Saturday, February 12th. Sunday, February 13th features Daytona 500 qualifying – only the first row is locked in during qualifying, the other speeds are used for the Gatorade Duals later in the week.


• Practice for NASCAR’s “big three” series (Cup, Nationwide, and Trucks) starts Wednesday, February 16th and continues on Thursday, February 17th. Thursday also features the Gatorade Duals, the unique qualifying races that determine the remainder of the starting line-up for the Daytona 500.


• In addition to practice, Friday, February 18th is highlighted by the Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy Resources 250, while Saturday, February 19th features the Nationwide Series Drive4COPD 300. The weekend is capped off by the 53rd Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 20th.


• For more information on Speedweeks and other events at Daytona International Speedway, visit http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/.

Graphic: NASCARmedia.com