The 2025 Daytona 500, scheduled for Sunday, February 16, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, promises to be a landmark event in NASCAR history. In response to anticipated inclement weather, NASCAR officials have advanced the race’s start time by one hour, now set for 1:30 p.m. ET. Chase Briscoe has secured the pole position for this year’s race, while William Byron enters as the defending champion, having clinched victory in the 2024 Daytona 500.
This year’s race introduces notable changes aimed at enhancing inclusivity and embracing technological advancements. A new rule permits world-class drivers to participate even without qualifying, allowing four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves to join the lineup as a special 41st entrant. Additionally, for the first time in the event’s history, an electric vehicle—the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS—will serve as the pace car, reflecting NASCAR’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The 2025 Daytona 500 also features significant off-track developments. Former President Donald Trump is expected to attend, marking his second appearance at the event. This has reignited discussions, particularly with driver Bubba Wallace, who had a public dispute with Trump in 2020. Despite the political undertones, Wallace remains focused on his performance, expressing indifference to Trump’s presence. As the race approaches, fans and participants alike are eager to witness how these dynamic elements will influence the outcome of NASCAR’s most prestigious event.
Daytona 500 Starting Lineup
|
POSITION
|
START
|
LED
|
BEHIND
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
C. Briscoe#19
|
1
|
–
|
–
|
|
2 |
A. Cindric#2
|
2
|
–
|
–
|
|
3 |
B. Wallace#23
|
3
|
–
|
–
|
|
4 |
E. Jones#43
|
4
|
–
|
–
|
|
5 |
W. Byron#24
|
5
|
–
|
–
|
|
6 |
C. Buescher#17
|
6
|
–
|
–
|
|
7 |
T. Dillon#10
|
7
|
–
|
–
|
|
8 |
D. Hamlin#11
|
8
|
–
|
–
|
|
9 |
R. Chastain#1
|
9
|
–
|
–
|
|
10 |
J. Logano#22
|
10
|
–
|
–
|
|
11 |
T. Reddick#45
|
11
|
–
|
–
|
|
12 |
C. LaJoie#01
|
12
|
–
|
–
|
|
13 |
A. Allmendinger#16
|
13
|
–
|
–
|
|
14 |
T. Gilliland#34
|
14
|
–
|
–
|
|
15 |
A. Dillon#3
|
15
|
–
|
–
|
|
16 |
R. Blaney#12
|
16
|
–
|
–
|
|
17 |
C. Elliott#9
|
17
|
–
|
–
|
|
18 |
J. Nemechek#42
|
18
|
–
|
–
|
|
19 |
J. Allgaier#40
|
19
|
–
|
–
|
|
20 |
C. Bell#20
|
20
|
–
|
–
|
|
21 |
K. Busch#8
|
21
|
–
|
–
|
|
22 |
K. Larson#5
|
22
|
–
|
–
|
|
23 |
T. Gibbs#54
|
23
|
–
|
–
|
|
24 |
R. Herbst#35
|
24
|
–
|
–
|
|
25 |
M. McDowell#71
|
25
|
–
|
–
|
|
26 |
S. Van Gisbergen#88
|
26
|
–
|
–
|
|
27 |
R. Preece#60
|
27
|
–
|
–
|
|
28 |
C. Ware#51
|
28
|
–
|
–
|
|
29 |
J. Berry#21
|
29
|
–
|
–
|
|
30 |
C. Custer#41
|
30
|
–
|
–
|
|
31 |
R. Stenhouse Jr#47
|
31
|
–
|
–
|
|
32 |
N. Gragson#4
|
32
|
–
|
–
|
|
33 |
C. Hocevar#77
|
33
|
–
|
–
|
|
34 |
B. Keselowski#6
|
34
|
–
|
–
|
|
35 |
J. Haley#7
|
35
|
–
|
–
|
|
36 |
D. Suárez#99
|
36
|
–
|
–
|
|
37 |
Z. Smith#38
|
37
|
–
|
–
|
|
38 |
A. Bowman#48
|
38
|
–
|
–
|
|
39 |
M. Truex Jr#56
|
39
|
–
|
–
|
|
40 |
J. Johnson#84
|
40
|
–
|
–
|
|
41 |
H. Castroneves#91
|
41
|
–
|
|
