Jayski's® Silly Season Site - Daytona International Speedway News

Daytona INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY NEWS/RUMORS

Address:
1801 W. International Speedway Blvd.
Daytona Beach, Fla. 32114

General Information: (386) 254-2700
Main Fax: (386) 257-0281
Ticket Office: (386) 253-7223
Ticket Office Fax: (386) 257-1914
Communications Department: (386) 947-6782

Track Specs:
2.5 mile tri-oval with 31-degree banking in the turns
18-degree banking in the tri-oval and 6-degree banking on the straightaways
Grandstand Seating: 168,000

Websites:
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona 500
Daytona 500 Experience
ESPN's NASCAR Track Guide

Daytona 500 and Championship in same year: only eight times by five drivers has the Daytona 500 and the Nextel Cup Championship been won in the same season:
1959: Lee Petty
1964, 1971, 1974, 1979: Richard Petty
1977: Cale Yarborough
1997: Jeff Gordon
2006: Jimmie Johnson.(11-20-2006)
All 77: Three drivers had competed in all 77 restrictor-plate races at Daytona and Talladega:
#01-Mark Martin (2 Talladega, 0 Daytona wins)
#21-Ken Schrader (1, 0)
#55-Michael Waltrip (1, 3)
until Talladega in April 2007, when Waltrip & Schrader failed to qualify and Martin didn't run the race.
Plus all three ran the one-off restrictor plate race at New Hampshire, but that was not a drafting/aero track.(4-29-2007)
Daytona 500 Fast Facts:
* Kevin Harvick won the Daytona 500, his 11th Nextel Cup victory in 179 races.
* Harvick's best previous finish in the Daytona 500 was fourth in 2003 and 2004.
* Harvick's starting position of 34th was the lowest starting position of a Daytona 500 winner ever.
* Harvick's four laps led are tied for the fewest laps led by the Daytona 500 champion (Benny Parsons, 1975).
(Ward Burton led 5 in 2002)
* Harvick is the first reigning Busch Series champion to win the Daytona 500 the following year.
* There are now four drivers who have won the NASCAR Busch Series race and the Daytona 500 in the same year: Bobby Allison (1988); Darrell Waltrip (1989); Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2004); Kevin Harvick (2007). LeeRoy Yarbrough won the Daytona 500 and the late model race at Daytona in 1969.
* This is the eighth closest Nextel Cup Series finish overall and the closest Daytona 500 since the advent of electronic scoring in 1993.
* This is Richard Childress Racing's first Daytona 500 win since Dale Earnhardt in 1998.
* This is the first Nextel Cup-Busch Series sweep since Kevin Harvick in 2006 (Richmond, September).
* Jimmie Johnson ended a streak of 105 races in the Top 10 (sixth longest streak in Nextel Cup Series history).(NASCAR Statistics)(2-19-2007)
Trisha Yearwood to Perform National Anthem at Daytona 500: Grammy-Award winning county star Trisha Yearwood will perform the National Anthem for the historic 50th Running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17 at Daytona International Speedway. Yearwood, will be part of a musical array of talent performing at "The World Center of Racing" including the Sprint Pre-Race show featuring the most awarded duo in country music history with more than 80 industry awards, Brooks & Dunn, Chubby Checker, Michael McDonald and Kool & the Gang. Tickets for the DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 events, including the 50th running of the Daytona 500, are still available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-15-2008)
Harley J. Earl trophy, who was Earl? The Daytona 500? Its trophy is named after Harley J. Earl. Who was Earl? No drivers asked knew about Earl. None of these responses come as a surprise to Richard Earl, Harley's grandson. The 48-year-old West Palm Beach resident is determined to put his late grandfather's prize on a figurative mantel alongside the most-recognized prizes in sports. Richard Earl believes Daytona's annual Speed Weeks, which culminate in Sunday's 50th running of the Daytona 500, should be a perfect platform for a Harley Earl renaissance. He had hoped to do much to educate the public about his grandfather's legacy, but his plans haven't materialized. He's disillusioned, not sure he'll even accept Daytona International Speedway's invitation to attend the race. "When you look at all their promotion for the upcoming race, there's very little mention of Harley," Richard Earl said. "This guy did a lot. His name's on this trophy for a reason. He's a real icon." Harley Earl was an automotive pioneer, the father of car design. He has been called the "Da Vinci of Detroit." When he began in the 1920s American cars were basically boxes on wheels. By the time he retired in 1958, he and his designers had created many "concept cars" that looked more like spacecraft. See the full story at the Palm Beach Post. Richard Earl, a former Wall Street broker, makes his living selling Harley Earl-designed cars. " 'Motoramic masterpieces' is how I like to refer to them," he said. He maintains the official Harley Earl Web site, carofthecentury.com, and is working on a biography of his grandfather.(2-14-2008) Comment here.
DW named starter for the Gatorade Duels: Darrell Waltrip, five-time winner of the Gatorade Duel At Daytona and 1989 Daytona 500 champion, will serve as the Honorary Starter for the 50th annual Gatorade Duel At Daytona on Thursday, Feb. 14 at historic Daytona International Speedway. Waltrip will wave the green flag for the first 150-mile Gatorade Duel At Daytona qualifying race, which is scheduled to start at 2pm/et. The Gatorade Duel at Daytona is a pair of 150-mile qualifying races that finalize the startling lineup for the 50th running of the Daytona 500, which is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 17. "Gatorade was my first big sponsor and they put me on the map so to speak," Waltrip said. "Many drivers feared the Gatorade green, the orange lighting bolt, that big 88 on the door and my name on the roof. That was a winning combination. As far as waving the green flag, I can't wait to feel the power at Daytona. I am truly humbled that after all these years, Gatorade still considers me part of the family." Waltrip, who is a three-time NASCAR champion, owns 14 victories at DIS and captured wins in the Gatorade Duel in 1976, 1978, 1979, 1981 and 1988. The 2007 winners of the Gatorade Duel at Daytona were #24-Jeff Gordon and #20-Tony Stewart. Tickets for the DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 events, including the Gatorade Duel at Daytona, are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP/(DIS PR), the Duels will also be shown on SPEED live at 2:00pm/et [re-air at 9:00pm/et], MRN Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio.(2-11-2008)
Coke Zero to sponsor Daytona race in July: Coke Zero is taking the driver’s seat as the new title sponsor of the July Sprint Cup Series race at the Daytona International Speedway. Officially, the race will be entitled the “Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola.” To bring NASCAR fans closer to the sport they love and create excitement about the race, Coke Zero and Daytona International Speedway are hosting an online voting contest that allows fans to choose the official race logo. Beginning in conjunction with the 50th running of the Daytona 500, fans can visit NASCAR.com to vote for their favorite from two logo options. The winning logo, determined solely by fan votes, will be revealed on NASCAR.com immediately after the contest concludes on March 1, 2008. Scheduled for July 5, the 2008 Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, concludes a holiday weekend of racing at Daytona International Speedway. The Nationwide Series takes to the speedway for the running of the Winn-Dixie 250 Powered By Coca-Cola on July 4. The debut of the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola is part of a new 10-year sponsorship agreement between Coca-Cola North America (CCNA) and International Speedway Corporation (ISC). Through a variety of track partnerships, brands from CCNA will be refreshing fans at 12 race tracks in 2008 before expanding to 16 race tracks by 2012.(businesswire.com)(2-8-2008)
24 Daytona 500 Champs to serve as Grand Marshals of Daytona 500: The 24 living Daytona 500 Champions will serve as Grand Marshals for the historic 50th Running of the Daytona 500, giving the command "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines," to get the most anticipated even in racing history underway. On Sunday, Feb. 17th, the culmination of DIRECTV Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway will peak when 24 legends get NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race started from "The World Center of Racing." Drivers on hand throughout the momentous weekend who will order the most anticipated words in racing include: Bobby Allison (1978, 1982, 1988); Mario Andretti (1967); Buddy Baker (1980); Geoff Bodine (1986); Ward Burton (2002); Derrike Cope (1990); Dale Earnhardt, Jr.* (2004); Bill Elliott* (1985, 1987); A.J. Foyt (1972); Jeff Gordon* (1997, 1999, 2005); Pete Hamilton (1970); Kevin Harvick* (2007); Ernie Irvan (1991); Dale Jarrett* (1993, 1996, 2000); Jimmie Johnson* (2006); Junior Johnson (1960); Fred Lorenzen (1965); Sterling Marlin* (1994, 1995); Marvin Panch (1961); David Pearson (1976); Richard Petty (1964, 1966, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1979, 1981); Darrell Waltrip (1989); Michael Waltrip* (2001, 2003); Cale Yarborough (1968, 1977, 1983, 1984).[* still active, eight drivers]. To purchase tickets to 2008 DIRECTV Speedweeks at Daytona events call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-6-2008)
60-year-old crashes, dies at DIS in RPDE car: A 60-year-old Apopka man died after he crashed while driving a Richard Petty Driving Experience car at the Daytona Beach International Speedway, authorities and family members said today. Robert Boswell was taking part in the Richard Petty Driving Experience, a program where fans pay to get behind the wheel of a NASCAR car, said his son, Greg Boswell. The crash occurred about 5 p.m. Sunday, police said. Robert Boswell was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center where he was declared dead at about 7 p.m. An autopsy report released this afternoon showed he died of a heart attack and not from the crash. Chris McKee, director of media relations for the Richard Petty Driving Experience, said Boswell had completed lap three at 125 mph when he slowed to take Turn 1. He began to drive erratically around turn one, jerking at the wheel, said an instructor who was driving ahead of Boswell. He then slumped over and steered the car into the concrete retaining wall on the inside of Turn 2, McKee said. Speedway officials said this was the first Richard Petty Driving Experience death at Daytona. However, McKee said this is the third death of a driver among all participating tracks. The two earlier deaths were later determined to be the result of medical conditions and not mechanical failure, McKee said.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-4-2008)
1960 Daytona 500 Champion Junior Johnson to Drive Corvette Z06 Pace Car for Daytona 500: Former Daytona 500 champion Junior Johnson, who claimed 50 NASCAR victories including the 1960 edition of "The Great American Race," will be behind the wheel of a 2008 Corvette Z06 as he paces the field before the start of the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 17 at Daytona International Speedway. Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1990 and named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998, the North Carolina native claimed his Daytona 500 victory in only his second season in NASCAR competition. That memorable win was behind the wheel of the #27 John Masoni Daytona Kennel Club Chevrolet Impala. Johnson joins past drivers who have paced "The Great American Race" including Baseball "Iron Man" Cal Ripken Jr., Actor Ben Affleck and Tonight Show host Jay Leno. This is the 37th consecutive year that General Motors has provided the Daytona 500 with the Official Pace Vehicle, and the fifth year running that Chevrolet has chosen Corvette for the job. The '08 Corvette Z06 will be decked out in "anniversary gold" in honor of the occasion, making it one of Chevy's most uniquely designed pace cars. Race tickets for the DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 events are still available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-4-2008)
Sister Hazel To Perform National Anthem at Bud Shootout: Sister Hazel will perform the National Anthem at the 30th annual Budweiser Shootout at historic Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night, Feb. 9. In addition to National Anthem, which will be televised live nationally by FOX Sports, Sister Hazel will also perform three songs during pre-race ceremonies as well as a 60-minute post-race concert from the Entertainment Stage inside the Sprint FANZONE next to the Budweiser Bistro. Sprint FANZONE and hospitality passes will permit fans to view the pre-race concert from the tri-oval area along pit road and all Budweiser Shootout ticket holders will be able to attend Sister Hazel's post-race concert. Tickets to the 30th annual Budweiser Shootout as well as other DIRECTV Speedweeks events are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-2-2008)
50th Running of Daytona 500 Sold Out: Daytona International Speedway officials announced that all grandstand seats for the historic 50th Running of the 2008 Daytona 500 have been sold. While all grandstand seats are sold out, fans can still purchase infield tickets for "The Great American Race", scheduled for Feb. 17. In addition to infield tickets, fans can still experience the festivities of other exciting events surrounding the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 by purchasing tickets to other exciting DIRECTV Speedweeks events including in February:
9th: 30th Annual Budweiser Shootout
14th: 50th Gatorade Duel At Daytona
15th: 9th annual Chevy Silverado 250 Truck Series race
16th: 50th annual Camping World 300 Presented by Chevy Nationwide Series race
Recording its earliest sellout of the event in modern history, Speedway President Robin Braig said, "The anticipation of the 50th running of the Daytona 500 - NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race - has been at a fever-pitch level throughout the year. Although there are no grandstand seats left for 'The Great American Race', there are still tickets left for the other exciting Speedweeks events throughout DIRECTV Speedweeks." Tickets for these and all events at historic Daytona International Speedway can be purchased by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-31-2008)
The 'King' named Honorary Starter for the Daytona 500: Seven-time Daytona 500 Champion Richard Petty, who's father Lee won the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959, will serve as Honorary Starter for the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 17. Petty will drop the green flag at Daytona International Speedway to get the historic event underway at 3:30pm/et. "We are so honored and proud to have Richard Petty drop the green flag to get the most anticipated event in racing history underway," said Speedway President Robin Braig. "Richard and the Daytona 500 are synonymous with NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race and we're thrilled to have him get the 50th spectacle underway." Over the course of 32 years driving on the Sprint Cup circuit, along with his record seven Daytona 500 wins, "The King" has a record 200 victories; won seven Sprint Cup championships; recorded 27 wins in 1967; was named the circuit's "Most Popular Driver" nine times and was the Series Rookie of the Year in 1959. Tickets for the DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 events, including the 50th running of the Daytona 500, are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-30-2008)
Record purse announced for the Daytona 500: The 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 17 - the most anticipated event in racing history - will carry a record purse of more than $18 million. The posted awards for "The Great American Race" on Sunday, Feb. 17 will be $18,689,238.The posted awards for the 2007 Daytona 500, which was won for the first time by Kevin Harvick in a photo finish over Mark Martin, was $18,386,023. The winner of this year's Daytona 500 will collect a minimum of $1,445,250. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Daytona 500 will receive a minimum of $1,044,400, $752,400, $598,450 and $471,500 respectively. The last-place finisher in the Daytona 500 will also be well compensated with a minimum of $233,865. The winner for the inaugural Daytona 500 back in 1959 - Lee Petty - collected $19,050 and the last-place finisher - Ken Marriott - earned $100. Other purses for DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 events are:
*ARCA 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race: $283,552
*Budweiser Shootout: $1,217,154 with the winner pocketing $215,000 *Gatorade Duel At Daytona: $1,350,000, $675,000 for each race *Chevy Silverado 250 Craftsman Truck Series race: $875,448 *Camping World 300 presented by Chevy Nationwide Series race: $2,640,772 Tickets to any of the DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 events are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-29-2008)
Entertainment announced for the Daytona 500: Brooks & Dunn, the most awarded duo in country music history with more than 80 industry awards, including 20 Country Music Association Awards and 26 Academy of Country Music Awards, will highlight the highly acclaimed Sprint Pre-Race Show - the heart-pumping, one-of-a-kind pre-race prelude to the most anticipated event in racing history - the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500. In addition to Brooks & Dunn, Chubby Checker. Michael McDonald and Kool & the Gang will rock the high-profile pre-race entertainment stage, bringing together an amazing collection of musical icons from different musical eras. The pre-race extravaganza will air live before millions of national television viewers on FOX and more than 200,000 energized race fans on-site at historic Daytona International Speedway (DIS) prior to the Daytona 500. 2008 marks the fifth consecutive year that JHE Production Group and Q&A Entertainment Inc. will produce the Daytona 500 Sprint Pre-Race Show.(DIS PR)(1-23-2008)
NASA Astronaut At Daytona Speedway Event for 50th Milestones: Astronaut Andrew Feustel will participate in NASCAR's Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona International Speedway, Fla., on Tuesday, Jan. 8. The appearance is in celebration of NASA's 50th anniversary and the Daytona International Speedway's 50th running of the Daytona 500 in 2008. Feustel will ride around the track, or take "hot laps," in an official track vehicle. Immediately afterward, he will be available for media interviews behind the Pit Road wall. Technology developed for the space program has helped NASCAR drivers increase their performance and stay safe over the years. They wear cooling suits similar to what astronauts wear during a spacewalk. Foam that NASA developed for aircraft seats protects racecar drivers' necks in crashes. In addition to participating in the fan festival, NASA will fly three Daytona 500 flags aboard an upcoming space shuttle flight. Speedway officials plan to wave one of the flags to begin the 2008 installment of the Daytona 500, while another will be presented to the winning driver. NASA will keep the third. Feustel will fly on the space shuttle mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. The mission will extend and improve the observatory's capabilities through 2013. Launch is targeted for August 2008.(News Blaze)(1-7-2008)
US Senate designates Feb. 17th "Race Day in America" By unanimous consent, the United States Senate recently designated February 17th, 2008 - the date of the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 - as "Race Day in America." The resolution, introduced during the 110th Congress by Florida Senators Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez highlights the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 and festivities surrounding the event. Noting that the Daytona 500 is the most prestigious stock car race in the United States; and that Daytona International Speedway is the home of "The Great American Race"; and that winning the prestigious Harley J. Earl Trophy is stock car racing's greatest prize and privilege; and that well-known politicians, celebrities and athletes take part in the festivities surrounding the Daytona 500, the resolution passed easily. "What a special way to recognize the most anticipated event in racing history," said Speedway President Robin Braig. "We are looking forward to the historic 50th running of 'The Great American Race' and the festivities that surround it." Tickets for the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 at historic Daytona International Speedway and all events at DIS can be purchased by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-4-2008)
DIS Offers Free Daytona 500 Qualifying to Blood Donors during Preseason Thunder: During January's Preseason Thunder Fan Fests for the Sprint Cup Series at Daytona International Speedway, race fans will get the opportunity to watch their favorite NASCAR drivers and teams prepare for the 50th running of the Daytona 500 and also earn a free ticket to Daytona 500 Qualifying presented by Kroger on Sunday, Feb. 10. During each of the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Sprint Cup Series Fan Fest nights on Jan. 8 and Jan. 15, the Florida Blood Centers will be hosting a blood drive located just outside the Turn 4 tunnel and guests that donate blood will receive a free ticket to Daytona 500 Qualifying presented by Kroger on Sunday, Feb. 10. All Sprint Cup Series teams will participate in Daytona 500 Qualifying presented by Kroger on Sunday, Feb. 10. Drivers will turn two high-speed qualifying laps on the historic 2.5-tri-oval as they try to secure a front-row starting spot in the 50th running of the Daytona 500. NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest dates, which will coincide with January's Sprint Cup Series, Craftsman Truck Series, Nationwide Series and Rolex Series testing sessions at the "World Center of Racing," will be held on the following dates:
Jan. 5: The Roar Before The Rolex 24
Jan. 8: Sprint Cup Fan Fest, first session, odd-numbered teams in owners point standings following the Chicagoland Speedway race)
Jan. 12: Craftsman Truck Fan Fest
Jan. 15: Sprint Cup Fan Fest, second session, even-numbered teams in owners point standings following the Chicagoland Speedway race)
Jan. 19: Nationwide Series Fan Fest
Besides watching drivers search for speed on the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval, fans can also enjoy inquisitive fan forums with many of their favorite drivers, bands, show cars, pit stop demonstrations, displays, a silent auction and hot laps around DIS (additional charge). The Fan Fest events start at 5 p.m. but fans may enter the Sprint FANZONE beginning at 9 a.m. to watch all of the exciting testing action on those days. Admissions for the Sprint Cup Fan Fest dates are $15 while Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series admissions are $10. The Roar Before The Rolex 24 admission is also $10.(DIS PR), see more on the 2008 Daytona testing page.(12-28-2007)
Daytona International Speedway Generates $1.9 Billion Annually: Daytona International Speedway, host of NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious event - The Daytona 500 - has an annual overall economic impact of more than $1 billion. According to the report conducted by The Washington Economics Group, Inc. and Chuck Yaros, Daytona International Speedway and Daytona 500 Experience boast a total economic impact of $1.9 billion annually. The economic impact study was conducted over a several month period utilizing the IMPLAN model, which analyzes both the direct and indirect benefits of an economic producer in a region and statewide. The WEG study also found: * DIS and Daytona 500 Experience operations create nearly 32,000 jobs. * DIS and Daytona 500 Experience provide more than $856 million dollars in labor income annually. * DIS and Daytona 500 Experience generate $155.4 million dollars annually in tax revenue to state and local governments. The report also noted that International Speedway Corporation, the parent company of Daytona International Speedway, announced that its operations generate $2.3 billion in economic benefit each year. Volusia County Chairman Frank Bruno also read a proclamation on behalf of the County Council of Volusia County proclaiming Feb. 17, 2008, as "DAYTONA 500 50th ANNIVERSARY DAY."(DIS PR)(12-18-2007)
Thunderbirds to Flyover at Daytona: The world-renowned “Thunderbirds” – the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron – will provide race fans with an aerial spectacle during the National Anthem flyover at the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 17 at Daytona International Speedway. It is the first time the exclusive flying squadron will perform a flyover at the historic “World Center of Racing.” It will also be the first flyover by the exclusive group in 2008.(Daytona PR), they did however, do a flyover in the late 1950's, over the Daytona beach course.(12-11-2007)
Experience the Daytona 500 at Orlando Science Center: Discover the DAYTONA 500 at the Orlando Science Center offers a hands-on experience exploring the science and history behind auto racing with authentic racing cars, gear and the chance for guests to race scale models. Discover the DAYTONA 500 premiered at the Orlando Science Center on Friday, November 30 and be on display until Sunday, January 6, 2008. Get an up-close look at the marvelous machines that dominate Daytona International Speedway as you discover the science used to take the checkered flag. Content will include a mixture of activities developed by the Science Center creative team combined with DAYTONA 500 memorabilia and authentic racing gear, including racing suits from Dale Jarrett and Richard Petty. Other gear includes a life-size cutaway model of a stock car, a racing seat where guests can strap themselves in, an example of the Gatorade In Car Drinking System (G.I.D.S.) and a working V-8 engine. A garage area with a Pit Stop activity, a video wall showing historical race footage and driving simulators will also be major exhibit components. In keeping with the Orlando Science Center's commitment to providing learning experiences for all ages, a kid's area will feature a battery-operated racecar for little ones to drive on their own miniature track, stations and other themed activities. Older kids and the young at heart will enjoy firsthand race excitement with the ultimate slot car and pinewood derby tracks as well as opportunities for remote control racing. Discover the DAYTONA 500 will be included with general exhibit admission to the Orlando Science Center, which is $14.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids (ages 3-11). The exhibit is currently under development. More information at osc.org.(DIS PR)(12-1-2007)
NASCAR enters the Space Age: If NASA's promotional plan pays off, millions of NASCAR fans will have their eyes glued to the skies next month when space shuttle Atlantis blasts off into orbit -- carrying three Daytona 500 race flags in its cargo bay. The green starter flags are being launched into space to celebrate the 50th running of the Daytona 500 in February, as well as NASA's own upcoming 50th anniversary. "It's great," NASA spokesman Allard Beutel said. "It will hopefully bring space to a whole new audience." NASA, working hard to wind down the shuttle program in 2010 and start its next phase of space exploration that will bring humans back to the moon, is trying to drum up public enthusiasm for an invigorated space program. And the Daytona racetrack was looking for an out-of-this-world way to celebrate its own milestone, said David Talley, spokesman for Daytona International Speedway. NASA came up with the idea to link the two anniversaries earlier this year. Both sides are trying to arrange astronaut-driver promotional events, including a possible joint NASCAR driver-shuttle crew press event during Atlantis' 11-day mission next month. The agency sets aside a small amount of space on every shuttle mission for commemorative items. Last month, Luke Skywalker's lightsaber flew aboard Discovery to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Star Wars film franchise. In 2000, a small piece of fabric from Orville and Wilbur Wright's airplane flew on a shuttle mission. The flags had to be measured and weighed carefully to meet NASA's requirements for onboard items and will be stowed throughout the mission. Upon their return to Earth, one flag will be awarded to the winner of the 50th Daytona 500 on Feb. 17; one will go to the Daytona 500 Experience attraction at the racetrack; and the third will stay with NASA. NASA officials will announce Atlantis' launch date Friday. It is expected to be Dec. 6.(Orlando Sentinel)(11-29-2007)
UPDATE: NASCAR will drop the green flag for shuttle Atlantis as it lifts off the launch pad at 3:31 p.m. Dec. 6. Inside the orbiter's payload are three flags being sent to space to celebrate the 50th running of the Daytona 500. The flags will travel more than a million miles at 17,500 mph during the 12-day mission to deliver Columbus, a science research module -- a far cry from the 200 mph the cars will go during the February race.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(11-29-2007)
Daytona July 2008 race tix on sale: On Saturday, Oct. 13, at 8:00am/et, fans will have their first opportunity to purchase all remaining tickets for the July Sprint Cup Series 400 on July 5, 2008 at Daytona International Speedway. Great seats, including a limited number of premium tower seats, will be available. DIS also has something special for current tickets holders who refer a friend that buys tickets to the July Sprint Cup Series 400 - a brand new Corvette. Current customers can refer as many accounts as they like and will be registered each time they are mentioned as a referring account. Both the referring account and new customer account are registered for the Corvette. Drawing for the new Corvette will be held in May. For more info see daytonainternationalspeedway.com of call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(10-11-2007)
Daytona to add Second Fan Deck to Sprint Fanzone: The Sprint Fanzone, located in the heart of the infield of Daytona International Speedway, will be bigger and better for DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 and the 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 17. Beginning in mid-October, a second Fandeck will be added atop the Sprint Cup Series garages on the south side of the Sprint Fanzone. The new fan deck, which will include a bridge connecting it to the north fan deck, adds an additional 23,500 square feet to the Sprint Fanzone and provides race fans with a view of the south side of the Sprint Cup Series garages. Construction on the expansion of the Fandeck will be completed in time for the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 26-27. The Sprint Fanzone was constructed in 2004 during Daytona International Speedway's multi-million dollar infield renovation and made its debut in 2005. A Sprint Fanzone/Pre-Race access pass for the 50th running of the Daytona 500 is $90 (must already have purchased a race ticket). For the other days during DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008, an advance Sprint Fanzone/Pre-Race pass is $25 (must be purchased two weeks before event date). For tickets to DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 events, including the 50th running of the Daytona 500, call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(9-14-2007)
Ford hired by ISC: Edsel Ford II, great-grandson of pioneer automaker Henry Ford, is becoming a director of International Speedway Corp., owner of Daytona International Speedway. Ford, 58, due to be formally elected in November, will take over the board seat of Chairman William C. France, who died in June. Ford has been a vice president of Ford Motor Co. since 1993. James C. France, William C. France's brother, officially took over as ISC chairman. Lesa France Kennedy, ISC president and William's daughter, became vice chairman.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(9-6-2007)
Race Fans Go Behind The Scenes At DIS With VIP Hot Pass Tour: Have you ever wondered what it's liketo see Gatorade Victory Lane from a $5,000 seat at Daytona International Speedway? What the view is from the eyes of a sportswriter?; Where NASCAR President Mike Helton lays down the law prior to a NASCAR race? Well, race fans visiting the Daytona 500 Experience motorsports attraction can see those things and much more by taking advantage of the new VIP Hot Pass Tour - an exclusive behind-the-scenes personalized two-hour tour that opens the door to the backstage of motorsports' most historic venue "The World Center of Racing." The VIP Hot Pass Tour debuted last Friday and Saturday and both were sold out. On the VIP Hot Pass Tour, race fans can travel in comfort throughout the hallowed Speedway grounds and get an insider's look at popular hot spots such as the four-story icon Daytona 500 Club and upscale President's Row, the Nextel Cup garages, the Infield Media Center where hundreds of reporters from the Associated Press to NASCAR Scene pen stories, the Driver's Meeting Room where drivers, crew chiefs, owners and VIPs gather for the pre-race dos and don'ts, the Houston Lawing Press Box and a luxury suite in Sprint Tower where Fortune 500 executives rub elbows.
Included in the $50 Daytona 500 Experience VIP Hot Pass tour are:
* Admission to the Daytona 500 Experience, "The Official Attraction of NASCAR."
* Two-hour personal track tour aboard the comfort of a Speedway motor coach.
* Lunch at the Budweiser Bistro in the heart of the SPRINT FANZONE.
* Discount on merchandise from the Pit Shop, located just outside The Daytona 500 Experience and jam packed with the latest in NASCAR apparel. * Two ACCELERATION ALLEY ride vouchers, where guests hop in 80% scale motion simulators and race each other on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway. All VIP Hot Pass tours must be scheduled by calling (386) 947-6530 or by visiting www.DAYTONA500EXPERIENCE.com.(DIS PR)(8-14-2007)
Pavers, graders replace sound of stock cars at Daytona: The sound of stock cars at Daytona International Speedway, have been replaced - for the time being - by the sound of bulldozers, pavers and graders. "The World Center of Racing," which undertook a major infield renovation project in 2004, is currently experience yet another tweak in its infield, with several alterations underway.
Those projects include:
Remove all above ground obstructions and ditches from the interior grassed sections of the road course (overhead power, drainage structure headwalls, fencing).
Regrade the interior grassed section of the road course, install drainage structures and grates.
Construct a 12' wide extension of pit road to extend pit road out to the east horseshoe where it blends into the main track.
Construct a new inner East Horseshoe which will match the existing radius and slope of the existing turn.
Strip the grass and topsoil between road course in and out and pave the area.(DIS PR)(7-31-2007)
Daytona 500 Web Site Launched: Race fans looking to get their Daytona 500 “fix” prior to the historic 50th running of “The Great American Race” scheduled for Feb. 17, 2008, can visit the preeminent on-line destination for news, history and background on the most anticipated event in racing history. At www.daytona500.com, the Official Site of the Daytona 500, race fans can access a comprehensive, user-friendly website with the latest innovative technology, allowing fans to view exclusive and historical content, videos, photos, audio as well as downloading screensavers and wallpapers and other multimedia elements.(DIS PR)(7-23-2007)
Coke signs deal with ISC, and title rights for July races in Daytona: International Speedway Corporation announced that the company has signed an exclusive ten-year agreement with Coca-Cola North America (CCNA). Specific financial terms were not released. Under the terms of the agreement, CCNA brands will become the "Official Soft Drink," "Official Sparkling Beverage" and "Official Water" for 10 of ISC's wholly owned and/or operated motorsports facilities; as well as the Daytona 500 Experience, the Ultimate Motorsports Attraction. Beginning in January 2008, the partnership will include the following ISC properties:
Daytona International Speedway, including race entitlement rights for the facility's July Nextel [to be Sprint] Cup and Busch series events; The DAYTONA 500 Experience; Chicagoland Speedway; Homestead-Miami Speedway; Kansas Speedway; Michigan International Speedway; Richmond International Raceway. The relationship will extend to Darlington Raceway in 2009, Talladega Superspeedway and Watkins Glen International in 2011, and Phoenix International Raceway in 2012 [no mention of Martinsville or California speedways]. Under the new agreement, CCNA beverages will be served exclusively at the facilities by Americrown, ISC's catering, concessions and merchandising subsidiary, and by other facility concessionaires. In addition, CCNA will leverage its marketing expertise to create a variety of programs featuring ISC properties both at-track and wherever racing fans enjoy their favorite sport.(DIS PR)(7-9-2007)
Daytona 500 to be moved to November? UPDATE denied: This week, sources within NASCAR told me [CTR] there has been closed door discussions to move the date of the Daytona 500, to November. Apparently, NASCAR is intrigued by the idea of switching the dates of the season ending Homestead race with the season opening Daytona 500. The allure of ending the NASCAR season and crowning a new Nextel Cup champion at the sports biggest race is something the France family is strongly considering. NASCAR and the International Speedway Corporation own both tracks so a change of date would be easy to accomplish. For the past 25 years, NASCAR has led off the season in Daytona Beach, FL with the sports biggest race, the Daytona 500. In 2008, NASCAR will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500 on February 17th for what may be the final time ever in the month of February. Sources said the late Bill France Jr. was very much against moving the Daytona 500 and felt that it would hurt the integrity of the sport. NASCAR does not intend to have a final decision regarding the date change until the end of the 2007 season.(CTR-Captain Thunder Racing)(7-5-2007)
UPDATE - denied: There's no validity to a rumor circulating on the Internet that NASCAR is having discussions about moving the Daytona 500 to November, Daytona spokesman Andrew Booth said. "That one was way out in left field," he said.(Tampa Tribune)(7-7-2007)
Daytona 500 Champions Awarded: Daytona International Speedway announced, as a gesture of recognition of the past Daytona 500 Champions and in celebration of the upcoming 50th running of the Great American Race, it will present the 24 living legends a lifetime membership to the prestigious Daytona 500 Club. Each champion, by way of their accomplishments on the track and in life, will receive lifetime access to the track's infield hospitality and entertainment experience. Membership benefits include: a seat in Gatorade Victory Lane, access to the Club banquet & lounge, event souvenir packages, a Pre Race / Nextel Fanzone Access pass, infield parking and admission to the Daytona Experience for the Pepsi 400 and Speedweeks event weekends. Also the Daytona 500 Experience at Daytona International Speedway welcomed five past champions of the "Great American Race" to its Walk of Fame. Inductees ranged from this year's winner, Kevin Harvick (2007), to Junior Johnson (1960). Joining Harvick and Johnson at the induction was Derrike Cope (1990), Buddy Baker (1980) and Pete Hamilton (1970). Plans for a new exhibit inside the Daytona 500 Experience featuring other past champions of the "Great American Race" were also unveiled at the ceremony.(DIS PR)(7-7-2007)
DIS, NASCAR Honor Bill France Jr. During Pepsi 400 Weekend: NASCAR legend Richard Petty will drive a specially designed Daytona International Speedway/NASCAR tribute car in honor of the late Bill France Jr. prior to Saturday night's Pepsi 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. The on-track tribute highlighted by Petty is just one of several tributes that are taking place during the Pepsi 400 Weekend at Daytona International Speedway. France, who helped build Daytona International Speedway in the late 1950s and served as President between 1982-87, passed away last month at the age of 74.
The tributes for Bill France Jr. include:
* With Petty, the specially designed Daytona International Speedway/NASCAR tribute car will lead the Pepsi 400 field during the pace laps and slow as the field splits with the car falling to the back of the pack.
* A moment of silence held before Friday's Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo Busch Series race and Saturday night's 49th annual Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup Series race.
* A special video tribute will be shown on the Nextel Vision screen during Saturday's pre-race festivities.
* A special feature of Bill France Jr. in the 2007 Pepsi 400 Weekend souvenir program.(DIS PR)(7-7-2007)
Busch Race postponsed until Saturday Tix Info: The Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo has been postponed and been rescheduled for Saturday morning at 9 :00am/et. The following are the ticket procedures for Saturday, July 7 at Daytona International Speedway:
* Both Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo tickets and Pepsi 400 tickets will be honored.
* If a ticket holder has only a Winn-Dixie 250 ticket, they can view the Pepsi 400 from the Superstretch.
* The Pepsi 400 ticket has priority over any Winn-Dixie 250 ticket for Saturday night's Nextel Cup race.
* Gates will open at 7:30am/et
* The NEXTEL FANZONE will open at 2:00pm/et and only Nextel Fanzone/Pre-Race passes for the Pepsi 400 will be honored
* All Speedway parking/tram service will run as scheduled
For more information, call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(7-6-2007)
Red, White and... Green at Daytona:Anheuser-Busch Recycling Corporation and the Daytona International Speedway have joined to encourage and enable recycling during the entire race week. More than 9000 pounds of aluminum cans and aluminum bottles and approximately 3000 pounds of plastic water bottles were collected at the track during February's Speedweeks at Daytona. Budweiser "Green Team" members and DIS employees will hand out blue recycle bags to campers as they enter the Speedway infield and the West Lot camping grounds for nightly pick up. In addition, 400 recycling containers will be located throughout the concourse, Fan Walk area, suites and hospitality tents. During the races, the Budweiser "Green Team" and speedway employees will service these recycling bins. To encourage guests to recycle their beverage containers, "Green Team" volunteers will walk through the campgrounds and reward adults that are "caught" recycling with Budweiser gear. Budweiser is the official beer of Daytona International Speedway. For more information on the Anheuser-Busch Environmental Outreach, visit ABenvironment.com.(fingerprint inc)(7-6-2007)
Final Pepsi 400 Next Weekend? Next weekend’s Nextel Cup race at Daytona will not only be the last restrictor-plate race using the old race car, it appears it also will be the last Daytona race called the Pepsi 400. Sports Business Daily reported Friday that Coca-Cola is close to signing a deal to give it pouring and marketing rights at Daytona. That would end an almost 50-year relationship between Pepsi and the track. The report says Pepsi’s deals with other International Speedway Corporation tracks at Phoenix, Talladega, Watkins Glen and Darlington will be dropped as they expire over the next few years.(Thats Racin)(6-30-2007)
Actor Kevin James Grand Marshal for Pepsi 400 at Daytona: Kevin James, who stars opposite Adam Sandler in Universal Pictures' new comedy, "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry," will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 49th annual Pepsi 400 Nextel Series Cup race on Saturday, July 7 at Daytona International Speedway. The film opens July 20. James will give the command "Gentlemen, start your engines" in the NASCAR mid-summer classic. His Grand Marshal duties also include leading the 43-car field in the pace laps from the Grand Marshal Chevy Impala pace car. Tickets for any of the Pepsi 400 Weekend events, including the 49th annual Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 7, the Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo on Friday, July 6 and the Brumos Porsche 250 Rolex Series race on Thursday, July 5, are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-30-2007)
DAYTONA USA is now "Daytona 500 Experience": For the past 11 years, DAYTONA USA, "The Official Attraction of NASCAR," has been delivering magical motorsports memories to both hard-core race fans and casual observers through hands-on activities, challenging thrills and one-of-a-kind sights. This year, the attraction continues to offer fans the thrills of racing at "The World Center of Racing." However, in an effort to align "The Official Attraction of NASCAR" with NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race -- the Daytona 500 -- DAYTONA USA will be renamed the Daytona 500 Experience beginning July 1, 2007. A new logo will accompany the name change as well as a new website address. Fans can see the new logo at www.Daytona500Experience.com.(DIS PR)(6-28-2007)
2007 Pepsi 400 Purse Exceeds $6 Million: The stars of the Nextel Cup Series will vie for a purse of more than $6 million under the lights at the "World Center Of Racing" in the 49th annual Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup Series race on Saturday, July 7th at Daytona International Speedway. The posted awards for this year's mid-summer classic will be a record $6,202,439, an increase of almost $200,000. The posted awards for the 2006 Pepsi 400, which was won by Tony Stewart, was $6,074,820. The winner of this year's Pepsi 400 will collect a minimum of $284,550. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Pepsi 400 will receive a minimum of $195,575, $160,725, $131,425 and $118,725 respectively. The posted awards for the Winn-Dixie 250 Busch Series race presented by PepsiCo on Friday, July 6th will be $1,552,701. Tickets to any of the 2007 Pepsi 400 Weekend events are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-27-2007)
NASA rocket launch to coincide with Pepsi 400 festivities: Whoever sings "and the rockets red glare," on Saturday, July 7, the day of the Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway, will really mean it. Sometime between 4:09 and 4:36pm/et, NASA is scheduled to launch a Delta II Rocket from the Astrotech Space Operations Facility Launch Pad at Kennedy Space Center in nearby Titusville, FL. Weather permitting, those attending the Nextel Series Pepsi 400 race or in the area of the Speedway should be able to see the rocket churn toward space. The Dawn spacecraft is being prepared for launch and has gone through a series of tests including the loading on xenon for the ion propulsion system and the loading of Hydrazine, used for spacecraft control and maneuvering.(DIS PR)(6-25-2007)
10 Finalists in Daytona 500 Celebrity Tickets for Charity Competition announced: When fans speak, Daytona International Speedway (DIS) listens. Some of the most passionate fans in professional sports have made their voices heard and narrowed a star-studded field of 46 celebrity designs to 10 finalists in the Daytona 500 "Celebrity Tickets for Charity" competition. Resembling a Who's Who among sports and entertainment personalities, these 10 celebrities have edged out the competition in an online battle for ultimate bragging rights and now move one step closer to the honor of having their artistic sense immortalized on the most sought after ticket in all of motorsports - the 50th running of the Daytona 500.
The top 10 finalists, in no particular order, are as follows:
1. Kevin Harvick - 2007 Daytona 500 winner
2. Jeff Foxworthy - host of FOX's "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - 2004 Daytona 500 winner
4. Tony Hawk - extreme sports icon
5. Katie Cook - host of CMT Insider
6. Mike Joy - NASCAR on FOX commentator
7. Patrick McRae (age 17) - on behalf of Rick Hendrick
8. Derek Wynne (age 7) - on behalf of Jimmie Johnson
9. Marvin Panch - 1961 Daytona 500 winner
10. Mario Andretti - 1967 Daytona 500 winner
To commemorate the historic milestone of NASCAR's most prestigious race on February 17, 2008, DIS launched "Celebrity Tickets for Charity," a fun, philanthropic initiative that has provided a platform for professional athletes, musicians, famous actors and TV personalities to showcase their artistic talents through their personal canvases inspired by the "Great American Race." The response was overwhelming as Daytona500.com received an unprecedented number of visits from NASCAR fans voting for their celebrity designs. Voting began May 1 and ended June 14, 2007.
A blue ribbon panel made up of members of the NASCAR community will decide the winning entry. International Speedway Corporation (ISC) President Lesa France Kennedy, DIS President Robin Braig, three-time Daytona 500 winner Jeff Gordon, 1989 Daytona 500 winner Darrell Waltrip, and TNT on-air talent Marty Snider comprise the judging panel and have the responsibility of determining the look of the 2008 Daytona 500 ticket. The winning design will be announced Saturday, July 7 at DIS prior to the Pepsi 400. Once the winning design is chosen, all original celebrity artwork will be auctioned online with the proceeds benefiting The Jeff Gordon Foundation, which supports children with life-threatening and chronic diseases. Tickets to the 50th running of the Daytona 500 are currently on sale to the general public. To view the top 10 finalists, purchase tickets, or for ticket information, visit Daytona500.com.(DIS PR)(6-15-2007)
Historic 50th Running Daytona 500 Tickets Go On Sale May 9: Tickets for the 50th annual Daytona 500 will go on sale on Wednesday, May 9, at 8:00am/et. The pre-Mother's Day Weekend on-sale date marks the earliest opportunity ever for fans to purchase all remaining tickets for the 50th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 17, 2008. Prior to Wednesday, May 9, only renewals and deposits for seat assignments for the 50th annual Daytona 500 were taken by the ticket office at Daytona International Speedway. Oder by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visiting the Daytona International Speedway ticket office inside the lobby of Daytona USA. Tickets for other DIRECTV Speedweeks at Daytona events, including the Daytona 300 Busch Series race, the Chevy Silverado HD 250 Craftsman Truck Series race, the Gatorade Duel at Daytona, Bud Pole Qualifying for the Daytona 500 and the Budweiser Shootout. Hospitality packages including the Daytona Club, the Daytona 500 Club, the Green Flag Club and the Party Zone. Tickets for the upcoming Pepsi 400 Weekend on July 5-7, including the Pepsi 400 on Saturday night, July 7, the Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo Busch Series race and Circle K Pole Qualifying for the Pepsi 400 on Friday, July 6 and the Brumos Porsche 250 Rolex Sports Car Series race on Thursday, July 5.(DIS PR)(5-8-2007)
Daytona International Speedway Launches Celebrity Tickets for Charity: Daytona 500 winners Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson and Mario Andretti, Grammy Award nominee Jewel, TV host Kelly Ripa, and action sport legend Tony Hawk, among others, will put their artistic talents to the test to help commemorate the 50th running of NASCAR's crown jewel stock car race, the 2008 Daytona 500. Daytona International Speedway (DIS) announced its "Celebrity Tickets for Charity" competition, where the design of the most sought-after ticket in motorsports history will be chosen from submissions provided by celebrities, with fans having a voice in the decision. Program spokesperson and three-time Daytona 500 champion Jeff Gordon and DIS President Robin Braig launched the program at Talladega Superspeedway and unveiled several celebrity designs. Celebrity spokesperson Carson Daly also participated in a media tour from New York City to kick off the program. Voting begins Tuesday, May 1. Fans are encouraged to click on the "Celebrity Tickets for Charity" banner on Daytona500.com as often as they like to view and vote for their favorite celebrity ticket designs. The top 10 most popular designs, based on fan voting, along with the members of a blue ribbon panel that will determine the winner, will be announced at Michigan International Speedway Friday, June 15. The winning design will be announced during the Pepsi 400 (July 5-7) weekend in Daytona Beach. Once the winning design is chosen, all original celebrity artwork will be auctioned online with the proceeds benefiting The Jeff Gordon Foundation, which supports children with life-threatening diseases. Tickets to the 50th running of the Daytona 500 go on sale Wednesday, May 9, 2007. To vote for ticket designs, purchase tickets, or for ticket information, visit Daytona500.com.(DIS PR)(4-28-2007)
Daytona International Speedway Earns Prestigious Welcome Mat Award: For the fifth straight year, historic Daytona International Speedway has been awarded the Welcome Mat from The Good Sam Club for hosting the most RV friendly NASCAR event - the Daytona 500. The Good Sam Club, the world's largest membership organization of RV owners, introduced their Welcome Mat Awards to recognize those businesses that know how to accommodate RVs and offer award-winning service to a growing number of RV owners. Nearly one million RV owners were eligible to vote for businesses and events that go out of the way to recognize the needs of RV owners. DIS hosted The Good Sam Club's "The Rally" in April 2006.(DIS PR)(4-8-2007)
Daytona 500 fan killed in road rage shooting UPDATE: Three Jacksonville men have been charged with second degree murder in the shooting death of Eddie Houk, 36, Land O Lakes, who was leaving the Daytona International Speedway with an older brother Sunday night when he was shot and killed on Interstate 4 in a road rage incident, authorities said today. The men were apparently passing through the area but had not attended the race, deputies said. More details will come later in a press release, but Volusia County Sheriff's Office spokesman Brandon Haught confirmed it was a road rage incident.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-19-2007)
UPDATE: Sheriff's investigators combed through an Interstate 4 exit Tuesday morning searching for the handgun used in the road-rage killing of a 36-year-old Tampa-area father heading home from the Daytona 500. Investigators were at the Orange City exit looking for the weapon, sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson said. One of the suspects involved in the shooting, Ronlee Harvin, 21, told investigators he flung the gun from a window of the SUV he was riding in afterward. Meanwhile the grieving family made funeral plans for Eric Houk of Land O' Lakes, a youth soccer coach, husband and father of three, including a 5-month-old son. Seminole County sheriff's deputies arrested Harvin, Charles Onasanya, 19, and David Paul Edwards, 21, as the trio and a female passenger sped west on the interstate Sunday night into Seminole County. Edwards is charged with second-degree murder, accused of shooting Houk in the stomach. The other two men are charged with being principals to second-degree murder. The suspects and the woman are from Jacksonville. Eric Houk and his brother, Michael Houk, encountered the three suspects about 9:20 p.m. Sunday after Eric Houk swerved his pickup into the emergency lane of the interstate to avoid hitting another car. The victim had no idea that Onasanya, who was driving the SUV, was already tooling along in the emergency lane to bypass heavy post-race traffic on I-4, officials said. Angry at being cut off, Onasanya swung his SUV around Eric Houk's truck and he, Harvin and Edwards got out, along with their female passenger, whose name is not being released by sheriff's investigators. The Houk brothers also got out of their pickup and Eric Houk and Onasanya started arguing, investigators said. When the argument turned physical, the female passenger yelled, "Get the gun," a police report shows. She will not be charged, though, sheriff's spokesman Brandon Haught said, because saying that "is not a crime." Onasanya ran back to his vehicle and retrieved a handgun belonging to Harvin. The gun made its way to Edwards who fired a shot into the air to get Eric Houk and Onasanya to stop fighting, the report said. Edwards fired two more shots at Eric Houk, though he was unarmed and not threatening, officials said. Seconds later, the three suspects and the woman took off in the SUV. Eric Houk died just before 10 p.m. at Florida Hospital DeLand, officials said. The suspects were arrested soon after on I-4 in Seminole County.(More at the Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-21-2007)
49th Annual Daytona 500 A Sellout: All grandstand seats for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18 at historic Daytona International Speedway are sold out, Speedway officials announced Saturday. While all the grandstand seats are sold out, fans can still purchase infield tickets for the "Great American Race" - the kick off to the Nextel Cup Series season. "We're happy to announce that the Daytona 500 is sold out," Speedway President Robin Braig said. "The fans continue to show that the Daytona 500 is the premier stock car race in America." Tickets for all other events at Daytona International Speedway are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-18-2007)
Parsons to wave the green? UPDATE: hearing that Phil Parsons, brother of the late great Benny Parsons, will be the Honorary Starter for the Daytona 500 on Sunday and wave the green flag.(2-13-2007)
UPDATE: Phil Parsons, younger brother of 1975 Daytona 500 champion and 1973 NASCAR champion Benny Parsons, has been named Honorary Starter for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway. Benny Parsons, who was diagnosed with lung cancer, passed away last month in Charlotte, N.C. after complications from treatment. "Benny Parsons was a special member of the Daytona International Speedway family and we're honored to have his brother wave the green flag for Sunday's Daytona 500," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. Benny Parsons was a member of the NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers and a winner of 21 races and 20 poles. After retiring from racing in 1988, Parsons excelled at broadcasting and spent the past six years with NBC and TNT. Phil Parsons was also a NASCAR driver making 202 Nextel Cup Series starts and winning a Nextel Cup race in 1988 at Talladega Superspeedway. Parsons, who also won two Busch Series races, now serves as an analyst for SPEED Channel's coverage of the Craftsman Truck Series.(DIS PR)(2-14-2007)
Big & Rich To Sing National Anthem At Daytona 500: The multi-platinum genre bending country music duo and Grammy nominated Big & Rich will perform the National Anthem for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 18 at historic Daytona International Speedway. (Big Kenny) and John Rich formed Big & Rich in 1998 and the duo has released two chart-topping albums - "Horse Of A Different Color" and "Comin' To Your City" - and has another album due out by the middle of 2007. Also participating in Daytona 500 pre-ceremonies will be actor Nicolas Cage as Grand Marshal, singer Kelly Clarkson in the NEXTEL Tribute To America and baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. as Daytona 500 pace car driver. Tickets to all exciting events at Daytona International Speedway are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-13-2007)
2007 Daytona 500 Purse Exceeds $18 Million The 49th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18, America's richest, biggest and most prestigious motorsports event of the year, will once again carry the biggest purse in the history of stock car racing at more than $18 million. The posted awards for the "The Great American Race" on Sunday, Feb. 18 will be $18,386,023. The posted awards for the 2006 Daytona 500, which was won for the first time by Jimmie Johnson, was $18,035,635. The winner of this year's Daytona 500 will collect a minimum of $1,443,250. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Daytona 500 will receive a minimum of $1,041,525, $747,575, $593,550and $466,000 respectively. Even the last-place finisher in the Daytona 500 will be well compensated with a minimum of $226,295.
Other purses for Speedweeks 2007 events are:
* ARCA 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race: $277,936
* Budweiser Shootout: $1,153,518 with the winner pocketing $215,000
* Gatorade Duel At Daytona: $1,350,000, $675,000 for each race
* Chevy Silverado HD 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race: $865,733
* Orbitz 300 NASCAR Busch Series race: $2,596,288.(DIS PR)(2-7-2007)
Daytona International Speedway OK there was a major tornado in Central Florida this afternoon, killing over a dozen people. Have heard the tornado didn't hit Daytona International Speedway and there is no damage there. More than 2 inches of rain fell overnight at Daytona Beach International Airport [right next to the speedway] but no high wind gusts were reported there. Reports on the tornado can be found at the Daytona Beach News Journal.(2-2-2007)
AND The storms that struck middle Florida spared Daytona International Speedway, site of NASCAR's upcoming season-opening Daytona 500. "We're A-OK," Speedway spokesman Andrew Booth said Friday morning. "We had a lot of rain, wind and lightning, but no damage." NASCAR activities at Daytona crank up next weekend with the Budweiser Shootout on Feb.10 followed by the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(2-3-2007)
Dierks Bentley To Perform Pre- and Post-Race Bud Shootout Concerts: Popular country music star Dierks Bentley, whose recent album Long Trip Alone debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country albums chart, will perform before thousands of fans both before and after the 29th annual Budweiser Shootout at historic Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night, Feb. 10. Bentley's hit single "Every Mile A Memory" from the album Long Trip Alone reached No. 1 on the Billboard country singles charts and recently garnered two Grammy nominations for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song.(DIS PR)(2-3-2007)
Forbes rates the top 10 sports brands and event brand value ($mil):
• 1. Super Bowl, 379
• 2. Summer Olympics Games, 176
• 3. FIFA World Cup, 103
• 4. Daytona 500, 91
• 5. Rose Bowl, 88
• 6. NCAA Men's Final Four, 82
• 7. Winter Olympics Games, 82
• 8. Kentucky Derby, 69
• 9. MLB World Series, 56
• 10. NBA Finals, 47
(Forbes.com)(2-1-2007)
Cal Ripken Jr. to pace Daytona 500 Field: Cal Ripken Jr., best known as baseball's "Iron Man", playing in a record 2,632 straight games for the Baltimore Orioles, will be behind the wheel of a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette as he paces the field for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway. Voted to baseball's Hall of Fame in 2007, his consecutive games played record, which took 16 years to establish, made him a popular player with baseball fans everywhere as evidenced by his 19 All-Star Game appearances. "The Daytona 500 is one of the most storied sporting events in the country and I am thrilled and honored to be a part of it. NASCAR drivers are tremendous athletes and I look forward to being in that environment," said Ripken. Tickets for the Daytona 500 as well as other Speedweeks 2007 events are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-30-2007)
Actor Nicolas Cage grand marshal for Daytona 500: Nicolas Cage, the star of the upcoming action-adventure Ghost Rider from Columbia Pictures, in theaters everywhere on February 16th, has been named Grand Marshal of the 49th annual Daytona 500, Cage will command the drivers, "Gentlemen, start your engines!" at NASCAR's signature event, which will run on Sunday, Feb. 18 at historic Daytona International Speedway. Cage has starred in more than 50 films including such popular releases as National Treasure, Gone in Sixty Seconds, Face/Off, Con Air, The Rock, Raising Arizona, and Leaving Las Vegas, which garnered him an Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Actor.(DIS PR)(1-26-2007)
Clarkson To Headline Nextel Tribute To America at Daytona 500: Two-time Grammy winner and Sony recording artist Kelly Clarkson will headline the Nextel Tribute To America, the pre-race extravaganza leading up to "The Great American Race" -- the prestigious Daytona 500 Nextel Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 18. Clarkson will perform in the Nextel-sponsored show, which will be carried live on FOX Sports. The Nextel Tribute To America pays tribute to music as the fabric of America and will feature thousands of cast members on the Speedway's historic five-acre tri-oval grass.(DIS PR)(1-18-2007)
2007 DIS Fan Guide Now Available: Continuing Daytona International Speedway's "Fans R 1st @ Daytona" initiative, the 2007 edition of the Fan Guide - the top fan information source at "The World Center of Racing" - is now available online at www.Daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Guests can download the Fan Guide by clicking on the Fan Info banner at the top of the main page. For the first time, the Fan Guide is available for download in both individual sections as well as the complete version. The Daytona International Speedway Fan Guide is loaded with ticket information, schedules, specialty vehicle overnight parking information, traffic patterns and Speedway facility maps including free parking locations, disabled guest assistance services and other tidbits that will make the fans' visit an even more enjoyable experience. If you don't have Speedweeks 2007 tickets call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-11-2007)
Fans gobbling up “Sit With Jimmy” tickets: Jimmy Spencer was right – he is in touch with the fans. And judging from “Sit With Jimmy” ticket sales, he’s as popular as ever. In response to Kenny Wallace’s accusation in September that Jimmy Spencer is out of touch with race fans, “Mr. Excitement” unveiled his own Daytona 500 special ticket package for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18. Since his announcement, “Sit With Jimmy” tickets have been a popular item, already selling out the original Superstretch Lund Section seats. Because of its popularity, seats in the Allison grandstand have been added. Two different "Sit With Jimmy" packages are still available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visit sitwithjimmy.com.(DIS PR)(12-20-2006)
'The World Center of Racing' Renamed DeLana International Speedway: Kevin Harvick Inc. and owner DeLana Harvick have dominated the past two Daytona 300 Busch Series races at Daytona International Speedway, winning the prestigious season-opening events with driver Tony Stewart. With Kevin Harvick Inc.'s success in the Daytona 300, Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig announced that the legendary historic motorsports facility will now carry the name of its team owner -- DeLana -- for the day. "Kevin Harvick Inc. and its owner DeLana Harvick have won the last two February Busch Series races at DIS," Braig said. "Since they 'own' the track, in their honor, we're going to change the name of Daytona International Speedway to 'DeLana International Speedway' for the day." On Thursday during NASCAR Busch Series Champion's Week Media Luncheon at the ESPN Club at Disney's Boardwalk, Braig made the announcement and gave a piece of historic pavement from DIS to DeLana Harvick with the new track logo. The Daytona 300, the premier event in the NASCAR Busch Series season, will kick off the 2007 Busch Series season on Saturday, Feb. 17. The race will also be televised on ESPN2HD, the new television home to the Busch Series.(DIS PR)(12-8-2006)
Pepsi 400 Tickets On Sale Saturday, Oct. 14: On Saturday, Oct. 14, at 8am/et, fans will have their first opportunity to purchase all remaining tickets for the 49th annual Pepsi 400 on July 7, 2007. Great seats, including a limited number of premium tower seats, will be available. Prior to Saturday, Oct. 14, renewals and deposits for seat assignments for the Pepsi 400 were taken by the ticket office at Daytona International Speedway. Also available beginning on Saturday will be a three-day Pepsi 400 Weekend ticket package, which will include tickets to the NASCAR Busch Series 250 and Circle K Pole Qualifying Day for the Pepsi 400 on Friday, July 6 and the Rolex Sports Car Series 250 on Thursday night, July 5. Daytona International Speedway offers several convenient methods for fans to purchase tickets to the mid-summer classic, more info at 1-800-PITSHOP or Daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS PR)(10-14-2006)
Sit With Jimmy: In response to Kenny Wallace’s recent accusation that Jimmy Spencer is out of touch with race fans, "Mr. Excitement" unveiled his own Daytona 500 ticket package on Sunday’s NASCAR RaceDay at Dover, Del. More info at sitwithjimmy.com.(9-24-2006)
IndyCars to Test at Daytona: The IndyCar Series and Daytona International Speedway announced plans for a compatibility test at Daytona International Speedway on Sept. 26 and 27. The test will feature 2006 IndyCar Series Champion Sam Hornish, Jr.,; 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona and 2003 IndyCar Series Champion Scott Dixon and 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona Champion and 2005 IndyCar Series Champion Dan Wheldon. Third-generation racer and 2006 Rookie of the Year Marco Andretti and 2004 IndyCar Series Champ and teammate Tony Kanaan and Vitor Meira will also take part in the test. The visit will allow IndyCar Series officials to determine the possibility of Daytona International Speedway serving as a preseason testing venue. The compatibility test will allow series officials to see transitions onto the banking, tire wear/side loads and braking zones while looking for any challenging surface areas on the track. The IndyCar Series officials have analyzed data from Chip Ganassi Racing and Cheever Racing Rolex Sports Car Series programs that indicate IndyCar Series cars should have no issues. The test will take place on the 2.73-mile tri-oval and road course which includes ten turns. The IndyCar Series and its teams will conduct the on-track activity with support from the Daytona facilities crew. For track services, Daytona will tap the experience and knowledge available from International Speedway Corporation's (ISC) other facilities with IndyCar Series events, which include Homestead-Miami Speedway, Watkins Glen International, Richmond International Raceway, Kansas Speedway and Michigan International Speedway.(DIS PR)(9-14-2006)
Finishing Touches on Daytona 500 Champion's Walk Of Fame: In conjunction with Daytona USA's 10th anniversary celebration, "The Official Attraction of NASCAR" put the final touches on the new Daytona 500 Champion's Walk of Fame on Friday. Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig and Daytona USA General Manager Kim Isemann assisted operations personnel in installing the 3x3 cement blocks that showcase the Daytona 500 champion's handprint, right foot and autograph into their final place. During the recent Pepsi 400 Weekend, winning drivers of the Daytona 500 since 1996, the first year of operation for Daytona USA, had their hands, right foot and signature immortalized in cement in a special ceremony inside the 60,000-square foot attraction. Daytona 500 champions Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Ward Burton and Michael Waltrip all had the honor of placing their hands, right foot and signature in the famous wet cement. A special plaque in the Walk of Fame will honor the late Dale Earnhardt and his 1998 Daytona 500 victory. Guests at Daytona USA will now mill around outside Daytona USA, much like the world famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, and gaze down at the 3x3 cement blocks remembering those historic moments from NASCAR's signature event. Annual handprints, right foot prints and autograph of the Daytona 500 champion will take place each year in a special ceremony.(DIS PR)(9-10-2006)
ISC Helps Staten Island Little League: NASCAR is riding to the rescue of the Staten Island Little League, after venerable Hy Turkin Field was torn up from home plate to the outfield in a sickening episode of vehicular vandalism earlier this week. Michael Printup of International Speedway Corp., which seeks to build an 80,000-seat racetrack in Bloomfield, arranged a corporate donation of 500 square feet of sod and some 18 cubic yards of clean fill to make the Dongan Hills field playable again. The work will be done today and tomorrow [July 14-14]. Printup, who coaches in the South Shore Little League, said he wanted to help as soon as he read the distressing details in Wednesday's Advance. "For something that was so horrible in nature, I knew we [ISC] had to do something," he said. "This is something for the kids, so they can get back out there and play." Pete Sclafani expressed gratitude on behalf of the SILL board of directors. "It's good to see people from the community kicking in," Sclafani said.(Staten Island Advance)(7-18-2006)
DIS Infield Hosts Bevy Of Options For Pepsi 400 Fans: Only in Daytona International Speedway's NEXTEL FANZONE can the average race fan dine on such fine cuisine as Asian Chicken salad with mandarin orange dressing and toasted sesame seeds, grilled buffalo skewers with a gourmet rice blend, crispy onions and demi glace and tempura battered and panko breaded shrimp. Located in the heart of the infield, the Budweiser Bistro offers race fans something new and unusual to add to the fan experience at the "World Center of Racing". In addition to the new menu at the Bistro, Pepsi 400 Weekend race guests can experience:
* XM Satellite Radio will be broadcasting their shows live from the Entertainment Stage.
* Local chalk artists in the FANZONE creating a 6 x 30 mural with a race related theme custom piece of art using only pastels and chalk
* Professional Lego builders creating a fan-interactive Lego build of a small-scale model racetrack modeled after Daytona International Speedway.
* Professional Break Dancers performing an eye-catching, crowd-involving show of dance moves and acrobatics for the fans.
* Tom Hugley, the Unicycle Man, rolling through the NEXTEL FANZONE entertaining fans.
* Local bands including Jim Van Fleet and the Reign, The Caribbean Posse, Dixieland Band and Yummy.
Pre-Race/NEXTEL FANZONE admissions as well as all Pepsi 400 Weekend tickets are available online by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. With the purchase of a $60 Pepsi 400 Pre-Race Pass/NEXTEL FANZONE, a guest can receive a FREE XM Satellite Radio with a purchase of a six-month service subscription.(DIS PR)(6-29-2006)
Daytona USA To Create Daytona 500 Champion's Walk Of Fame: In conjunction with Daytona USA's 10th anniversary celebration, "The Official Attraction of NASCAR" will create the new Daytona 500 Champion's Walk of Fame during the Pepsi 400 Weekend. Winning drivers of the Daytona 500 since 1996, the first year of operation for Daytona USA, will have their hands, right foot and signature immortalized in cement in a special ceremony inside the 60,000-square foot attraction on Friday, June 30 at 11:00am/et. Daytona 500 champions Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Ward Burton and Michael Waltrip will all have the honor of placing their hands, right foot and signature in the famous wet cement. There will be a special plaque in the Walk of Fame honoring the late Dale Earnhardt and his 1998 Daytona 500 victory. Annual handprints, right foot prints and autograph of the Daytona 500 champion will take place each year in a special ceremony during the Pepsi 400 Weekend. Also Daytona USA will host an unprecedented gathering of former Daytona 500 winning cars during the June 29-July 1 Pepsi 400 Weekend. Including the current Daytona 500 winning car - the #48 Lowe's Home Improvement Chevrolet of Jimmie Johnson - Daytona USA will welcome six other winning race machines from "The Great American Race" - NASCAR's most prestigious and richest event. More info about Daytona USA at www.DaytonaUSA.com.(DIS PR)(6-29-2006)
Qualifying Procedure for the Gatorade Duels/Daytona 500:
Budweiser Pole Day: This “locks in” the first two positions – the front row – for the Daytona 500. It also establishes the starting orders for the Gatorade Duel at Daytona, which are two 150-mile qualifying races for the Daytona 500.

The fastest car earns the pole for the Daytona 500 AND the pole for the first Gatorade Duel race.

The second-fastest car earns the outside pole for the Daytona 500 AND the pole for the second Gatorade Duel race.

The Gatorade Duel at Daytona: These two 150-mile qualifying races set positions 3-39 for the Daytona 500.

A combined total of 66 cars will be allowed into the two Gatorade Duel races.

Cars must compete in one of the Gatorade Duel races, in order to race in the Daytona 500.

Odd-number finishers in the final 2006 car owner point standings (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) are in the first Gatorade Duel race.

Even-number finishers in the final 2006 car owner point standings (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) are in the second Gatorade Duel race.

Additional qualified cars that weren’t in the final 2006 top 35 are alternated between the two Gatorade Duel fields using an odd-even format.

Setting the Daytona 500 field:
Cars that finished in the top 35 in the 2006 car owner point standings automatically make the Daytona 500 field.
The top two starting positions are determined by Budweiser Pole Day qualifying speeds.
Positions 3-39 are determined by finishing orders in the Gatorade Duel races.
The final four spots in the 43-car field will be based on Budweiser Pole Day qualifying speeds of cars that have not already earned a starting position. However, if there is an eligible Nextel Cup Series past champion entered who has not already qualified, that past champion will receive the 43rd and final position. If there is more than one past champion eligible for this berth, it goes to the most recent champion.

another way to look at it:

The following cars will be assigned to the first of the two qualifying races:

The odd-number positions (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) of the highest-ranked 35 finishers in the final previous NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series car owner points standings.

The pole winner from Bud Pole Qualifying scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 11. Should the pole winner be among the highest-ranked 35 in the the previous season owner points, the pole winner will start in the first race regardless of his odd or even position in those standings. The following cars will be assigned to the second of the two qualifying races:

The even-number positions (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) of the highest-ranked 35 finishers in the final previous season NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series car owner points standings.

The second-fastest qualifier from Bud Pole Qualifying. Should this car be among the highest-ranked 35 in the previous season owner points, it will start in the second race regardless of its odd or even position in those standings. Additional cars that were not among the highest-ranked 35 in the final previous season car owner points will be alternated between the first and second 150-mile qualifying events using an odd-even format. The odd-number positions will be assigned to the first qualifier while the even-number positions will be assigned to the second qualifier.

The odd-even positions are not determined by where the car qualified in the overall field, but their specific qualifying order among those cars not part of the highest-ranked 35 group. For example, a car qualifies eighth overall in Bud Pole qualifying, but ranks third-fastest among those cars not part of the highest-ranked 35. That car would be an odd-number position and start in the first race as a result of its qualifying standing of those cars not in the highest-ranked 35.

The lineup for each qualifying race will be set based upon the qualifying speeds in the time trials for all cars, including those who are among the highest-ranked 35 in the finalprevious season car owner point standings. The highest-ranked 35 designation does not determine the car’s starting position, only the assignment of its 150-mile qualifying event.

A maximum of 66 cars will be permitted to compete between the two qualifying races, and all cars must compete in one of these events to be eligible for the Daytona 500.

Starting positions for the Daytona 500 will be designated for the highest-ranked 35 positions from the final previous season car owner point standings from each qualifier, the two-highest finishing cars in each qualifier not among that highest-ranked 35 group and the two front-row qualifiers.

The balance of the 43-car field will be filled by the fastest remaining qualifiers who have not earned a starting position, with the exception of the 43rd position which will be assigned to an eligible former or current Nextel Cup Series champion. Should there not be an eligible champion, the position will be assigned to the next fastest qualifier not in the field.
The simple version: how the Daytona 500 lineup is set:
Pos 1 and 2: Pole sitter and outside pole sitter from Bud Pole qualifying
[no need to be top 35 in prevoius season car Owners Points]

Pos 3 thru 39: top 35 in prevoius season car owners points and two highest finishing teams in each Gatorade Duel races race NOT in the top 35 set by their finishing postion in the Gatorade Duel races.

Pos 40-42: fastest qualifiers not in by above

Pos 43: past champion provisional - at this point only [for 2006, #96-Terry Labonte would get first shot as he last won the championship in 1996 and then #36-Bill Elliott would be next in line, winning last in 1988. Otherwise the spot goes to the next fastest qualifier.
The Gatorade Duel races: The Daytona 500 pole-sitter will start on the pole of the first Gatorade Duel at Daytona. The outside pole winner will start on the pole of the second qualifying race.

Cars that finished in odd positions (first, third, fifth, etc.) in owner's points last season will fill the first qualifying race, and those with even-number finishes will compete in the second race. The lineup for each qualifying race will be set based on the qualifying speeds. Owner's points do not determine the car's starting position, only which of the two Duel races in which it will race.

Cars that were not among the highest-ranked 35 in the previous season will be alternately entered into the two 150-mile qualifying events based on qualifying speeds. The non-top 35 car with the fastest qualifying time is entered into the first (odd) Duel race, the next-fastest in the second (even) race and so on.

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Qualifying Procedure for the Gatorade Duels/Daytona 500: