Racing

A Complete Guide to DAYTONA 500

Jan 9, 2023

·

Kristen Humphries

As the year comes to an end, NASCAR fans worldwide are getting ready for the 65th annual 2023 DAYTONA 500 race. The full-throttle event brings close to 150,000 adrenaline junkies and car fanatics together each year for an extended weekend of revved-up engines and burning rubber.

Unlike most sports that host championships at the end of the season, NASCAR kicks things off a little differently. The DAYTONA 500 is the inaugural race of the 2023 Cup Series and NASCAR season. With a kick-off event of this magnitude, it’s no wonder the DAYTONA 500 is known as the ‘Super Bowl of Sports Cars.’ 

Even if you’re not a die-hard racing fan, the DAYTONA 500 is sure to get your blood pumping and leave you wanting more. Here’s everything you need to know about NASCAR’s 2023 DAYTONA 500 and how to get the best tickets. 

What is the DAYTONA 500?

Dating back to 1959, the ‘Great American Race’ is one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. The DAYTONA 500 is a 500-mile race around the 2.5-mile-long Daytona International Speedway. The race requires 200 laps and four grueling hours to complete.

Despite the intense length of the DAYTONA 500, winners are awarded the same amount of points as any other Cup Series race.

So, what makes the DAYTONA 500 so special, you ask? 

Out of all the NASCAR Cup Series races, the DAYTONA 500 carries the largest cash prize and is by far the most rewarding regarding team visibility and media exposure. As the first game of the season, winning the DAYTONA 500 lands you automatic bragging rights for the rest of the year and sends a pretty heavy message to future competitors. 

DAYTONA 500 winners also receive the Harley J. Earl trophy and a display of the winning vehicle at the legendary DAYTONA 500 Experience museum for the remainder of the year. 

When is the DAYTONA 500?

The upcoming NASCAR DAYTONA 500 will take place on Sunday, February 19th, 2023, at 2:30 PM ET at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Despite the primary race occurring on Sunday, February 19th, the DAYTONA 500 SpeedWeek festivities and pre-races begin as early as Thursday, February 16th, 2023. Let’s look at a breakdown of the daily events. 

If you can’t make it to the DAYTONA 500 in person, FOX network will be streaming the main event live starting at 2:30 PM ET on Sunday, February 19th, 2023.

How to get DAYTONA 500 tickets?

Are you looking to buy DAYTONA 500 tickets? Seat Geek is your best bet for finding the most affordable ticket prices. First, head to the official SeatGeek DAYTONA 500 page and select which event you would like to attend. 

Once you’ve chosen an event, you will see ticket prices on the screen’s left side and a corresponding seat map to the right. You can refine your search by using the provided filters or zooming in on the interactive map. 

When you choose the perfect DAYTONA 500 tickets, head to checkout, complete all required information fields and receive your tickets directly to your inbox. 

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How much are DAYTONA 500 tickets?

Ticket prices for the DAYTONA 500 will vary depending on which type of tickets you purchase and where you choose to sit. NASCAR offers single-day pre-race tickets, two-day passes, four-day passes and single-day DAYTONA 500 tickets. 

Where are the best seats at the DAYTONA 500? 

Choosing the best seats for the DAYTONA 500 is crucial for a good experience. If you sit too low, you won’t be able to see across the track. If you sit too high, you’ll miss out on all the action. So, where are the best seats at Nascar’s DAYTONA 500? 

Your favorite part of Nascar will largely determine where you sit at the DAYTONA 500. If you’re a fan of burning rubber and watching the pros race to the finish line, you’ll want to pick seats in sections 348-353. Tickets in this area can be found for as low as $805.00 and run as high as $1572.00. Fans love the 300 sections because they’re close to the action and without obstructed views. 

If you want to be front and center and don’t mind missing out on seeing across the track, sections 144-149 will get you lower-level seating at the start/finish mark for a fraction of the price.

Are there ticket packages and suite options at DAYTONA 500? 

Are you looking for an elite DAYTONA 500 experience? NASCAR offers ticket packages, suites, loge boxes and more for the ultimate VIP treatment. You can find details on NASCAR’s official website. 

Package deals include: 

  • DAYTONA 500 Club

  • Harley J’s Experience Package

  • 31 Degrees Package

  • Loge Boxes

  • Rolex 24 Lounge [SOLD OUT]

  • Rolex 24 Lounge Suites [SOLD OUT]

  • DAYTONA 500 Club President’s Row [SOLD OUT]

  • VVIP Package [SOLD OUT]

Who’s in this year’s DAYTONA 500?

The 2023 DAYTONA 500 race will hold 40 starting spots for any driver brave enough to take on the massive challenge. So far, 36 teams currently have charters with DAYTONA 500, leaving only four potential surprises.

Here’s what we know as of now. 

The seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson will take over a Petty GMS racing car next year for a shot at the 2023 DAYTONA 500. Beard Motorsports has also announced that they will enter the 2023 DAYTONA 500 race, with Austin Hill taking over the No. 62 Chevrolet. Additionally, Ford and Front Row Motorsports will bring on Zane Smith to compete in the DAYTONA 500 event. 

There is also talk about the potential for the German team 3F Racing to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series. Does this mean we will see 3F compete in the 2023 DAYTONA 500? No, but we can’t rule it out, either.

As for who will win the 2023 DAYTONA 500 – it’s too soon to say. We know nobody wins the DAYTONA 500 just by luck, so keep your eyes peeled on who has the best drafting strategies and get ready to place some bets! 

A few years back, the Joe Gibbs racing team and Toyota driver Denny Hamlin came with a vengeance, winning the 2019 and 2020 DAYTONA 500 championships. The following year, things shifted when Michael McDowell and Front Row Motorsports took home the 2021 championship title and reminded us of the true power behind Ford Motors. This year, Ford reaffirmed their dominance with another win, this time with Team Penske and driver Austin Cindric. 

Now that you’re well versed in everything related to the DAYTONA 500, the only thing left to do is grab your tickets, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable jet fuelled weekend! Don’t forget to check back here as the DAYTONA 500 nears for the latest event information and updates.